Subaru Forester: SRS airbag (Supplemental Restraint System airbag) / 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.

1. Occupant detection system 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”.

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 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 forward-backward 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 “Forward and backward adjustment” and “Reclining the seatback”.

SRS airbag system warning light

If the seatbelt buckle switch and/or front passenger’s occupant detection system have 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. Have your vehicle 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.