Seats Problems of Subaru Impreza - part 1

The seat foam has degraded and exposed the metal frame through the seat cover on the driver side front seat. It is not safe to drive with a metal frame being exposed. A service bulletin (12-232-18 dated 2/6/2018) indicates there is an issue with the seat construction that can lead to this defect/degradation but refuse to acknowledge the issue to customers calling it an "outside forces" problem.

See all problems of the 2016 Subaru Impreza 🔎.

The passenger occupancy detection system is not working, so the passenger air bag is not coming on even when I have an adult passenger. Sometimes, it will register that there is an adult in the seat, but the air bag will not come on, but other times, it doesn't even detect someone is sitting there.

See all problems of the 2013 Subaru Impreza 🔎.

The airbag warning light has been lit within the dashboard. The front passenger seat airbag is faulty and is not able to correctly sense when a passenger is within the seat or not, which disables the airbags. This can be deadly to the passenger if in an accident. The issue seems to be in the ods passenger seat mat that determines when the airbag is active or not. If moisture is able to get within the mat, then it can short the circuit and cause airbags to not deploy. My car was "supposed" to already been fixed with the issue in 2015 on the recall #wqt55, NHTSA campaign 15v419000, but I don't believe the underlying issue was fixed correctly or the same part has failed again. Looking further into recalls, the exact same issue is happening again with Subarus with #wra-24 and NHTSA campaign 24v227. The dealer has asked me to pay over $1700 on to replace this part. Subaru America should fully cover the cost of any passenger ods issue especially when there have already been two recalls with the exact same issue.

See all problems of the 2012 Subaru Impreza 🔎.

The air bag light and “passenger airbag off” lights on dash come on sometimes when a passenger is in the car. I took my car to the Subaru dealer/service department and they charged me $140 to reset the lights and tell me the solution is to replace the passenger seat for $900.

The problem: like over 50% of adult americans, I am female. I am 5' 3. 5" tall (average for n. America, folks!) and weigh 109 lbs. I am also 66 years old and it's likely that despite my very active lifestyle (I'm a backpacker etc. ), my bones are more brittle than a 25-y. O. Man's. Your agency has failed in its duty to ensure the safety of all americans. Not just men and fat women. In order to reach the accelerator and see over the dashboard, I. E. In order to drive these vehicles which have passed your safety requirements, I sit in the death zone of the driver airbags and steering wheel column in all three vehicles I own: this 2009 Impreza, my 2000 outback station wagon, and my 2012 Ford f350 winnebago RV. Please don't tell me that I should buy one of the very few vehicles that might fit me better. I live on a mountainside in alaska and need winter traction and handling. Why should my vehicle choices be narrowed because you have failed to recognizew that I exist? as a retired federal scientist and policy wonk with a law degree, I am appalled at your agency's callousness towards me and other average height drivers. How long will it take my government, staffed by people whose salaries I pay, to recognize that the male body is not the default for all humans? I am letting my senator, lisa murkowshi, know that it's well past time for the NHTSA to protect me as well as it protects my husband.

See all problems of the 2009 Subaru Impreza 🔎.

The passenger side airbag shows off when an adult is sitting in the passenger seat. This happens at start up and while driving. There are many such problems for this model and year being reported online.

See all problems of the 2014 Subaru Impreza 🔎.

When driving my vehicle the passenger airbag warning would go off with no passenger in the vehicle. When I have a passenger in my vehicle, the airbag sensor can't detect a passenger which is extremely dangerous. Also, for whatever reason the drivers seat isnt detecting a driver so the airbag light is on. After googling this issue I see that many other 2012 Subaru Impreza owners are having the same issue with no resolve.

Periodically the "passenger air bag off" sign illuminates even though someone is in the passenger seat. I bought the car from enterprise rental several years ago and brought to their attention. Somehow their mechanic got light to go off. Problem has persisted but didn't pay much attention until now. My daughter will be driving the car. Do not trust the airbag or seat sensor. On passenger side.

