135 of the 2,417 complaints about the Subaru Forester (5.6%) concern Airbags & seat belts, making it the model's #5 problem area. That share is 1.5× the Airbags & seat belts share across all tracked vehicles.
135Complaints · Airbags & seat belts
5.6%Share of complaints
1.46×vs. all vehicles
17Last 12 months
16.3%Share involving a crash or fire
1Related recalls
Analysis
By model year, Airbags & seat belts complaints peak with the 2018 model (87, 18% of that year's complaints) and are lowest for the 2021 model (1). 17 Airbags & seat belts complaints were filed in the last 12 months versus 23 in the 12 months before — a steady pace.
Owners most often describe: “passenger”, “airbag”, “seat”, “air bag” and “wum”. 25 of these reports (16.3%) describe a crash or fire, with 23 injuries and 1 death mentioned.
1 recall campaign relates to this area, most recently campaign 19V701000 (2019-10-03, model years 2018).
While driving my grandbaby home I was unable to avoid hitting a deer when it ran into the road. Neither the automatic braking nor the airbags deployed when I hit the deer at the front left side.
Airbags & seat belts · 2026-08-15 · ODI 11757169 · Crash · Fire
On Wednesday, May 6, the vehicle was rear-ended by another vehicle while traveling on I-270. After the impact, the vehicle continued down the highway lane and crashed into the highway divider.
Airbags & seat belts · 2026-05-10 · ODI 11736848 · Crash · Fire
The passenger Occupant Detection System (ODS), including the occupant detection sensor system in the passenger seat, has malfunctioned. The SRS/airbag warning light is illuminated. The vehicle produced diagnostic trouble codes B1650 and B1760.
Airbags & seat belts · 2026-08-28 · ODI 11760470
- The passenger-side Occupant Detection System (ODS) sensor, which is part of the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) airbag system, has failed. This component was previously replaced under a Subaru safety recall completed in May 2020.
Airbags & seat belts · 2026-07-24 · ODI 11752602
I am filing a formal complaint against Subaru of America for refusing to remedy an active federal safety recall (NHTSA Campaign 19V701000 / Subaru Recall WUM98). My passenger airbag is currently disabled (DTC B1760).
Airbags & seat belts · 2026-07-14 · ODI 11750402
B1760 code for ODS AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON AND THE LIGHT FOR PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF is On. There is a recall open for many other Subarus, same make, model & year. Safety concern for my daughter as she rides passenger.
Airbags & seat belts · 2026-06-21 · ODI 11745467
Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, trimmed for length. The ODI number is NHTSA's record identifier.
Related recalls
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION Campaign 19V701000 · 2019-10-03 · Model years: 2018
Summary: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Forester vehicles equipped with heated seats. An electrical connection in the front passenger seat for the Occupant Detection System (ODS) may loosen.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, replace the ODS sensor mat harness, free of charge. The recall began February 11, 2020. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUM-98.
How common are Airbags & seat belts problems on the Subaru Forester?
135 of the 2,417 complaints about the Subaru Forester (5.6%) concern Airbags & seat belts, making it the model's #5 problem area. That share is 1.5× the Airbags & seat belts share across all tracked vehicles.
Which Subaru Forester model years have the most Airbags & seat belts complaints?
By model year, Airbags & seat belts complaints peak with the 2018 model (87, 18% of that year's complaints) and are lowest for the 2021 model (1).
Is there a recall for Subaru Forester Airbags & seat belts problems?
1 recall campaign relates to this area, most recently campaign 19V701000 (2019-10-03, model years 2018).