2024 Subaru Forester: Air Bags complaints
Owner-reported issue (NHTSA complaints, not a recall)
Symptoms
NHTSA has 7 owner complaints for the 2024 Subaru Forester that list the air bags component. Complaints are individual owner reports, not verified defects.
Examples:
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11757169 (filed 08/15/2026): “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. it destroyed the headlight and damaged the fender and quarterpanel lightly and slightly bent the hood. i …”
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11711351 (filed 01/16/2026): “On the morning of december 13, 2026, an incident occurred involving our 2024 subaru forester. while attempting to make a right-hand turn, the vehicle failed to decelerate as expected and subsequently struck a utility pole. the vehicle’s safety systems did not appear to activate in an effort to preve…”
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11676287 (filed 07/25/2025): “The passenager airbag on won't activate at the 88lb weight per local subaru of gallatin dealership where i purchased the car from. they did a test with 88lbs in another subaru vehicle and the passenger airbag on activated but won't activate on in the 2024 subaru forester. the local dealership stated…”
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 .