2022 Subaru Outback SRS Airbag (Supplemental Restraint System Airbag)
SRS Airbag (Supplemental Restraint System Airbag)
A supplemental Restraint System (SRS) name is used because the airbag system supplements the vehicle’s seatbelts. This vehicle is equipped with a supplemental restraint system which consists of eight airbags. The configurations are as follows.
- Driver’s and front passenger’s frontal airbags
- Driver’s and front passenger’s side airbags
- Front passenger’s seat cushion air-bags
- Curtain airbags (for the driver, front passenger, and window-side rear passengers)
- Knee airbag for the driver
These SRS airbags are designed only to be a supplement to the primary protection provided by the seatbelt. The system also controls front seatbelt pretensioners. For operation instructions and precautions concerning the seatbelt pretensioner, refer to “Seatbelt Pretensioners” P55.
General Precautions regarding SRS Airbag System
WARNING
- To obtain maximum protection in the event of an accident, the driver and all passengers must always wear seatbelts when in the vehicle.
- The SRS airbag is designed only to be a supplement to the primary protection provided by the seatbelt. It does not eliminate the need to fasten seatbelts. In combination with the seatbelts, it offers the best protection in case of a serious accident.
- Not wearing a seatbelt increases the chance of severe injury or death in a crash even when the vehicle has the SRS airbag.
- For instructions and precautions concerning the seatbelt system, refer to “Seatbelts” FP46.
- The SRS side airbags and SRS curtain airbags are designed only to be a supplement to the primary protection provided by the seatbelt. They do not eliminate the need to fasten seatbelts. It is also important to wear a seatbelt to help avoid injuries that can result when an occupant is not seated in a proper upright position.
WARNING
The SRS airbags deploy with considerable speed and force. Occupants who are not seated in a proper upright position when the SRS airbag deploys could suffer serious injury. Because the SRS airbag needs enough space for deployment, the driver should always sit upright and back in the seat as far from the steering wheel as practical while still maintaining full vehicle control, and the front passenger should move the seat as far back as possible and sit upright and well back in the seat.
WARNING
- Do not sit or lean close to either front door. The SRS side airbags are stored in both front seat seatbacks next to the door, and they provide protection by deploying rapidly in the event of a side impact collision. However, the force of SRS side airbag deployment can injure an occupant whose body is too close to an SRS airbag.
- Since your vehicle is equipped with SRS curtain airbags, do not sit or lean close to the front or rear door on either side. Do not put body parts out of the window.
The SRS curtain airbags on both sides of the cabin are stored in the roof side (between the front pillar and a point behind the rear quarter glass), and they provide protection by deploying rapidly in the event of a side-impact, rollover or an offset frontal collision. However, the force of its deployment can injure an occupant whose body is too close to an SRS airbag. - Do not sit or lean unnecessarily close to the SRS airbag. Because the SRS airbag deploys with considerable speed and force to protect in high-speed collisions, the force of an airbag can injure an occupant whose body is too close to the SRS airbag.
- It is also important to wear seatbelts to help avoid injuries that can result when the SRS airbag contacts an occupant not in their= proper position.
- Even when properly positioned, there remains a possibility that an occupant may suffer minor injury, such as abrasions and bruises to the face or arms, because of the SR’s airbag deployment force.
WARNING
- Keep arms away from either the front door or its internal trim. They could be injured in the event of SRS side airbag deployment.
- Do not place any objects over or near the SRS airbag cover or between you and the SRS airbag. If the SRS airbag deploys, these objects could interfere with its proper operation and could be propelled inside the vehicle, causing injury
CAUTION
- When the SRS airbag deploys, some smoke will be released. This smoke could cause breathing problems for people with a history of asthma or other breathing trouble. If you or your passengers have breathing problems after the SRS airbag deploys, get fresh air promptly.
- A deploying SRS airbag releases hot gas. Occupants could get burned if they come into direct contact with the hot gas.
General Precautions regarding SRS Airbag System for Accessories and Any Objects
WARNING
- Do not put any objects (including straps or cords) over the steering wheel pad, column cover, or dashboard.
- These objects could be entangled with the steering wheel, preventing the SRS frontal airbag, etc. from operating properly.
- If the SRS frontal airbag deploys, these objects could be propelled inside the vehicle, causing injury.
- Do not put any objects under the driver’s side of the instrument panel. If the SRS knee airbag deploys, those objects could interfere with its proper operation and could be propelled inside the vehicle, causing injury.
- The key must not be attached to heavy, sharp, or hard accessories, or another key. If the SRS knee airbag deploys, those objects could interfere with its proper operation and could be propelled inside the vehicle and cause injury.
WARNING
Do not attach accessories to the windshield, or fit an extra-wide mirror over the inside rearview mirror. If the SRS airbag deploys, those objects could become projectiles that could seriously injure vehicle occupants.
WARNING
- Do not attach accessories to the door trim or near either SRS side airbags and do not place objects near the SRS side airbags. In the event of SRS side airbag deployment, they could be propelled dangerously toward the vehicle’s occupants and cause injuries.
- Do not attach a hands-free microphone or any other accessory toa front pillar, a center pillar, a rear pillar, the windshield, a side window, an assist grip, or any other cabin surface that would be near a deploying SRS curtain airbag. A hands-free microphone or another accessory in such a location could be propelled through the cabin with great force by the curtain airbag, or it could prevent the correct deployment of the curtain airbag. In either case, the result could be serious injuries.
