Passenger airbag sensor problems

What got replaced

Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the occupant sensor (48 reports) and the seat cushion (9 reports).

Recalls and investigations

One recall on the airbags covers the 2017 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.

The recall on the 2017 Subaru Forester, with the owner complaints on each recalled system

NHTSA investigations into the airbags on the Forester

What owners paid

22 of the 98 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $1,000 to $2,015.

When it happens

The middle half of failures fell between 17,000 and 48,000 miles, from the 57 reports that gave a mileage.

What owners wrote

“The airbag sensor in the passenger front seat has malfunctioned and it is indicating that the passenger airbag will not deploy. This is after the recall that was completed on the ODS from service campaign 19V701000.”

Filed Aug 19, 2026

“I had an Occupant Detection System replaced under recall in my 2017 Forester. Five years later it went bad. Obviously, still faulty. Cost $1,800.00+ (you read that right) to have it replaced. Contacted Subaru twice about this and both times denied for replacement cost. Really unfair and absurd. Will never own another Subaru for this reason. Not standing behind a sub par part. Unwilling to help out customers.”

Filed Nov 16, 2025

“Previous recall for passenger ODS. Having continued issues with passenger airbag ODS not recognizing someone sitting there. Intermittently turns on and off even if no one is sitting there. Took it to a dealer and they want me to pay out of pocket for diagnostic and possible parts. Very high concern for even allowing someone to sit in the car (even my pregnant wife) in the case there was ever an accident.”

Filed Oct 28, 2025

“The passenger airbag sensor often, but not always, malfunctions in my 2017 Subaru Forrester. Often it says PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF when there is a passanger. Occording to KBB Kelly Blue Book there IS a current RECALL in place for 2017 Subaru Forresters for EXACTLY this issue, including for my car - but when i typed in my liscnese plate in the NHTSA website, no unrepaired recalls showed up for my car.”

Filed Aug 20, 2025

Guide Paid for this repair before a recall covered it? How recall reimbursement works

Other problems on this car

• Windshield cracks or distorts 114 reports
• Battery dies or the car will not start 46 reports
• Seat belt or seat problems 39 reports
• Engine stalls or loses power while driving 25 reports