Subaru Ascent 2018-2026 Owner's Manual: Passenger's frontal airbag ON and OFF indicator lights

  Front passenger's frontal airbag ON indicator light

  Front passenger's frontal airbag OFF indicator light

Occupant detection system

1. Occupant detection sensors

The Subaru Ascent is equipped with an advanced occupant detection system designed to enhance passenger safety. These sensors are strategically positioned between the seat cushion and seat rails, continuously analyzing the size, weight, and seating posture of the front passenger.

Based on this data, the Subaru Ascent system determines whether the front passenger's SRS frontal airbag should be activated in the event of a collision, ensuring optimal deployment and reducing unnecessary risks.

WARNING

Do not strike, kick, or apply excessive force to the front passenger seat. Such actions may damage the occupant detection system and cause the SRS airbag system warning light to illuminate. If this occurs, safely stop the Subaru Ascent and contact an authorized SUBARU dealer immediately for inspection.

Front passenger's frontal airbag ON indicator light

Front passenger's frontal airbag OFF indicator light

If the Subaru Ascent front passenger airbag indicator lights do not operate correctly, do not allow any occupant to sit in the front passenger seat until the system has been inspected by a qualified SUBARU dealer.

Front passenger's frontal airbag ON indicator light

Front passenger's frontal airbag OFF indicator light

Placing luggage or heavy objects on the front passenger seat of the Subaru Ascent may interfere with the system’s ability to correctly detect occupant presence. This can result in incorrect operation of the ON/OFF indicator lights and improper airbag deployment logic.

Always verify that the Subaru Ascent indicator lights function correctly before driving.

When the OFF indicator turns off and the ON indicator illuminates, the front passenger airbag is active and may deploy in a collision. Remove any objects from the seat to ensure accurate system operation.

Conditions in which front passenger's SRS frontal airbag is not activated

The Subaru Ascent front passenger SRS frontal airbag will not deploy under the following conditions:

• The front passenger seat is unoccupied.
• A properly installed child restraint system with a child occupant is detected.
• The occupant detection system has detected a malfunction.

WARNING

NEVER INSTALL A CHILD RESTRAINT SYSTEM IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT OF THE SUBARU ASCENT, EVEN IF THE AIRBAG IS DEACTIVATED. Always install child seats in the rear seats. The rear seating area provides the highest level of safety for children in the Subaru Ascent.

CAUTION

When using a child restraint system in the Subaru Ascent, strictly follow these precautions.

Failure to follow these instructions may cause the system to incorrectly activate the front passenger airbag, even when a child is present.

• Do not place additional objects, including electronic devices, on the seat.
• Never place more than one child in a single restraint system.
• Do not attach accessories such as tables or screens to the seatback.
• Avoid storing heavy items in seatback pockets.
• Do not allow rear passengers to push or pull the front passenger seatback.

If the front passenger's frontal airbag ON indicator light illuminates and the OFF indicator light turns off even when an infant or a small child is in a child restraint system (including booster seat)

Front passenger's frontal airbag ON indicator light

Front passenger's frontal airbag OFF indicator light

Follow these steps carefully in your Subaru Ascent:

1. Turn the ignition switch to the "LOCK"/"OFF" position.

2. Remove the child restraint system from the seat.

3. Reinstall the child restraint system correctly according to the manufacturer’s instructions and Subaru Ascent guidelines.

4. Turn the ignition to the "ON" position and confirm that the OFF indicator illuminates and the ON indicator turns off.

If the issue persists in your Subaru Ascent, take the following actions:

• Ensure no additional objects are present on the seat.
• Verify that the seat position and seatback are securely locked.

If the ON indicator remains illuminated despite these steps, immediately move the child seat to the rear seat and contact a SUBARU dealer for inspection.

NOTE

When a child or small adult occupies the front passenger seat in the Subaru Ascent, the system may or may not activate the airbag depending on posture and weight distribution. Regardless of airbag status, all occupants must wear seatbelts properly at all times.

• Ensure that no unnecessary items are placed on the seat.

If the system continues to behave unexpectedly, relocate the passenger to the rear seat and consult a Subaru service center immediately. Even after inspection, it is strongly recommended that children always travel in the rear seats of the Subaru Ascent.

Proper use and understanding of the Subaru Ascent occupant detection and airbag indicator system are essential for ensuring maximum safety and preventing incorrect airbag deployment in critical situations.