Recall: passenger occupant detection wiring can be pinched, Impreza (incl. WRX) 2006
Added · Updated
What causes "Recall: passenger occupant detection wiring can be pinched, Impreza (incl. WRX) 2006" on the Subaru WRX (GD/GG, 2002-2007), and how is it fixed?
On certain 2006 Imprezas (incl. Fix: Check by VIN; dealers inspected the harness routing, repaired any damaged wiring, rerouted and secured the harness, and recalibrated the occupant detection system as needed.
Symptoms
The NHTSA record names no warning sign. Its stated risk: the front passenger airbag could be disabled and not deploy in a crash, and a short circuit could cause a fire.
Cause
On certain 2006 Imprezas (incl. WRX; the bulletin goes by VIN range, not trim) and Foresters, the wiring harness for the front passenger seat's airbag occupant detection system may have been pinched during production between the floor crossmember and the seat mounting bracket, which could cause a short circuit.
Fix (summary)
Check by VIN; dealers inspected the harness routing, repaired any damaged wiring, rerouted and secured the harness, and recalibrated the occupant detection system as needed.
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More for this car
- All Subaru WRX (GD/GG, 2002-2007) fitment answers · GD common problems
- Guide: WRX GD bolt pattern: 5x100 vs 5x114.3 (2002-07 WRX and STI)
- Guide: 2002-05 WRX vs 2006-07 WRX: EJ205 vs EJ255, known problems and wheels
- Newsletter archive: past issues with every new and corrected entry
Sources
- NHTSA recall record 07V-043 (2006 Impreza (incl. WRX) and Forester: occupant detection harness) — NHTSA recalls API (regulatory; read 2026-10-26; full page read)
- Subaru campaign bulletin WVC-13 (NHTSA recall 07V-043): 2006 Forester and Impreza front passenger seat wiring — Subaru of America, filed with NHTSA (regulatory; read 2026-10-26; full page read)Applicability: 2006 MY Forester and Impreza sedan and wagon, by VIN range.
Summaries are in our own words. Not repair instructions; consult the factory service manual.
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