How many airbag complaints does the 2020 Subaru Outback have?

NHTSA lists 18 airbag-related complaints for the 2020 Outback, about 2% of the 897 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there an airbag recall for the 2020 Subaru Outback?

Yes. Recall 24V227000 covers 2020-2022 Outback and Legacy vehicles where a capacitor in the Occupant Detection System sensor can crack and short circuit, potentially disabling the front passenger airbag. The remedy is dealer replacement of the ODS sensor at no charge.

Did the airbag issue cause any crashes or injuries?

NHTSA data shows 3 crashes linked to the 18 airbag complaints for this model year, with no reported fires or injuries.

At what mileage do airbag problems typically show up?

The median mileage at failure across these complaints is 9,750 miles.

Are recall parts available for the 2020 Outback airbag fix?

Several owners who filed complaints in 2024 and 2025 reported that dealers told them replacement occupant detection sensor parts were not yet available for the 24V227000 recall repair.

2020 Subaru Outback Airbags Problems

NHTSA lists 18 airbag complaints for the 2020 Subaru Outback, 2% of its 897 total complaints, tied to 3 crashes and no injuries or fires. A related recall (24V227000) covers a cracked occupant detection sensor that can disable the front passenger airbag.

Airbags complaints: 18; 2% of 897
Crashes reported: 3
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: 9,750 mi
Related recalls: 1

Typical airbag symptoms owners report

Front passenger occupant detection sensor misreads the seat as empty, disabling the airbag or, in other reports, making it react as if a child is present, risking deployment in a crash.
Airbag warning light stays on and the SRS system throws fault codes, sometimes recommending replacement of the airbag control module.
Owners report crashes where the airbags did not deploy at all, in one case after being struck at 30-40 mph and in another after being hit by a truck at 50 mph.
Multiple owners who received the 24V227000 recall notice say dealers had no replacement occupant detection sensor parts available, leaving the recall unresolved for months.
One owner linked repeated airbag failure warnings to a broader electrical problem that also affected the battery and power steering.

When 2020 Subaru Outback airbag complaints were filed

First complaint Oct 30, 2019, latest Jan 27, 2026.

18 complaints filed with NHTSA from Oct 2019 to Jan 2026; peak May 2025 (3).

Airbags recalls for the 2020 Subaru Outback

NHTSA 24V227000Mar 22, 2024Airbags118,723 vehicles
Air bags:sensor:occupant classification:front passenger
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Outback and Legacy vehicles. A capacitor in the sensors for the Occupant Detection System (ODS) may crack and short circuit, which can prevent the front passenger air bag from deploying in a crash.
Risk: An air bag that does not deploy during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the ODS sensors on the front passenger seat, free of charge. Owner notifications were mailed February 3, 2025. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRA-24.

Airbags complaints by Outback model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

201044 (12%)
201173 (11%)
201239 (13%)
201342 (14%)
201438 (18%)
201514 (3%)
201610 (2%)
201716 (2%)
20188 (1%)
201913 (1%)
202018 (2%)
202116 (5%)
20226 (1%)
20232 (2%)
20246 (6%)
20255 (6%)

Frequently asked questions

How many airbag complaints does the 2020 Subaru Outback have?: NHTSA lists 18 airbag-related complaints for the 2020 Outback, about 2% of the 897 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there an airbag recall for the 2020 Subaru Outback?: Yes. Recall 24V227000 covers 2020-2022 Outback and Legacy vehicles where a capacitor in the Occupant Detection System sensor can crack and short circuit, potentially disabling the front passenger airbag. The remedy is dealer replacement of the ODS sensor at no charge.
Did the airbag issue cause any crashes or injuries?: NHTSA data shows 3 crashes linked to the 18 airbag complaints for this model year, with no reported fires or injuries.
At what mileage do airbag problems typically show up?: The median mileage at failure across these complaints is 9,750 miles.
Are recall parts available for the 2020 Outback airbag fix?: Several owners who filed complaints in 2024 and 2025 reported that dealers told them replacement occupant detection sensor parts were not yet available for the 24V227000 recall repair.