32K Imprezas fall under Subaru Recall over Problems with Airbags

Subaru makes a recall for almost 32,000 Impreza sedans because of a problem with their airbag sensor.

This sensor can function inappropriately in the passenger seat in some 2012 Impreza vehicles. Such malfunction can cause the airbag to turn off even if a passenger is there.

It was noticed that a capacitance sensor starts functioning improperly when somebody uses a cell phone in the vehicle. Moreover, the issue happens if someone has damp clothes while seated or when that person is touching a grounded part of the car, for example, the seat adjustment lever. The problem arises even if water falls on the seat or when a cell phone is simply left on the seat.

The automaker started the recall after NHTSA began an official investigation concerning the problem. It has received 26 complaints from the customers. The Japanese company assures that it has already paid more than 25000 warranty claims because of the issue.

The automaker’s dealers will reprogram the airbag sensor and in such a way get rid of the problem.