2016 Subaru Forester: Air Bags complaints
Owner-reported issue (NHTSA complaints, not a recall)
Symptoms
NHTSA has 100 owner complaints for the 2016 Subaru Forester that list the air bags component. Complaints are individual owner reports, not verified defects.
Examples:
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11772973 (filed 10/22/2026): “A recall repair (nhtsa campaign: 19v701000) was previously performed on this vehicle to repair a defective occupancy sensor in the front passenger seat, which results in the passenger airbag being off even when the seat is occupied. despite the work being done previously, the same problem has resurf…”
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11764817 (filed 09/16/2026): “While driving, the car will beep and display a warning that the srs system is malfunctioning. it will then turn passenger airbags off, even when there is a passenger sitting in the seat. i took the car in to subaru of glendale and was charged over $1000 to replace it, being told that i was not eligi…”
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11760589 (filed 08/29/2026): “Vehicle reported an srs passenger problem intermittently, as displayed on the dashboard, the car's information system, and a diagnostic trouble code (the car's aftermarket radio is connected to the obd-ii connector and can pull codes). the problem would appear, and then disappear upon subsequent st…”
Likely causes
These complaints do not establish a single root cause; read the examples above and get a diagnosis.
Fix, in plain English
No single fix is established by these reports. Check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls, ask a dealer about technical service bulletins (TSBs) or extended warranty coverage, then have the system diagnosed.
DIY difficulty: Pro
Airbag and seat-belt restraint systems are safety-critical and need a scan tool and manufacturer procedures; do not DIY. (Our assessment.)
Cost
No sourced cost range for this issue. Get a written quote after diagnosis.
Typical parts (search links, no affiliate codes)
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Sources
Page last updated .