Airbag light comes on (red stick figure getting hit in the face with with airbag) illuminates in dashboard at random times. Passenger airbag is switched to on when no one is in the seat, but turns off when passenger is present. The weight of a cellphone can trigger passenger airbag to come on which they are claiming is normal. When driving alone passenger seatbelt alarm will ding forcing me to keep passenger seatbelt plugged in most of time. Ive taken the car in multiple times to two different Subaru dealership but they both claim everything is working in perfect order. The notes I use to describe this issue is always deleted when I arrive at dealership. I do not even want to drive the vehicle and cant afford the diagnostic fees on top of missing days from work. The issue happens when car is parked or driving. A little research shows Subaru is aware of this issue but continues to pretend nothing is wrong - they instead offer me to trade in vehicle. I would rather drive vehicle off a cliff than to have them resell vehicle to another person who will end up going through what I went through spending hundreds of dollars or worse - airbag not deploying causing increased injury or death.

The passenger seat occupancy sensor continually malfunctions and turns off the airbag while a front passenger is in place. This is the same issue for which a NHTSA recall was placed on 2013 Subaru Imprezas, so the problem is not limited to only that one model year. In fact, this appears to be common across all Subarus' electrostatic capacitance sensor. This recall must be expanded for the protection of passengers in these cars.

The passenger's seat OCS malfunctions with terrifying frequency. The car will be in motion with the passenger's seat occupied and the airbag light will illuminate on the dashboard. Once again while the car is in motion. I have seen many posts detailing the same experience. Subaru has recalled other cars for this problem. My 2013 Impreza needs to be included as well.

The vehicle was park at my home. Upon starting the vehicle the airbag light illuminated. Subaru of America was contacted and an appointment was set up with the local Subaru dealership. The vehicle was dropped off that evening and was looked at the next day. After inspecting the vehicle I was notified that the passenger seat occupancy sensor had an issue and the passenger seat would need to be replaced. They claimed this was due to the seat being wet. The vehicle was purchased used in 2018 with 35,278 miles and now has around 46,000 miles. The seat has never been wet in my time owning it and was not wet prior to owning it to my knowledge. The vehicle is equipped with heated seats and I believe this issue is in line with last years forester passenger airbag sensor recall in which 366,000 vehicles where recalled for a very similar issue. I have not yet heard back from the dealership, but they are not currently aware if Subaru of America is willing to cover cost to resolve this issue. Since they are unsure when Subaru would get back to them, I picked up the vehicle and it is currently parked at my home. I was informed to avoid safety risks to not have occupants travel in the passenger seat for the time being as the passenger airbag could turn off at any point. Since picking up the vehicle, the airbag light does illuminate upon start, but no longer stays on. If a follow up contact is required I would prefer an email over a call.

See all problems of the 2015 Subaru Impreza 🔎.

If the two front seats are mildly wet, then the front air bags will turn off. This means that if you spilled a drink, have bladder problems, went swimming or snowboarding, or have wet vacuumed your seats then the airbags will turn off. They are off until the seat completely dries wether you are moving or not. It happens every time the seat gets wet.

The occupant detection sensor (ods) cannot detect a person when seated in the passenger. I have attempted to sit in the passenger seat with the engine on and off; while in motion and also when the car is stationary. The passenger air bag light on the center dash remains illuminated "off" also, the airbag symbol turns on at almost random times, indicating that there is an error with the airbag system. About 50% of the time I drive, the airbag system light will come on and stay on during my drive, whether I am driving alone or with a passenger in the front seat. Sometimes if I turn off the vehicle and turn it back on, the airbag light will turn off - but there is no consistent pattern.

The passenger seat sensor has been going off when nothing is in the seat. Because the sensor thinks something is in the seat the airbag for the passenger side is turned on. After going to the dealership, quirk Subaru, in bangor maine, they told me my cell phone was setting off the sensor. Their resolution to this problem, "don't bring your cell phone into the car. " the car can be moving or stationary and will randomly turn on. It's gotten worse over the last year happening about 4 times since August of 2018. I have contacted Subaru of America and they told me to go to another dealership to handle the matter. It is my opinion that this poses a risk to occupants inside the vehicle which may led to an unwanted airbag deployment.

