Subaru is recalling nearly 119,000 vehicles over an issue that may prevent the air bags from deploying during a crash.
The recall affects certain Outback and Legacy vehicles from the 2020-2022 model years, according to a recall notice posted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
The automaker says the vehicles may have been built with defective
Occupant Detection System (ODS) sensors on the front passenger seat.
"There is a possibility that, during the production process in a specific period at a certain supplier, the ODS Sensor Printed Circuit Board became deformed, causing a crack to form in a capacitor, which can allow moisture to enter the capacitor over time and result in a short circuit," the filing said.
If a short circuit occurs, the front passenger airbag may not deploy in certain crashes as designed, increasing the risk of injury to an occupant in the seat, the NHTSA said.
Approximately 103,114 Outbacks and 15,609 Legacy vehicles are included in the recall.
The automaker said it is not aware of any injuries related to the issue. However, it has received 23 technical reports and 253 warranty claims regarding the problem between January 2021 and February 2024.
Subaru will inform the owners of recalled vehicles by late May, but remedy parts "will not yet be available." Once sufficient parts are available, the automaker will send another notification letter to owners and dealers will replace all four of the ODS sensors on the front passenger seat, free of charge.