WARNING
- Do not hang coat hangers or other hard or pointed objects on the coat hook. If such items were hanging on the coat hooks during deployment of the SRS curtain airbags, they could cause serious injuries by coming off the coat hooks and being thrown through the cabin or by preventing deployment of the curtain airbags.
- Before hanging clothing on the coat hooks, make sure there are no sharp objects in the pockets. Hang clothing directly on the coat hooks without using hangers.
WARNING
- Do not put any kind of clothes or other objects over the driver’s seat and front passenger’s seatback and do not attach labels or stickers to the driver’s seat and front passenger’s seat surface on or near the SRS side airbag. They could prevent proper deployment of the SRS side airbag, reducing protection available to the driver’s seat and front passenger’s seat’s occupant.
- Do not install a seat cover unless it is a genuine SUBARU seat cover exclusively designed for use with the SRS airbag. Even when using a genuine SUBARU seat cover, the SRS side airbag system may not function normally if the seat cover is not installed correctly
General Precautions regarding SRS Airbag System and Children
WARNING
- Seat children in the rear seat properly restrained at all times. The SRS airbag deploys with considerable speed and force and can injure or even kill children, especially if they are not restrained or improperly restrained. Because children are lighter and weaker than adults, their risk of being injured from deployment is greater.
- For that reason, we strongly recommend that ALL children (including those in child restraint systems) sit in the REAR seat properly restrained at all times in a child restraint device or in a seatbelt, whichever is appropriate for the child’s age, height, and weight.
- Secure ALL types of child restraint systems (including forward-facing child restraint systems) in the REAR seats at all times.
- According to accident statistics, children are safer when properly restrained in the rear seating positions than in the front seating positions. For instructions and precautions concerning the child restraint system, refer to “Child Restraint Systems” P58.
WARNING
NEVER INSTALL A CHILD RESTRAINT SYSTEM IN THE FRONT PASSENGER’S SEAT. DOING SO RISKS SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH TO THE CHILD BY PLACING THE CHILD’S HEAD TOO CLOSE TO THE SRS AIRBAG.
WARNING
Never allow a child to stand up or kneel on the front passenger’s seat. The SRS airbag deploys with considerable force and can injure or even kill the child.
WARNING
Never hold a child on your lap or in your arms. The SRS airbag deploys with considerable force and can injure or even kill the child.
WARNING
- Never allow a child to do the following.
- Kneel on any passenger’s seat facing the side window.
- Wrap his/her arms around the front seat seatback.
- Put his/her head, arms or other parts of the body out of the window.
- In the event of an accident, the force of SRS side airbag and/or SRS curtain airbag deployment could injure the child seriously because his/her head, arms, or other parts of the body are too close to the SRS side airbag and/ or SRS curtain airbag.
- Since your vehicle is also equipped with a front passenger’s SRS frontal airbag, children should be placed in the rear seat anyway and should be properly restrained at all times
Components
- Driver’s SRS frontal airbag
- Front passenger’s SRS frontal airbag
- SRS side airbag
- SRS curtain airbag
- SRS seat cushion airbag
- SRS knee airbag
The SRS airbags are stowed in the following locations.
- Driver’s SRS frontal airbag: in the center portion of the steering wheel
An “SRS AIRBAG” mark is located on the pad of the airbag. - Front passenger’s SRS frontal airbag: near the top of the dashboard
An “SRS AIRBAG” mark is located on the right corner of the dashboard. - SRS side airbag: in the door side of each front seat cushion which bears an “SRS AIRBAG” mark
- SRS curtain airbag: in the roof side (between the front pillar and a point over the rear seat)
“SRS AIRBAG” marks are located at the top of each center pillar. - SRS seat cushion airbag: in the center console side of the front passenger’s seat cushion that bears an “SRS AIRBAG” label
- SRS knee airbag: under the steering column
An “SRS AIRBAG” mark is located at the door of the airbag.
- Airbag control module (including impact sensor and rollover sensor)
- Frontal airbag module (driver’s side)
- Frontal airbag module (front passenger’s side)
- Front-impact sensor (left-hand side)
- Front-impact sensor (right-hand side)
- Side airbag module (driver’s side)
- Side airbag module (front passenger’s side)
- Side impact sensor (center pillar left-hand side)
- Side impact sensor (center pillar right-hand side)
Airbag wiring - Seatbelt pretensioner and adaptive force limiter (driver’s side)
- Seatbelt pretensioner and adaptive force limiter (front passenger’s side)
- Side impact sensor (rear wheelhouse right-hand side)
- Side impact sensor (rear wheelhouse left-hand side)
- Curtain airbag module (right-hand side)
- Curtain airbag module (left-hand side)
- Seatbelt buckle switch (front passenger’s side)
- Knee airbag module (driver’s side)
- Front passenger’s occupant detection system sensor
- Front passenger’s frontal airbag ON and OFF indicator
- SRS airbag system warning light
- Side impact sensor (under the rear center seat)
- Side impact sensor (front door left-hand side)
- Side impact sensor (front door right-hand side)
- Seat cushion airbag module (front passenger’s side)
- Lap belt pretensioner (driver’s side)
- Driver’s seat position sensor
- Passenger’s seat position sensor
- Rear seatbelt pretensioner (front passenger’s side)
- Rear seatbelt pretensioner (driver’s side)
SUBARU Advanced Frontal Airbag System, SRS Seat Cushion Airbag, SRS Side Airbag, and SRS Curtain Air-bag
- This vehicle is equipped with a SUBARU advanced frontal airbag system that complies with the new advanced frontal airbag requirements in the amended Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 208.
