Due to limited part supply, the availability of the passenger front seat cushion may not satisfy demand. To reduce extended downtime for the customer, this bulletin announces the diagnostic and repair procedures to be used when DTC B1760 (Occupant Detection Sensor Mat). The use of WUM-98 sensor harness kit should be used in place of the cushion assembly.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2015 Subaru Forester airbags problems
severe Owners of the 2015 Subaru Forester have filed 92 NHTSA complaints about the airbags, typically surfacing around 72,000 miles at roughly $1,100 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See airbags across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
92
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$1,100
| Model year | airbags complaints |
|---|---|
| 2011 Forester | 29 |
| 2012 Forester | 20 |
| 2013 Forester | 12 |
| 2014 Forester | 53 |
| 2015 Forester (this page) | 92 |
| 2016 Forester | 86 |
| 2017 Forester | 147 |
| 2018 Forester | 85 |
| 2019 Forester | 14 |
14crashes
11injuries
What stands out
Owners have filed 92 airbags complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Among the 20 model years of Subaru Forester in our records for airbags problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering airbags on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
This bulletin provides information regarding Event Data Recorder (EDR) functionality which has been incorporated into the airbag system.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2015-2018 model year Forester vehicles to replace the passenger-side front airbag Occupant Detection System (ODS) harness. A total of 366,282 U.S. vehicles will be affected by this recall.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Owner notification WUM-98 Forester Passenger-side Front Airbag ODS Recall.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This Bulletin provides information regarding Event Data Recorder (EDR) functionality which has been incorporated into the airbag system.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of 2015 Subaru Foresters describe two interrelated airbag safety issues. The first involves the occupant detection system (ODS)—the sensors that tell the car whether a passenger is present so the airbag knows when to deploy. Owners report the ODS harness or sensor mat fails, causing the passenger airbag to disable unpredictably, even when someone is sitting in that seat. The dashboard shows "Passenger Airbag OFF" and an SRS warning light comes on. Subaru issued recall WUM-98 (NHTSA 19V-701) in 2019 to address this, replacing the ODS harness at no cost. However, many owners report the same failure reoccurring months or years later, or their vehicle was excluded from the recall despite showing identical symptoms. When the sensor fails, dealers recommend replacing the entire seat bottom assembly for $895–$1,700; replacement parts are frequently backordered, with some owners waiting a year or more for availability. Subaru has refused warranty coverage for vehicles outside the original recall scope or for repeat failures post-recall.
The second issue involves airbag non-deployment during actual crashes. Owners report multiple instances where airbags failed to deploy in 20–40 mph collisions—including T-bone impacts and rear-end hits—resulting in serious injuries: compression fractures, broken ribs, concussions, whiplash, and head lacerations. Vehicles were declared total losses and sent to salvage yards. Additionally, owners using seat cushions or pillows for back support report the airbag system disables, and dealers offer no solution except to use the back seat.
Same Subaru Forester airbags reports on nearby years: 2013 · 2014 · 2016 · 2017 · 2018
Failure modes owners describe
Occupant Detection System (ODS) Harness Failure
The occupant detection system wiring harness malfunctions, causing the passenger airbag to disable intermittently or permanently even when someone is seated in the passenger seat. This was the subject of Recall WUM-98 (NHTSA 19V-701), yet owners report the same failure recurring months or years after the recall repair, or report being excluded from the recall despite having the identical malfunction.
When: Failures reported from 2018 onward; recurring failures reported in 2024-2025, sometimes within months of original recall repair
Symptoms owners cite: SRS airbag warning light illuminates; Passenger airbag shows 'OFF' on dashboard despite passenger being in seat; Intermittent behavior: airbag detection works sometimes, fails other times; Orange SRS warning indicator on center screen; Passenger seatbelt warning dings even with no passenger present
Codes mentioned: B1760, DTC B1760
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers recommend replacement of seat bottom/frame assembly (occupant detection sensor pad/mat) at cost of $895–$1,700 depending on labor; ODS harness replacement cost cited as $440.73. Replacement parts frequently on nationwide backorder with wait times up to 12 months. Earlier recall repair (harness replacement at no cost to owner) did not prevent recurrence in some cases.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall WUM-98 (NHTSA 19V-701) issued October 2019 for 2015–2018 Foresters with heated seats; limited to approximately 336,282 vehicles. Many owners report their VIN excluded despite matching recall description. Subaru has denied warranty coverage for out-of-warranty vehicles and for repeat failures post-recall. Some dealers authorized partial cost reimbursement in isolated cases.
Occupant Detection Sensor Mat Failure
The capacitive sensor mat in the passenger seat bottom fails to accurately detect passenger presence, causing erratic airbag enable/disable behavior independent of occupancy. This is distinct from the harness issue and requires replacement of the entire seat frame assembly.
