Warning Light On problems of the 2008 Subaru Outback

[2008 Subaru Outback with 82,000 miles, takada airbag replacement July 2020]. Airbag warning light (red) illuminated on the dashboard instrument panel as soon as the car is turned on and remains on as long as the engine is running whether moving or stationary. This is notifying the driver that the airbag system is inoperable as stated by multiple mechanics, Subaru mechanics and Subaru service managers over dozens of blogs and even the Subaru website. Overhead console (in map light group) shows proper notification of seatbelt need and airbag activation when weight is exerted on passenger seat surface, but with the airbag red warning light lit on the dashboard, the passenger, and possibly driver airbag, is totally inoperative. This is a serious safety issue and neglect by Subaru in addressing this safety problem is of immediate concern. Hundreds of Subaru owners, many not directly reporting to NHTSA, have complained about this serious safety issue, but nothing has been done.

Airbag warning light system is on intermittently, especially following cold weather. Keywords: "Subaru code 26 airbag". It is clear that this problem is persistent and other Subaru owners report the same problem. There appears to be a problem with inadequate soldering of the electronics on the printed circuit board (pcb) related to the airbag warning light display. It is unclear whether this defect impairs the ability of an airbag to deploy in the event of an accident. It can present itself when the vehicle is moving or stationary. Many web-based accounts of the problem have reported that changes in vehicle temperature due to weather (particularly on cold days) may be related to the soldering joint to malfunction. It is not clear to me whether a passenger is in danger if this light is on or if it is a faulty signal that I can ignore. I want clarity regarding safety.

Takata air bag related. We replaced the recalled passenger takata airbag a while ago, and at the same time paid $297. 95 to the dealer to fix the issue (error code 26) related to the airbag failure indicator warning light comes. Now we are having the same problem again with the airbag failure indicator warning light, it is turned on. Subaru should be paying for repairing this re-occuring problem with the warning light and reimbursing us for the $297. 95 we paid the first time to fix it, since so many people have been complaining about this problem.

Subaru has an extremely common faulty wiring issue with an led printed circuit board that is part of the airbag warning light system that resides in the maplight assembly above the rear view mirror. This problem has been reported by countless vehicle owners across a number of models (including Outback and forester) across a number of model years. A simple google search using the keywords: "Subaru code 26 airbag" reveals a treasure trove of information pertaining to this issue. It is clear that this problem is frequent, persistent and widespread. This issue has spanned a number of models and model years. The company and its dealers cannot help but be aware of the issue. There appears to be a problem with inadequate soldering of the electronics on the printed circuit board (pcb) related to the airbag warning light display. It is unclear whether this defect impairs the ability of an airbag to deploy in the event of an accident. Subaru refuses to warranty this defect. In addition, Subaru refuses to honor the takata recall if this faulty wiring system is not first remedied. The problem is intermittent and can present itself when the vehicle is moving or stationary. Many web-based accounts of the problem have reported that changes in vehicle temperature due to weather (particularly on cold days) may be related to the soldering joint to malfunction.

Takata recall-- Subaru "repair" of defective airbags dangerous. Warning light illuminates regularly. Subaru refuses to fix. ----note Subaru also refused to repair long reported issues with brakes, air bag, windshield. They sought $$thousands of dollars in repair billings. All three of these later subject of recalls. Subaru reported oil consumption due to gasket leakage, concern for cat converter as potential repair billing. This appears to be a fourth potential subject of recall now. ----- what more has to be defective on one car before entire car recalled?!.

All of below: since early original ownership, for years Subaru dismissed repeated reporting of (moving, stationary, all roads): takata recall airbag warning light illumination. Only after national airbag recall did Subaru recognize concern and address. Subaru recently has serviced airbag twice. Both times, shortly after service dash warning lights illuminated: airbag, cruise, check engine. Also, erratic cruise function and engine clicking noise (moving, all roads) resulted. For numerous weeks, Subaru has been refusing to fix lethal airbag/s and remedy damage/concerns resulting from airbag service. Subaru seeks payment for diagnosis (and presumably, subsequent service) of airbag and related damage/concerns and a written waiver for this service and any future service needs as condition of service. Brakes rusting, squealing, sponginess. Weeks before warranty expired Subaru dismissed issues. Weeks after warranty, (at some 25k miles) Subaru sought to sell some $1900 in new brakes or new car. Subaru relented months later, addressing concern. Thereafter, following the national brakes recall, Subaru reported no service needed on second full set of brakes. This month replaced 4 rotors (and pads)¿this is the third time 4 rotors installed on original-ownership car with some 65k miles. Engine¿s loud rattling, gurgling. Subaru eventually admitted and serviced heatshield defect. Subaru has stated repeatedly heatshield issue can¿t be resolved. After three services, Subaru reported related engine damage: oil leak and catalytic. Chronic heatshield and related damage/concerns ongoing. Windshield interior pooling water and icing (needing scraping off despite winter-package windshield heating), as well as exterior windshield seal sliding freely. Only after shield spontaneously cracked did Subaru recognize issues and address.

The airbag warning light occasionally illuminates while driving or idling and can remain on for minutes, hours, or consistently over consecutive driving days. In some instances, illumination occurs during cold and/or humid weather. The problem is suspected to be caused by a failure in the overhead/map lamp assembly pc board. Upon visual inspection of the board, numerous surface mount components had solder cracks at their component terminals. There was no apparent physical damage to the map lamp assembly enclosure.