- The SUBARU advanced frontal airbag system automatically determines the deployment force of the driver’s SRS frontal airbag at the time of deployment as well as whether or not to activate the front passenger’s SRS frontal airbag and, if activated, the deployment force of the SRS frontal airbag at the time of deployment.
- This vehicle has warning labels on the driver’s and front passenger’s sun visors beginning with the phrase “EVEN WITH ADVANCED AIRBAGS” and a tag attached to the glove box lid beginning with the phrase “Even with Advanced Air Bags”. Make sure that you carefully read the instructions on the warning labels and tag.
- Always wear your seatbelt. The SUBARU advanced frontal airbag system is a supplemental restraint system and must be used in combination with a seatbelt. All occupants should wear a seatbelt or be seated in an appropriate child restraint system.
- This vehicle is equipped with a SUBARU SRS curtain airbag system that complies with the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 226.
- For the locations of the SRS airbags, refer to “Components” P85.
- In a moderate to severe frontal collision, the following components deploy.
- SRS frontal airbag for the driver
- SRS frontal airbag for the front passenger. SRS seat cushion airbags for the front passenger
- SRS curtain airbag*1
- SRS knee airbag for the driver
- When an offset frontal collision that is severe enough to deploy the front airbag occurs. These components supplement the seat belts by reducing the impact on the occupant’s head, chest, and knees.
- In a moderate to severe side-impact collision, the SRS side airbag on the impacted side of the vehicle deploys between the occupant and the door panel and supplements the seatbelt by reducing the impact to the occupant’s chest and waist.
- In a moderate to severe side-impact collision, the SRS curtain airbag on the impacted side of the vehicle deploys between the occupant and the side window and supplements the seatbelt by reducing the impact on the occupant’s head.
NOTE
The SRS side airbag and seatbelt pre-tensioner are not controlled by the SUBARU advanced frontal airbag system.
Driver’s SRS frontal airbag
The driver’s SRS frontal airbag uses a dual-stage inflator. The inflator operates in different ways depending on the severity of impact. 
Have the system inspected by your SUBARU dealer immediately if the SRS airbag system warning light illuminates
Front passenger’s SRS frontal airbag
The front passenger’s SRS frontal airbag uses a dual-stage inflator. The inflator operates in different ways depending on the severity of impact.
- Occupant detection sensors
- The occupant detection system sensors are installed between the seat and seat rails and monitor the physique and posture of the front passenger. Using this information, the occupant detection system determines whether the front passenger’s SRS frontal airbag should be deployed or not.
- The occupant detection system may not inflate the front passenger’s SRS frontal airbag even when the driver’s SRS frontal airbag deploys. This is normal. In this case, although the front passenger’s SRS frontal airbag does not operate, the front passenger’s seatbelt pretensioner operates with the driver’s seatbelt pretensioner. For details about the seatbelt pretensioner, refer to “Seatbelt Pretensioners” P55.
CAUTION
Observe the following precautions. Failure to do so may prevent the SUBARU advanced frontal airbag system from functioning correctly or cause the system to fail.
- Do not apply any strong impact to the front passenger’s seat such as by kicking.
- Do not let rear passengers rest their feet between the front seatback and seat cushion.
- Do not spill liquid on the front passenger’s seat. If the liquid is spilled, wipe it off immediately.
- Do not remove or disassemble the front passenger’s seat.
- Do not install any accessory (such as an audio amplifier) other than a genuine SUBARU accessory under the front passenger’s seat.
- Do not place anything (shoes, umbrella, etc.) under the front passenger’s seat.
- Do not place any objects (books, etc.) around the front passenger’s seat.
- Do not use the front passenger’s seat with the head restraint removed.
- Do not leave any articles on the front passenger’s seat or the seatbelt tongue and buckle engaged when you leave your vehicle.
- Do not put sharp object(s) on the seat or pierce the seat upholstery.
- Do not place a magnet near the seatbelt buckle and the seatbelt retractor.
- Do not use front seats with their backward-forward position and seatback not being locked into place securely. If any of them are not locked securely, adjust them again. For adjusting procedure, refer to “Manual Seat” P31 (models equipped with manual seats only).
- If the seatbelt buckle switch and/or front passenger’s occupant detection system has failed, the SRS airbag system warning light will illuminate. Have the system inspected by your SUBARU dealer immediately if the SRS airbag system warning light illuminates.
- If your vehicle has sustained impact, this may affect the proper function of the SUBARU advanced frontal airbag system.
- Has your vehicle been inspected at your SUBARU dealer? Do not use the front passenger’s seat while driving the vehicle to your SUBARU dealer.
NOTE
The front passenger’s SRS side airbag and SRS curtain airbag are not controlled by the SUBARU advanced frontal airbag system
Passenger’s frontal airbag ON and OFF indicators
Dual 7.0-inch display models
Front passenger’s frontal airbag ON indicator
Front passenger’s frontal airbag OFF indicator
11.6-inch display models
- Front passenger’s frontal airbag ON indicator
- Front passenger’s frontal airbag OFF indicator
Refer to “Front Passenger’s Frontal Airbag ON and OFF Indicators” P183.
Occupant detection system
- Occupant detection sensors
The occupant detection system sensors are installed between the seat and seat rails, and monitor the physique and posture of the front passenger. Using this information, the occupant detection system determines whether the front passenger’s SRS frontal airbag and front passenger’s SRS seat cushion airbag should be deployed or not.
