Airbag control unit with part number 98221AL030

What does the airbag control unit 98221AL030 do?

For Subaru, the airbag control unit 98221AL030 is the control centre of the restraint system (SRS). It reads the signals of the crash sensors and decides in a crash, within milliseconds, which airbags and seatbelt pretensioners fire. After an accident it stores crash data and locks itself.

In addition, it checks the system continuously. If it detects a fault, the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster lights up.

This way the driver is informed even when they have not noticed anything themselves.

Why does the control unit 98221AL030 fail?

The most common cause is crash data stored after an accident, even if no airbag has deployed; a normal diagnostic tool cannot erase it. Other causes include ageing electronics, cold solder joints, moisture and corrosion at plug connectors, and voltage spikes.

An accident in which no airbag has deployed can still lead to stored crash data. Crash data is therefore an obvious starting point for the fault search.

Ageing components, cold solder joints and moisture are among the causes that cannot be recognised from the outside. Voltage spikes, for example from a weak battery or a jump start, also put strain on the electronics.

How can you tell that the 98221AL030 is defective?

The airbag warning light in the instrument cluster lights up permanently or intermittently, and a fault message is shown in the instrument cluster. The diagnostic tool finds no connection to the control unit, or the fault memory cannot be cleared.

In an emergency, airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may not be able to trigger with such a defect.

A warning light that only comes on intermittently is therefore just as serious as a permanent one.

Which vehicles is the 98221AL030 fitted in?

The 98221AL030 is fitted in these vehicles: Subaru Legacy BN (2014-2017), BN Facelift (2017-2020), BS (2014-2017) and BS Facelift (2017-2020); Subaru Outback BS Facelift (2018-2021) and BS (2015-2018).

The models are shown in this overview:

• Subaru Legacy BN (2014-2017)
• Subaru Legacy BN Facelift (2017-2020)
• Subaru Legacy BS (2014-2017)
• Subaru Legacy BS Facelift (2017-2020)
• Subaru Outback BS Facelift (2018-2021)
• Subaru Outback BS (2015-2018)

Match the part number on the label of the removed unit with this page; this only establishes that it is the right unit. You should also have the fault memory read out beforehand, because only this result shows whether the control unit or a plug or cable is the cause.

For the same vehicles, we also repair control units with the part numbers 98221AL07A, 98221AN00A, 98221AN00E, 98221AN01A, 98221AN01D, 98221AN10A.

How does the repair of the 98221AL030 work?

Have the fault memory read out and attach the log before you disconnect the battery and remove the control unit. Then create a repair order online and send in the well-packed unit. Airbag24 examines it on the test bench, repairs defective components, erases stored crash data and carries out a function test; this usually takes 3–4 working days.

Afterwards your own unit goes back to you.

Our repairs come with 2 years' statutory liability for defects.

The repaired control unit comes back with all vehicle data and is ready for use as soon as it is refitted — no coding or programming is required.

How does the control unit 98221AL030 get to Airbag24?

You can send your unit in as a parcel or have it collected by UPS for an extra charge. After the repair, Airbag24 returns it to you via UPS.

The printed repair order and a shock-resistantly packed unit belong in the parcel.