Passenger seat airbag warning light shows passenger airbag disabled while a passenger is in the seat. This happens whether the car is moving or stopped. Car is a 2012 Subaru Impreza 5-door wagon, built 10/2011. I see 2012 Impreza sedans have been recalled, but I am having the same issue as those, but my car is a 5-door wagon and isn't on the recall list. Please expand the recall.

I was involve to car accident, I was a passenger the seat belt was on me and, praporly lucked to the seat. The driver airbag deploey. He didnt get any damege to his body. And my iarbag did not deploey cause of that I have spine fracture lambar l3-l2. It happend in 08/23/2018.

See all problems of the 2018 Subaru Impreza 🔎.

Occupant detection sustem on passenger side malfunction, does not always recognize passenger. Sometime s it stops working in middle of trip. Happens sporadically, but is becoming more frequent and does not always resolve with restarting car. Has to do with capacitance detection, but so far Subaru dealers I contact act like it's not an issue though earlier model apparently has recall for exact issue. And no the passenger isn't wet. Has been occurring for over a year and we have pulled over and restarted car, but on recent trip it was much worse. And shouldn't be happening anyway!.

On a hot, long drive with a sweaty friend in the front passenger seat, the passenger airbag turned off according to the dash indicator. The airbag error indicator also turned on. It was a long, highway drive and outdoor temperatures were 80-100f, though I was running ac inside.

Recall in other Impreza in same year model, but not mine specifically. Same issue occurs with airbag occupancy sensor in passenger seat. Airbag light comes on with any amount of weight in passenger seat, airbag however does not turn on. Stays off with passenger in seat. This was recalled in many other 2012-2014 Impreza. Subaru confirmed that passenger occupancy in my Impreza is same part as occupany sensor recalled in other Impreza. I was sold this car by an authorized dealer with this issue (not the company listed on the receipts provided). Had to pay to get it fixed for inspection. Have to replace seat bottom, almost $700 for seat alone. This is dangerous and unfair. Subaru acknowledged the problem by giving me $500 goodwill repair certificate, but not full price of repair even though this has been recalled in many other vehicles.

Warning lamps for stability control air bag randomly light up on my dash board panel. The passenger air bag will also switch to off even when a passer is sitting in the seat or the passenger seat belt warning sound will go off if a small object is placed on the seat. My mechanic can't find the issue as I cannot recreate the circumstances that cause the lamps to switch on or the warning siren to chime. Computer readings do not return any "codes" if the lamps aren't on.

Seat occupancy sensor does not register adult human male, gets tripped if cell phon e is in proximity to the passenger in the front passenger seat. Front airbag is therefore off and will not go off in case of accident. This occurs if the front passenger has a laptop or cellphone. Upon inspection by dealership I was told that the sensor is broken but due to water damage which has not happened - if a damp user is enough to cause damage to sensor I believe Subaru is purposefully releasing poorly designed and engineered parts. This issues first appeared in 2017 and was intermittent and is not occurring every time a passenger rides with me.

The passenger seat sensor that controls airbag is faulty. Sometimes with a passenger in the seat, the airbag light will go on indicating that the airbag is disabled even though passenger is in seat and belted. This can always be reset by turning igniotion off and on again. Also sensor incorrectly thinks there is a passenger in the seat even when very light packages or groceries are on the seat weighing 2-12 pounds. I've called Subaru and they claim sensor is set to 27 punds or more, which is clearly not working here. Subaru will not fix this under warranty so I think NHTSA should look at all the similar complaints here and investigate.

I was driving down the interstate with a passenger and the airbag light came on and the light for the passenger airbag said off. While driving, my passenger looked up some troubleshooting for this issue. Apparently there is a recall for other same year, same makes and models of my vehicle. My vehicle is not part of this recall based on what month it was made. After I stopped the car and restarted it, the light did not illuminate again until I was going at a high rate of speed again. This has happened more than once. Every time with a passenger and driving on an expressway.