WARNING
Do not kick the front passenger seat or subject it to severe impact. Otherwise, the SRS airbag system warning light may illuminate to indicate a malfunction of the front passenger occupant detection system. In this case, contact your SUBARU dealer immediately
CAUTION
- Electrical devices, such as cell phones, laptops, portable music players, or electronic games, especially when connected to the accessory power outlet and placed on the front passenger’s seat or used by the person sitting in the front passenger’s seat, may affect the operation of the occupant detection system.
- If either of the following situations occurs when using an electronic device in the vehicle, at first try to relocate that device to avoid it creating any interference.
- The SRS airbag system warning light illuminates.
- The front passenger’s frontal airbag ON and OFF indicators operate erratically.
- If the device continues to cause interference, the use of that device in the vehicle should be discontinued.
SRS airbag system warning light
If the front passenger’s seat cushion is wet, this may adversely affect the ability of the system to determine deployment. Wipe off liquid from the seat, let the seat dry naturally and then check the SRS airbag system warning light.
Dual 7.0-inch display models
- Front passenger’s frontal airbag ON indicator
- Front passenger’s frontal airbag OFF indicator
11.6-inch display models
Front passenger’s frontal airbag ON indicator
Front passenger’s frontal airbag OFF indicator
If the front passenger’s frontal airbag ON and OFF indicators do not work properly even when the front passenger’s seat is dry, do not allow anyone to sit on the front passenger’s seat and have the occupant detection system checked by your SUBARU dealer.
Dual 7.0-inch display models
- Front passenger’s frontal airbag ON indicator
- Front passenger’s frontal airbag OFF indicator
11.6-inch display models
- Front passenger’s frontal airbag ON indicator
- Front passenger’s frontal airbag OFF indicator
- Also, if luggage or electronic devices are placed on the front passenger’s seat, this may adversely affect the ability of the system to determine deployment. This may prevent the front passenger’s frontal airbag ON and OFF indicators from working properly. Check that the indicators work properly.
- When the OFF indicator turns off and the ON indicator illuminates, the front passenger’s frontal air bag may deploy during a collision. Remove luggage and electronic devices from the front passenger’s seat.
Conditions in which the front passenger’s SRS frontal airbag is not activated
The front passenger’s SRS frontal airbag will not be activated when any of the following conditions are met regarding the front passenger’s seat:
- The seat is empty.
- The seat is equipped with an appropriate child restraint system and an infant or a child is restrained in it. (See WARNING that follows.)
- The front passenger’s occupant detection system is malfunctioning
WARNING
NEVER INSTALL A CHILD RESTRAINT SYSTEM IN THE FRONT PASSENGER’S SEAT EVEN IF THE FRONT PASSENGER’S SRS FRONTAL AIRBAG IS DEACTIVATED. Be sure to install it in the REAR seat in the correct manner. Also, it is strongly recommended that any forward facing child seat or booster seat be installed in the REAR seat and that even children who have outgrown a child restraint system be also seated in the REAR seat. This is because children sitting in the front passenger’s seat may be killed or severely injured should the front passenger’s SRS frontal airbag deploy. REAR seats are the safest place for children.
CAUTION
When the front passenger’s seat is occupied by an infant in an appropriate child restraint system, observe the following precautions. Failure to do so may increase the load on the front passenger’s seat, activating the front passenger’s SRS frontal airbag even though that seat is occupied by an infant.
- Do not place any article on the seat other than the infant in the child restraint system.
- Do not place more than one infant in the child restraint system.
- Do not install any accessory such as a table or TV onto the seatback.
- Do not store a heavy load in the seatback pocket.
- Do not allow the rear seat occupant to place his/her hands or legs on the front passenger’s seatback, or allow him/her to pull the seatback.
If the front passenger’s frontal airbag ON indicator illuminates and the OFF indicator turns off even when an infant or a small child is in a child restraint system (including booster seat)
Dual 7.0-inch display models
- Front passenger’s frontal airbag ON indicator
- Front passenger’s frontal airbag OFF indicator
11.6-inch display models
- Front passenger’s frontal airbag ON indicator
- Front passenger’s frontal airbag OFF indicator
- Turn the ignition switch to the “LOCK”/“OFF” position.
- Remove the child restraint system from the seat.
- By referring to the child restraint manufacturer’s recommendations as well as the child restraint system installation procedures in “Child Restraint Systems” P58, correctly install the child restraint system.
- Turn the ignition switch to the “ON” position and make sure that the front passenger’s frontal airbag ON indicator turns off and the OFF indicator illuminates
If still the ON indicator remains illuminated while the OFF indicator turns off, take the following actions.
- Ensure that no article is placed on the seat other than the child restraint system and the child occupant.
- Ensure that the backward-forward position and seatback of front passenger’s seat are locked into place securely by moving the seat back and forth. (Models equipped with manual seats only)
- Ensure that there is no article left in the seatback pocket.
If the ON indicator still remains illuminated while the OFF indicator turns off after taking relevant corrective actions described above, relocate the child restraint system to the rear seat and immediately contact your SUBARU dealer for an inspection.
NOTE
- When a child who has outgrown a child restraint system or a small adult is seated in the front passenger’s seat, the SUBARU advanced frontal airbag system may or may not activate the front passenger’s SRS frontal airbag depending on the occupant’s seating posture. Children should always wear a seatbelt when sitting in the seat irrespective of whether the airbag is deactivated or activated. If the front passenger’s SRS frontal airbag is activated (the ON indicator remains illuminated while the OFF indicator turns off), take the following actions.
