The automotive industry has been directed by the Federal Government to have “DE-POWERED” AIR BAGS installed in 1998 model year vehicles. This affective change occurred in September of 1997 for the 1998 model year Legacy and Forester vehicles and in June 1997 for the 1998 model Impreza’s. SUBARU has introduced de-powered airbags in 1998 MY production according to the chart below:
| MODEL | BODY STYLE | STARTING VIN | PRODUCTION DATE |
| LEGACY | Sedan SW Outback Postal | W*204868 W*307101 W*617283 W*307141 | September, 1997 |
| IMPREZA | Coupe Sedan Wagon | W*400001 W*500001 W*800001 | June, 1997 (Start of 98 MY Production) |
| FORESTER | (ALL) | W*750007 | September, 1997 |
Subaru does not recommend any attempts at interchanging parts from newer systems into older vehicles or vice versa under any circumstances whatsoever.
Refer to page 21 for the most recent parts applicability information. This information can also be found in Subaru Parts Bulletin PT-74-04-98.
The National Safety Council reports that “the vast majority of people can maintain the benefits and minimize the risks of air bags by following the ABC ’s of air bag safety:
- Adjust the front seats back and always maintain a distance of at least 10 inches from the chest to where the air bag is housed;
- Buckle everyone;
- Children 12 and under ride properly restrained in the back seat.”
(To read more, download the PDF.)
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