Subaru joins Takata airbag recall, adding 8,500 older vehicles

Subaru has joined the list of major automakers affected by defective airbag inflators supplied by Takata.

The Japanese company is reportedly preparing to issue a recall for several older models, including the 2003-2004 Legacy, Outback and Baja, along with the 2004 Impreza.

Built with an improper mix of chemicals, the inflators have exploded in several accidents involving vehicles from other manufacturers. The capsules reportedly ruptured and sent shrapnel flying through the cabin.

Despite several reported injuries in vehicles from other automakers, a Subaru spokesman told Reuters the company is not aware of any crashes or injuries in its decade-old models listed in the recall.

The problem is believed to be exacerbated by humid environments, leading several automakers to issue regional recalls in Florida and other sweltering states, however Subaru is recalling vehicles across the entire country.

The issue has led to millions of vehicles recalled by seven other companies, including BMW, Chrysler, Ford, Honda, Mazda, Nissan and Toyota. Subaru’s campaign is comparatively small, adding around 8,500 vehicles.