- Ensure that no article is placed on the seat other than the occupant. If the ON indicator still remains illuminated while the OFF indicator turns off despite the fact that the actions noted above have been taken, seat the child/ small adult in the rear seat and immediately contact your SUBARU dealer for an inspection. Even if the system has passed the dealer inspection, it is recommended that on subsequent trips the child/small adult always take the rear seat.
Children who have outgrown a child restraint system should always wear the seatbelt irrespective of whether the airbag is deactivated or activated
Conditions in which front passenger’s SRS frontal airbag is activated
- The front passenger’s SRS frontal airbag will be activated for deployment upon impact when any of the following conditions are met regarding the front passenger’s seat.
- When the seat is occupied by an adult.
- When certain items (e.g. jug of water) are placed on the seat. When the front passenger’s seat is occupied by an adult, observe the following precautions. Failure to do so may lessen the load on the front passenger’s seat, deactivating the front passenger’s SRS frontal airbag despite the fact that the seat is occupied by an adult. This may result in personal injury.
- Do not allow the rear seat occupant to lift the front passenger’s seat cushion using his/her feet.
- Do not place any article under the front passenger’s seat, or squeeze any article from behind and under the seat. This may lift the seat cushion.
- Do not squeeze any article between the front passenger’s seat and side trim/pillar, door or center console box. This may lift the seat cushion
If the passenger’s frontal airbag OFF indicator illuminates and the ON indicator turns off even when the front passenger’s seat is occupied by an adult.
Dual 7.0-inch display models
- Front passenger’s frontal airbag ON indicator
- Front passenger’s frontal airbag OFF indicator
11.6-inch display models
- Front passenger’s frontal airbag ON indicator
- Front passenger’s frontal airbag OFF indicator
This can be caused by the adult incorrectly sitting in the front passenger’s seat.
- Turn the ignition switch to the “LOCK”/“OFF” position.
- Ask the front passenger to set the seatback to the upright position, sit up straight in the center of the seat cushion, correctly fasten the seatbelt, position his/ her legs out forward, and adjust the seat to the rearmost position.
- Turn the ignition switch to the “ON” position
If the OFF indicator remains illuminated while the ON indicator remains off, take the following actions.
- Turn the ignition switch to the “LOCK”/“OFF” position.
- Make sure that the front passenger does not use a blanket, extra seat cushion, seat cover, extra seat heater or massager, etc.
- If wearing excessive layers of clothing, the front passenger should remove any unnecessary items before sitting in the front passenger’s seat, or should sit in a rear seat.
- Turn the ignition switch to the “ON” position and wait 6 seconds to allow the system to complete self-checking. Following the system check, both indicators turn off for 2 seconds. Now, the ON indicator should illuminate while the OFF indicator remains off.
Operation
- A) Driver’s side
- B) Passenger’s side
- 1) SRS AIRBAGs deploy as soon as a collision occurs.
- 2) After deployment, SRS AIRBAGs start to deflate immediately so that the driver’s vision is not obstructed
- The SRS airbags can function only when the ignition switch is in the “ON” position.
- The SUBARU advanced frontal airbag system is designed to determine the activation or deactivation condition of the front passenger’s SRS frontal airbag depending on the characteristic of the item(s) or person on the front passenger’s seat monitored by the front passenger’s occupant detection system sensor. For this reason, only the driver’s SRS frontal airbag may deploy in the event of a collision, but this does not mean failure of the system.
- If the following sensors detect a predetermined amount of force during a frontal collision, the control module sends signals to the airbag module(s) (only the driver’s module or both driver’s and front passenger’s modules) instructing the module(s) to inflate the SRS frontal airbag(s).
- The front impact sensors
- The impact sensors in the airbag control module
- On the driver’s side, the SRS knee airbag also inflates with the SRS frontal airbag.
- The driver’s and front passenger’s SRS frontal airbags use dual-stage inflators.
- The two inflators of each airbag are triggered either sequentially or simultaneously, depending on the severity of impact, in the case of the driver’s SRS frontal airbag and depending on the severity of impact and the characteristic of item(s) or person on the seat in the case of the front passenger’s SRS frontal airbag
After deployment
- After deployment, the SRS airbag immediately starts to deflate so that the driver’s vision is not obstructed and the driver’s ability to maintain control of the vehicle is not impaired. The time required from detecting impact to the deflation of the SRS airbag after deployment is shorter than the blink of an eye.
- Both when only the driver’s SRS frontal airbag deploys and the driver’s and front passenger’s SRS frontal airbags deploy, the driver’s and front passenger’s seatbelt pretensioners operate at the same time. When the SRS airbag deploys, a sudden, fairly loud inflation noise will be heard and some smoke will be released. These occurrences are a normal result of the deployment. This smoke does not indicate a fire in the vehicle.
CAUTION
Do not touch the SRS airbag system components around the steering wheel and dashboard with bare hands right after deployment. Doing so can cause burns because the components can be very hot as a result of deployment
Example of the type of accident
The driver’s SRS frontal airbag and front passenger’s SRS frontal airbag are designed as follows.
- To deploy in the event of an accident involving a moderate to severe frontal collision
- To function on a one-time-only basis The driver’s SRS frontal airbag and front passenger’s SRS frontal airbag are not designed as follows.
- To deploy in most lesser frontal impacts* 1
- To deploy in most side or rear impacts or in most rollover accidents*2
- Because the necessary protection can be achieved by the seatbelt alone.
- Because deployment of only the driver’s SRS frontal airbag or both the driver’s and front passenger’s SRS frontal airbags would not protect the occupant in those situations.
