Subaru recalls certain 2015–2018 Forester SUVs because an electrical connection under the front seat cushion may come loose and deactivate the front airbag even if the seat is occupied. According to Consumer Reports, this recall only affects Foresters with heated seats. According to the automaker, over time, the connection in the electrical harness for the occupant detection system (ODS) sensor mat may become loose.
Details of the Safety Recall
This mat essentially determines if the seat is occupied and whether it is occupied, and if so, tells the system to activate the airbag. If it’s unoccupied, the airbag is made inactive. The faulty connection could result in the system being unable to determine if the seat is occupied or not. Subaru has said it is unaware of any injuries or incidents related to this electrical problem.
This recall involves 366,282 Forester SUVs with heated seats from 2015 through 2018. Subaru owners will be notified of the recall beginning Nov. 29 and will receive a second notice when the new parts are available. Subaru dealers will inspect the SUV and, if necessary, replace the ODS sensor and electrical harness free of charge. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614 for more information about this recall (Number WUM-98).
If unsure if your vehicle has an open recall, you can go to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) website. Enter your vehicle’s 17-digit vehicle identification number or VIN into NHTSA’s website. If a recall doesn’t appear, it means that your car has not been currently recalled. It might be a good idea to check back regularly because automakers issue recalls often.
Auto Product Liability Issues
Airbags are a crucial part of a vehicle’s safety mechanisms. As consumers, we have come to expect airbags to keep us safe and prevent serious injuries in the event of a car accident. Airbags provide us with that extra layer of protection, preventing blunt-force trauma during car accidents, which could prove catastrophic or even fatal. When airbags don’t work as intended, serious injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord trauma, and internal injuries, could occur.
Suppose you or a loved one has been injured due to a vehicle defect. In that case, you may be able to seek compensation by filing an auto product liability lawsuit against the vehicle manufacturer and other potential parties. You may seek compensation for damages such as medical expenses, lost income, hospitalization, cost of rehabilitation, permanent injuries, pain and suffering and emotional distress. An experienced California auto defect lawyer will be able to guide you through a complex legal process and help you secure maximum compensation for your losses.
Source: https://www.consumerreports.org/car-recalls-defects/subaru-forester-suvs-recalled-for-airbag-deactivation-risk/