I was driving down the interstate highway with my mother in the passenger seat when I suddenly noticed that the airbag light on the dashboard had come on. I then looked at the passenger airbag sensor light and noticed that it was in the "off" position. It concerned me that my passenger was not being detected by the airbag sensor, especially considering that I was driving at a speed of 65 mph. We continued to our destination and then shut off the car and restarted it to see if the airbag sensor would detect my passenger, which it did not. After this incident, I brought the car to my dealership service center and was told that the sensor in the seat was faulty and, as a result, the entire seat bottom needed to be replaced, at a cost of about $1000. They claimed that the sensor can be rendered ineffective by liquid spills, though I have no recollection of ever spilling anything liquid on the passenger seat of this car. . Read more...

The airbag sensor in the passenger seat has failed 3 times while the car was under warranty and now again out of warranty. When a passenger is sitting in the seat while driving, the airbag sensor doesn't recognize the passenger's weight, and the airbag light will not turn on, putting my passenger at risk. Under warranty, carr Subaru in beaverton oregon replaced the sensor each time it failed. They briefly explained to me that the sensor "fails all the time" and "its poorly designed. " if I understood them correctly, these type of sensors are no longer used in newer models of my car. I am now having the airbag issue again and I am not covered by warranty, I feel this is a major safety issue. Subaru should take responsibility for this faulty system and replace it completely, rather that just replacing the sensor they already know is faulty.

Tl- the contact owns a 2002 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated that after adjusting the back of the drivers seat the back of the seat suddenly released causing the occupant to fall backwards while in the seat. During the incident the occupant sustained a concussion. The cause of the failure was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was 105,000. Jft.

See all problems of the 2002 Subaru Impreza 🔎.

When a passenger of 215lbs or more sits in my 2012 Subaru Impreza passenger seat for more than 10miles the airbag light comes on and the passenger airbag is turned off.

My front passenger seat doesn't register the passenger and disables the airbag.

At any speed, while carrying a passenger, the passenger airbag on light will turn to the off position. Passenger airbag is disabled while passenger is in vehicle at any given speed randomly. Could potentially cause severe injury/death in an accident. I have owned multiple 2012+ Imprezas with this exact issue.

The sensor that determines whether the passenger seat is occupied or not isn't working properly. When there is a passenger the air bags sometimes won't turn on. I have taken my car into the Subaru dealership, where they replaced the sensor and it continues to have the same problems.

While driving at highway speeds, with a passenger in the passenger seat, the 'passenger air bag off' light become illuminated and remained illuminated, indicating the passenger air bag was off. After pulling over and restarting the vehicle several times, the sensor behaves normally. Incident has occurred 3-4 times since, with no apparent pattern related to vehicle speed/driving conditions. Subaru dealership service has claimed it may be related to passenger weight or shifting in the seat, or cellular phone chargers nearby. Incident has occurred with or without said chargers present in the car, with passengers weighing 130 lbs and 190 lbs. Also, the relevant sensor (occupant detection system, or ods) in the 2012 Subaru Impreza is not based on weight at all, but on electrostatic capacitance. Seemingly random malfunction of the ods resulting in deactivation of the passenger air bag with an adult seated in the passenger seat constitutes dangerous failure of the airbag system.

The seat track failed due to metal fatigue. This resulted in the drivers seat coming lose. All bolts remained tight, was not a fastener failure, rather a metal fatigue issue with the seat track. Was not caused by corrosion. I am retaining the failed seat track.

While stationary or in motion, the passenger detection sensor in the passenger seat will regularly (more than 50% of the time) not detect a full-grown adult passenger weighing ~115 pounds and as a result will not turn on the passenger air bag. The car will only turn on the airbag (and disable the 'passenger airbag off' light) after the passenger vigorously bounces several times on the seat. This is a hazard to anyone that does not appreciate the airbag sensor light and subsequently bounce in the seat.

See all problems of the 2011 Subaru Impreza 🔎.

The passenger side airbag on my 2010 Subaru Impreza is intermittently disabled, even with a 125 pound adult occupying the seat. Shifting your weight in the seat may enable the airbag, but it will usually become disabled again while driving. This seems like a potential safety hazard and is very concerning. I've seen similar complaints on different websites; is Subaru considering a recall or does someone have to get injured first?.

See all problems of the 2010 Subaru Impreza 🔎.