SRS airbag deployment depends on the level of force experienced in the passenger compartment during a collision. That level differs from one type of collision to another, and it may have no bearing on the visible damage done to the vehicle itself
Example of an accident in which the driver’s/driver’s and front passenger’s SRS frontal airbag(s) will most likely deploy
A head-on collision against a thick concrete wall at a vehicle speed of 12 to 19 mph (20 to 30 km/h) or higher activates only the driver’s SRS frontal airbag or both driver’s and front passenger’s SRS frontal airbags. The airbag(s) will also be activated when the vehicle is exposed to a frontal impact similar in fashion and magnitude to the collision described above.
Examples of the types of accidents in which it is possible that the driver’s/driver’s and front passenger’s SRS frontal airbag(s) will deploy
Only the driver’s SRS frontal airbag or both driver’s and front passenger’s SRS frontal airbags may be activated when the vehicle sustains a hard impact in the undercarriage area from the road surface (such as when the vehicle plunges into a deep ditch, is severely impacted or knocked hard against an obstacle on the road such as a curb).
Examples of the types of accidents in which deployment of the driver’s/driver’s and front passenger’s SRS frontal airbag(s) is unlikely to occur
- The vehicle strikes an object, such as a telephone pole or sign pole.
- The vehicle slides under the load bed of a truck.
- The vehicle sustains an oblique offset frontal impact.
- The vehicle sustains an offset frontal collision.
- The vehicle strikes an object that can move or deform, such as a parked vehicle.
There are many types of collisions that might not necessarily require the deployment of the driver’s/driver’s and front passenger’s SRS frontal airbag(s). In the event of accidents like those illustrated, the driver’s/driver’s and front passenger’s SRS frontal airbag(s) may not deploy depending on the level of accident forces involved.
Examples of the types of accidents in which the driver’s/dri-ver’s and front passenger’s SRS frontal airbag(s) are not designed to deploy in most cases
The driver’s and front passenger’s SRS frontal airbags are not designed to deploy in most of the following cases.
- If the vehicle is struck from the side or from behind
- If the vehicle rolls onto its side or roof . If the vehicle is involved in a low-speed frontal collision
- First impact
- Second impact
In an accident where the vehicle is impacted more than once, the driver’s and/or front passenger’s SRS frontal airbag(s) will deploy only once on the first impact. Example: In the case of a double collision, first with another vehicle, then against a concrete wall in immediate succession, once either or both of the driver’s and front passenger’s SRS frontal airbags is/are activated on the first impact, it/they will not be activated on the second impact.
SRS seat cushion airbag operation
- Passenger’s side
WARNING
The SRS seat cushion airbag is designed not to deploy when the seatbelt for the corresponding seat is not fastened. For safety, all persons in the vehicle should fasten their seatbelts. about the operating conditions, refer to “SUBARU Advanced Frontal Airbag System, SRS Seat Cushion Airbag, SRS Side Airbag, and SRS Curtain Airbag” P87. The front passenger’s SRS seat cushion airbag is designed not to deploy in either of the following conditions.
- The front passenger’s seatbelt is not fastened (even when the front passenger’s frontal airbag ON indicator illuminates while the OFF indicator remains off).
- The front passenger’s frontal airbag ON indicator is off while the OFF indicator illuminates.
NOTE
When the front passenger’s SRS frontal airbag is deactivated by the occupant detection system, the front passenger’s SRS seat cushion airbag is also deactivated.
SRS Side Airbag and SRS Curtain Airbag
SRS side airbag
The SRS side airbag is stored on the door side of each front seat seatback, which bears an “SRS AIRBAG” mark. In a moderate to severe side-impact collision, the SRS side airbag on the impacted side of the vehicle deploys between the occupant and the door panel and supplements the seatbelt by reducing the impact on the occupant’s chest and waist. The SRS side airbag operates only for front-seat occupants.
SRS curtain airbag
- Your vehicle is equipped with a SUBARU SRS curtain airbag system that complies with the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 226.
- The SRS curtain airbag on each side of the cabin is stored in the roof side (between the front pillar and a point over the rear seat). An “SRS AIRBAG” mark is located at the top of each center pillar. In a moderate to severe side-impact collision, the SRS curtain airbag on the impacted side of the vehicle deploys between the occupant and the side window and supplements the seatbelt by reducing the impact on the occupant’s head.
- In a rollover, SRS curtain airbags on both sides of the vehicle deploy between the occupant and the side window and supplement the seatbelt by reducing the impact to the occupant’s head.
- In an offset frontal collision, SRS curtain airbags on both sides of the vehicle deploy between the occupant and the side window and supplement the seatbelt by reducing the impact to the occupant’s head and chest.
Operation
The SRS side airbag and SRS curtain airbag can function only when the ignition switch is in the “ON” position. The following airbags deploy independently of each other since each has its own impact sensor.
- Driver’s SRS side airbag
- Front passenger’s SRS side airbag
- SRS curtain airbag (right-hand side)
- SRS curtain airbag (left-hand side)
Therefore, they may not both deploy in the same accident. Also, the SRS side airbag and SRS curtain airbag deploy independently of the driver’s and front passenger’s SRS frontal airbags in the steering wheel and instrument panel. For the locations of the sensors and control modules, refer to “Components” P85.
After deployment
- After the deployment, the SRS side airbag immediately starts to deflate. The time required from detection of an impact to deflation of an SRS side airbag after deployment is shorter than the blink of an eye.
- The SRS curtain airbag remains inflated for a while following deployment then slowly deflates.
- The SRS side airbag and SRS curtain airbag deploy even when no one occupies the seat on the side on which an impact is applied.