The contact owns a 2008 Subaru Outback. While reversing at more than 25 mph, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the failure was unable to be determined. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.

2008 Subaru Outback. The dash instrument panel airbag warning light would intermittently come on and stay on for extended periods of time. The red airbag light would occasionally turn off but for the most part it was on continuously. Dealership advised that when the red airbag warning light is illuminated the airbag system is inoperative. The vehicle was taken to our local dealership on 3/30/2015 and the service report indicates a scan noted airbag code 26 -passenger side indicator failure. The dealership recommended correction was the replacement of the map light assembly (part #92151ag13aor) for a cost in material of $163. 95 and labor of $34. 52, plus the diagnostic labor of $35. 00. Cost to correct the problem was not covered. The service manager was very familiar with this type of airbag system failure in Subarus of this specific model year and also vehicles manufactured within the same time period. Research indicates that the airbag warning light problem is located within the overhead map light module and the failure of soldering at the led lights within this assembly. A new map light console was ordered and has been replaced which has, at this time, corrected the problem. This specific issue is well documented with the n. H. T. S. A. On line complaint data (54 complaints along similar console light panel failure). Air bag systems have been mandatory on vehicles for both front seat occupants since September 1998. Airbag systems are not optional equipment, and with the combination of seat belts, represent the critical components of a passenger safety system. This specific type of failure indicates a problem that has not been voluntarily recalled or addressed by the manufacturer. Because this defect involves a vital safety system, and in order to protect the consumer, an investigation and recall should be commenced.

I'm updating my 2/3/15 complaint 10680982. I contacted Subaru directly on the same day and included a copy of the complaint I filed with NHTSA and my bill for the replacement of the overhead airbag control module. In the report the Subaru tech said the unit was shorting out, showing code "26 for passenger’s airbag indicator failure and s8 airbag light on. " I also gave Subaru my tally of my first cursory search of the NHTSA complaints database on the word "airbag" for all models of Subaru from 2000 to present. The search resulted in 145 complaints. After I looked through the first 60 complaints I found 45 of them that seemed to be about this exact problem - the airbag warning light on the dashboard and/or passenger side airbag overhead indicator going on and off intermittently. These complaints were across every model of Subaru and years from 2003 to 2013. My 2008 Outback had the most complaints - 13. Other searches for different key words and spellings of airbag resulted in many hundreds of results, too many for your database to display, probably many of them were about the recent airbag recall issue. Subaru's customer service department responded immediately and on 2/12/15 they promised to reimburse me for the entire $352, the total cost of parts and labor to replace the module. I urge all Subaru owners to test their passenger airbag lights and those with problems to lodge a formal NHTSA complaint and report it to Subaru. Since the airbag doesn't work when the light isn't working properly this is a very dangerous problem! enough complaints to the NHTSA will help pressure Subaru to finally let all potentially affected owners know about it.

Air bag warning light stays on, and the air bag system is disabled while the light is on. This is a very well known and documented problem that can be cured; however, because of the cost it has not been remedied. The part used is the primary culprit and regrettably has been installed in Subaru vehicles across several model years. Subaru the manufacturer has failed to respond responsibly; ergo, NHTSA action is needed to bring Subaru to task and compliance to ensure all necessary repairs are performed for safe deployment of all Subaru cabin air bags. When working properly, air bags save lives.

The airbag warning light is frequently on for extended periods of time (days, weeks,months). The issue and Subaru's unwillingness to address it are well documented in complaints filed with NHTSA by other Subaru owners and on various Subaru owner websites. . Read more...

The contact owns a 2008 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that the air bag warning light intermittently illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 84,000 and the current mileage was 89,400. Updated 08/25/lj.

Air bag warning light turns on intermittently on dash and overhead. Not sure airbags are working. Dealer service department cannot find problem.

The airbag warning light comes on intermittently sometimes and other times stays on. I was told that this has been a problem with this year, make and model car and that the passenger airbag could be defective. This should be a recall by Subaru as it is a safety issue. I have read numerous complaints online regarding this year Outback. The consumer should not have to pay for a defective part that Subaru is well aware of and it is their responsibility to correct.

The air bag warning light on the dashboard came on and stayed on upon driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer (perry Subaru in norfolk, virginia), who said that the passenger front airbag indicator assembly was faulty. Dealer said there was no mandatory or voluntary recall on this part. A new air bag control module (part no. 92151ag13aor) was purchased by the owner and installed for a total cost of $364. 40. There have been a number of complaints by other owners of this model year and other model year Subarus for the same air bag indicator light problem. This is a serious safety issue that the ntsb should investigate.

The airbag warning light remained on after ignition and while driving. This happened intermittently until I replaced the map light console recently. Problem solved. This should be a recall item as it affects an important safety feature of the car, I. E. , the airbags.

Since the car was nearly new the airbag warning light comes on intermittently and now stays on continuously, rendering the airbag system inoperative. The vehicle was brought to the dealer the first time it happened but the dealer said no fault code was found. In December 2012 the warning light came on continuously. I brought it to the Subaru dealer to diagnose and service the problem. The service manager stated that the problem is with the light in the maplight module, and if something in the module goes bad the airbag warning light will come on and prevent the airbag from deploying. Consequently I have to replace the entire maplight console at a cost of $510 ($110 to read the code plus $400 for the light module) to fix a dangerous safety defect and design flaw that should be the responsibility of Subaru.