When: Starting mid-2018 onward; can occur at any mileage, reported at 12,000–120,000+ miles
Symptoms owners cite: Passenger airbag turns OFF when passenger is present; Passenger airbag shows ON when seat is empty; SRS airbag warning light comes on; Detection behavior reverses: detects lighter passengers but not heavier ones (or vice versa); Problem may be intermittent or continuous
Codes mentioned: B1760
Repairs/costs cited: Full seat bottom/frame replacement recommended, estimated $895–$1,425 in parts and labor. Replacement seats frequently backordered with ETA as late as July 2025. Some owners report attempting DIY workarounds (capacitor installation to trick system into permanent 'occupied' state).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Subaru has largely declined warranty coverage citing age of vehicle (most 2015 models now 8–10 years old). No recall issued specifically for sensor mat failures. Customer Advocacy cases opened by some owners (e.g., Case #250528-1300198) but with limited resolution.
Airbag Non-Deployment in Moderate-Speed Collisions
Front and side airbags fail to deploy during crashes at 20–40 mph, including T-bone collisions, rear-end impacts, and frontal crashes. In multiple cases, occupants sustained serious injuries (fractures, concussions, lacerations, whiplash, compression fractures) that would likely have been mitigated by airbag protection.
When: Timing varies; failures documented from 2015 onward at low to moderate speeds (20–40 mph). One incident at very low speed (parking lot collision).
Symptoms owners cite: No airbag deployment during collision; No warning indicators present before crash (in most cases); Vehicle crumples without restraint protection for occupants
Codes mentioned:
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicles typically declared total loss and towed to salvage yards or junkyards. Limited post-incident diagnostic information available in narratives. One complaint (#41) notes spare tire dislodged from trunk and impacting driver due to lack of airbag and seat restraint function.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer responses varied. In one case (Complaint #5), manufacturer stated investigation was complete and 'everything was fine' but did not provide full report to owner. In another (#34), manufacturer stated 'many types of collision are not necessary for deployment of the air bag.' Vehicles often sent to salvage yards for inspection by NHTSA or manufacturer, but owners report delayed or unreported findings.
Airbag Deployment with Atypical Seating (Pillow/Cushion Use)
Passenger airbag fails to activate (or shows as OFF) when passenger sits on a pillow, cushion, or thin pad, even though airbag is functional. System uses capacitive sensing blocked by non-conductive materials between occupant and sensor mat.
When: Occurs whenever passenger uses pillow/cushion for back support
Symptoms owners cite: Passenger airbag OFF indicator illuminates when occupant uses pillow or pad; Airbag warning light appears in sunshine (difficult to notice); No audible warning of disabled airbag; Seatbelt buckle warning may activate instead
Codes mentioned:
Repairs/costs cited: No repair offered; design issue. Owner manual instructs users with disabilities or special needs to contact manufacturer but provides no solution. One owner reports purchasing vehicle as unusable spare car; cannot safely take on road.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Vehicle manual directs occupants needing support to use back seat. Manufacturer directs persons with disabilities to contact separately; no documented resolution. Dealers do not proactively warn buyers of this limitation.
Unintended Acceleration Leading to Structural Damage (Airbags Non-Functional)
Vehicle experiences unintended acceleration in parking situations, causing collisions with stationary objects (walls, structural supports, parked cars). Airbags do not deploy despite impact forces that would normally trigger them. Separate from airbag sensor issue, but linked to overall safety system failure.
When: Occurred during low-speed parking maneuvers; mileage 3,277–41,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine revs when gear is shifted to Drive (even at low speeds); Vehicle accelerates uncontrollably despite brake pedal depression; Multiple impacts with significant structural damage; Airbags fail to deploy despite substantial collision forces
Codes mentioned:
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicles typically towed after collisions; one owner noted inability to stop vehicle until it impacted multiple parked cars. No clear repair remedy described in narratives.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer stated 'IT WAS THE WAY THE CAR WORKED' when questioned about hesitation issues at stop lights/signs, despite owner bringing vehicle in for service five times. No diagnostic testing provided to owner. Vehicle was subject to separate recall (WTA-62, turbocharger air intake duct), but owner was not notified.
Side Airbag Over-Deployment During Rollover
Side airbag deploys during rollover event and pins passenger's head against window, causing bruising, possible concussion, and exposing passenger to additional injury risk from debris/objects that could impact the head while it is pinned.
When: During single 90-degree roll at approximately 55 mph
Symptoms owners cite: Side airbag deploys and pins passenger head to window; Passenger sustains bruising to head/face and possible mild concussion; Airbag deployment adds injury risk rather than providing protection
Codes mentioned:
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle available for inspection but no inspection completed at time of report. Only warning light present was for TPMS system (which was confirmed as a false alarm).
Synthesized from 92 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
Tl* the contact owns a 2015 Subaru forester. While driving 20 MPH through a green light, a vehicle crashed into the driver side of the contact's vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy. A police report was filed. The driver sustained injuries to the head and neck that required medical attention. The vehicle was repaired, but the specifics were unknown. The manufacturer was notified of the failure.…
Had airbags trouble with your 2015 Subaru Forester?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the airbags problem on the 2015 Subaru Forester?
It's a meaningful issue. 92 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $1,100.
At what mileage does the airbags typically fail?
Across the 34 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most airbags failures cluster between 40,000 and 98,000 miles, with the median around 72,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 40,000; a quarter make it past 98,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $1,100 for airbags repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to airbags?
No active recalls currently cover airbags issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2015/Subaru/Forester.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.