- When the SRS side airbag and SRS curtain airbag deploy, a sudden, fairly loud inflation noise will be heard and some smoke will be released. These occurrences are a normal result of the deployment.
- This smoke does not indicate a fire in the vehicle.
CAUTION
- Do not touch the SRS side airbag system components around the front seat seatback with bare hands right after deployment. Doing so can cause burns because the components can be very hot as a result of deployment.
- After deployment, do not touch any part of the SRS curtain airbag system (from the front pillar to the part of the roof side over the rear seat). Doing so can cause burns because the components can be very hot as a result of deployment.
Example of the type of accident The SRS side airbag and SRS curtain airbag is designed as follows:
- To deploy in the event of an accident involving a moderate to severe side impact collision
- To function on a one-time-only basis The SRS side airbag and SRS curtain airbag are not designed to deploy in the following cases:
- In most lesser side impacts. In most frontal or most rear impacts (because the SRS side airbag and SRS curtain airbag deployment would not protect the occupant in those situations) The
SRS curtain airbags are also designed to deploy when the vehicle is in an extremely inclined state such as during a rollover. They are not designed to deploy in a most lesser inclined state.
SRS side airbag and SRS curtain airbag deployment depend on the level of force experienced in the passenger compartment during a side-impact collision. That level differs from one type of collision to another, and it may have no bearing on the visible damage done to the vehicle itself..
Example of the type of accident in which the SRS side airbag will most likely deploy
- A severe side impact near the front seat
Examples of the types of accidents in which the SRS curtain airbag will most likely deploy
- The vehicle is involved in a severe side impact near the front seat or the rear seat.
- The vehicle rolls onto its side or the roof.
- The angle of vehicle tip-up is marginal or the skidding vehicle’s tires hit a curbstone laterally.
- An offset frontal collision that is severe enough to deploy the front airbag
Examples of the types of accidents in which it is possible that the SRS side airbag and the SRS curtain airbag will deploy
- Hitting a curb, edge of pavement or hard surface
- Falling into or jumping over a deep hole
- Landing hard or vehicle falling
It is possible that the SRS side and curtain airbags will deploy if a serious impact occurs to the underside of your vehicle. Some examples are shown in the illustration.
Examples of the types of accidents in which the SRS side airbag is unlikely to deploy
- The vehicle is involved in an oblique side-on impact.
- The vehicle is involved in a side-on impact in an area outside the vicinity of the passenger compartment.
- The vehicle strikes a telephone pole or similar object.
- The vehicle is involved in a side-on impact from a motorcycle.
- The vehicle rolls onto its side or the roof.
There are many types of collisions that might not necessarily require SRS side airbag deployment. In the event of accidents like those illustrated, the SRS side airbag may not deploy depending on the level of accident forces involved.
Examples of the types of accidents in which the SRS curtain airbag is unlikely to deploy
- The vehicle is involved in an oblique sideon impact.
- The vehicle is involved in a side-on impact in an area outside the vicinity of the passenger compartment.
- The vehicle strikes a telephone pole or similar object.
- The vehicle is involved in a side-on impact with a motorcycle.
There are many types of collisions that might not necessarily require SRS curtain airbag deployment. In the event of accidents like those illustrated, the SRS curtain airbag may not deploy depending on the level of accident forces involved
Examples of the types of accidents in which the SRS side airbag and SRS curtain airbag are not designed to deploy in most cases
- The vehicle is involved in a frontal collision with another vehicle (moving or stationary).
- The vehicle is struck from behind.
- The vehicle pitches end over end
In the event of accidents like those illustrated, the SRS side airbag and SRS curtain airbag are not designed to deploy in most cases.
- 1) the First impact
- 2) the Second impact
- A) SRS curtain airbag
- B) SRS side airbag
In an accident where the vehicle is struck from the side more than once, the SRS side airbag and SRS curtain airbag deploy only once on the first impact.
Example: In the case of a double side-impact collision, first with one vehicle and immediately followed by another from the same direction, once the SRS side airbag and SRS curtain airbag are activated on the first impact, they will not be activated on the second.
SRS Airbag System Monitors
A diagnostic system continually monitors the readiness of the SRS airbag system (including seatbelt pretensioners) with the ignition switch in the “ON” position. The SRS airbag system warning light will show normal system operation by illuminating for approximately 6 seconds when the ignition switch is turned to the “ON” position
The following components are monitored by the indicator:
- Front-impact sensor
- Right-hand side
- Left-hand side
- Airbag control module (including impact sensor and rollover sensor)
- Frontal airbag module
- Driver’s side
- Front passenger’s side
- Knee airbag module
- Driver’s side
- Seat cushion airbag module
- Front passenger’s side
- Side impact sensor
- Center pillar left-hand side
- Center pillar right-hand side
- Forward of rear wheelhouse lefthand side
- Forward of rear wheelhouse righthand side
- Front door left-hand side
- Front door right-hand side
- Under the rear center seat
- Side airbag module
- Driver’s side
- Front passenger’s side
- Curtain airbag module
- Right-hand side
- Left-hand side
- Seatbelt pretensioner and adaptive force limiter
- Driver’s side
- Front passenger’s side
- Lap belt pretensioner
- Driver’s side
- Seatbelt buckle switch
- Front passenger’s side
- Front passenger’s occupant detection system sensor
- Front passenger’s frontal airbag ON and OFF indicator
- All related wiring
- Rear seatbelt pretensioner
- Driver’s side
- Passenger’s side
- Seat position sensor
- Driver’s side
- Passenger’s side
WARNING
If the warning light exhibits any of the following conditions, there may be a malfunction in the seatbelt pretensioners and/or SRS airbag system.
