2004 Subaru Forester Air bags Problems

“The air bag dashboard light is always on. It first came on when the vehicle had about 82000 miles and at first it was intermittent. After about six weeks, it has become permanently lit when the engine is turned on. I have noted that this seems to be a problem on this model. The light does not bother me, but the fact that people have been in accidents and the airbags did not deploy does concern me greatly.”

“The airbag light randomly goes on and off for periods of days at a time. This has been happening for many years. I brought it in to the Subaru dealer but they claimed it did not light up for them during their inspection. It then lit up for me on the way home and when I called the dealer from the road they would not look at it again until I made another appointment. Unfortunately I cannot assure that it will be on for them when they get the car. I later discovered that there was a Subaru technical service bulletin for this problem #17-07-04. …”

“Airbag light came on shortly before the warranty on the item ran out. Dealer checked connections and light went out. A few months later the light came again. Checked connection, light went out. Light started going on intermittently. Now was on steadily. Goggling 2004 Forester air bag light indicates this was a common problem. It was a poor design that exposed the connector to damage by feet or other objects under the driver's seat.”

“The air bag system will not function in the event of a collision due to an electrical connector malfunction. The connector is located under the driver's seat and is constantly stressed by seat movement or contact by the driver's feet. As a result, the air bag warning light is chronically but intermittently on. This has been a problem since first identified when this vehicle was approximately 1 year old. The repair of the connector was eventually ineffective. When the air bag warning light is on the air bags are inactive and will not deploy in the event of a collision.”

“Since 2009 the driver side airbag light will stay on after I have started the car. It will stay on for days, whether it is hot summer time or cold winter days. It may stay on for a few days or for months. The last time was from july 19, 2014 to august 25, 2014. This is the first time that I have reviewed the list of vehicle safety complaints. Seeing the other complaints about the airbag light remaining on encourages me to submit my history also. When it has been on, I think I should take it to the dealer but then it goes off before I can take the car in to the dealer. …”