2008 Subaru Outback Airbag Problems
From NHTSA owner complaints and recalls. Updated Oct 17, 2026.
How common are airbag problems on the 2008 Subaru Outback?
104 owners have reported airbag problems on the 2008 Subaru Outback, 46% of all complaints for this year and the most reported problem area. Most reported problems happened at about 55,000–100,000 miles. 4 recalls cover this area.
104 complaints 46% of all 2008 complaints 79,000 miles typical
Which parts fail
The specific part named in each complaint.
Mileage when it failed
Each dot is a complaint that gave a mileage (63 of 104). The amber line is the middle value.
When problems were reported
Airbags complaints by the year the problem happened.
Airbags complaints by Outback year
Related recalls
Inflator module
S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners.
Recall 20V001000 · Jan 2020Inflator module
" These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners.
Recall 20V003000 · Jan 2020Inflator module
" These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners.
Recall 20V002000 · Jan 2020Inflator module
The affected vehicles are equipped with a passenger side frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture upon its deployment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Subaru will notify their owners and General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflator, free of charge.
Recall 15V323000 · May 2015Get an email when your 2008 Subaru Outback gets a new recall
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Common questions
What are common 2008 Subaru Outback airbag problems?
Complaints most often name the frontal and front passenger.
At what mileage do 2008 Subaru Outback airbag problems happen?
Most complaints that gave a mileage fell between about 55,000–100,000 miles. The middle value is about 79,000 miles.
Is there a recall for 2008 Subaru Outback airbag problems?
Yes: 20V001000, 20V003000, 20V002000, 15V323000. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if the work was done.
Which Outback year has the most airbag complaints?
The 2008 Outback, with 104 complaints.
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases. Complaints are unverified owner reports.