- Flashing or flickering of the warning light
- No illumination of the warning light when the ignition switch is first turned to the “ON” position
- Continuous illumination of the warning light
- Illumination of the warning light while driving
Immediately take your vehicle to your nearest SUBARU dealer to have the system checked. Unless checked and properly repaired, the seatbelt pretensioners and/or SRS airbag will not operate properly in the event of a collision, which may increase the risk of injury
SRS Airbag System Servicing
WARNING
- When discarding an airbag module or scrapping the entire vehicle damaged by a collision, consult your SUBARU dealer.
- The SRS airbag has no userserviceable parts. Do not use electrical test equipment on any circuit related to the SRS airbag system. For required servicing of the SRS airbag, consult your nearest SUBARU dealer. Tampering with or disconnecting the system’s wiring could result in accidental inflation of the SRS airbag or could make the system inoperative, which may result in serious injury.
CAUTION
If you need service or repair in areas indicated in the following list, have the work performed by an authorized SUBARU dealer. The SRS airbag control module, impact sensors and airbag modules are stored in these areas.
- Under the center of the instrument panel
- On both the right and left sides at the front of the vehicle
- Steering wheel and column and nearby areas
- Bottom of the steering column and nearby areas
- Top of the dashboard on the front passenger’s side and nearby areas
- Each front seat and nearby area
- Inside each center pillar
- Inside each front door
- In each roof side (from the front pillar to a point over the rear seat)
- Between the rear seat cushion and rear wheelhouse on each side.
- Under the rear center seat
In the event that the SRS airbag is deployed, replacement of the system should be performed only by an authorized SUBARU dealer. When the components of the SRS airbag system are replaced, use only genuine SUBARU parts
NOTE
In the following cases, contact your SUBARU dealer as soon as possible.
- The front part of the vehicle was involved in an accident in which only the driver’s SRS frontal airbag or both driver’s and front passenger’s SRS frontal airbags did not deploy.
- The pad of the steering wheel, the cover over the front passenger’s SRS frontal airbag, or either roof side (from the front pillar to a point over the rear seat) is scratched, cracked, or otherwise damaged.
- The center pillar, front door, rear wheel house or rear subframe, or an area near these parts, was involved in an accident in which the SRS side airbag and SRS curtain airbag did not deploy.
- The fabric or leather of either front seatback is cut, frayed, or otherwise damaged.
- The rear part of the vehicle was involved in an accident in which no SRS airbag was deployed
Precautions against Vehicle Modification
WARNING
- To avoid accidental activation of the system or rendering the system inoperative, which may result in serious injury, no modifications should be made to any components or wiring of the SRS airbag system. This includes the following modifications.
- Installation of custom steering wheels
- Attachment of additional trim materials to the dashboard
- Installation of custom seats
- Replacement of seat fabric or leather
- Installation of additional fabric or leather on the front seat
- Attachment of a hands-free microphone or any other accessory to a front pillar, a center pillar, a rear pillar, the windshield, a side window, an assist grip, or any other cabin surface that would be near a deploying SRS curtain airbag.
- Installation of additional electrical/electronic equipment such as a mobile two-way radio on or near the SRS airbag system components and/ or wiring is not advisable. This could interfere with the proper operation of the SRS airbag system.
- Modifications on or inside the front door panels for the purpose of a speaker replacement or sound insulation
- The impact sensors, which detect the pressure of an impact, are located in the doors. Do not modify any components of the doors or door trims, such as the addition of door speakers for example. Any modifications to the doors will create a risk of the airbag system becoming inoperative or unintended airbag deployment.
CAUTION
Do not perform any of the following modifications. Such modifications can interfere with the proper operation of the SRS airbag system.
- Attachment of any equipment (bush bar, winches, snow plow, skid plate, etc.) other than genuine SUBARU accessory parts to the front end.
- Modification of the suspension system or front-end structure.
- Installation of a tire of different sizes and construction from the tires specified on the vehicle placard attached to the driver’s door pillar or specified for individual vehicle models in this Owner’s Manual.
- Attachment of any equipment (side steps or side sill protectors, etc.) other than genuine SUBARU accessory parts to the side body.
Always consult your SUBARU dealer if you want to install any accessory parts on your vehicle
How to Contact the Vehicle Manufacturer concerning Modifications for Persons with Disabilities That May Affect the Advanced Airbag System
Changing or moving any parts of the front seats, rear seat, seatbelts, front bumper, front side frame, radiator panel, instrument panel, combination meter, steering wheel, steering column, tire, suspension, or floor panel can affect the operation of the SUBARU advanced airbag system. If you have any questions, you may contact the following SUBARU distributors
<Hawaii>
- Subaru Hawaii 2850-A Pukoloa St., Honolulu, HI 96819
- 877-215-0338
<Guam>
- Shen’s Corporation dba Prestige Automobiles 491 East Marine Corps Drive, Dededo, Guam 96929
- 671-633-2698
<Puerto Rico>
- Trebol Motors 296 Marginal JF Kennedy, San Juan, Puerto Rico
- 787-793-2828
<Canada>
- Subaru Canada, Inc. Consumer Support Department 560 Suffolk Court, Mississauga, Ontario L5R 4J7
- 1-800-894-4212
There are currently no SUBARU distributors in any other U.S. territories. If you are in such an area, please contact the SUBARU distributor or dealer from which you bought your vehicle.