Airbag control unit with part number 98221AN12A

What does the airbag control unit 98221AN12A do?

The airbag control unit 98221AN12A controls the restraint system (SRS) for Subaru. It evaluates the crash sensors, decides within milliseconds in a crash which airbags and seatbelt pretensioners to trigger, and monitors the system continuously.

It shows faults via the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster. Monitoring runs in the background until a fault occurs.

After an impact, the unit records crash data and locks itself.

Why does the control unit 98221AN12A 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 are ageing components, moisture and voltage spikes.

Airbag24 erases the crash data as part of the repair. The starting condition before the repair is therefore clear.

Other technical factors may also come into consideration:

• Ageing of electronic components
• Cold solder joints
• Moisture and corrosion at plug connections
• Voltage spikes, for example from a weak battery or jump-starting

How can you tell that the 98221AN12A is defective?

The airbag warning light in the instrument cluster lights up permanently or intermittently, an error message appears in the instrument cluster, the diagnostic tool cannot connect to the control unit, and the fault memory cannot be cleared.

In an emergency, airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may fail to deploy with such a defect. The warning light therefore shows the finding directly.

A check soon is therefore sensible, because the control unit reports the fault itself.

Which vehicles is the 98221AN12A fitted in?

The 98221AN12A is fitted in these vehicles: Subaru Outback BS (2015-2018) and BS Facelift (2018-2021).

The vehicles at a glance:

• Subaru Outback BS (2015-2018)
• Subaru Outback BS Facelift (2018-2021)

Comparing the part number on the label of the removed unit with this page only confirms that it is the correct unit. The comparison says nothing about its condition. Only the fault memory, which you have read out beforehand, shows whether the control unit is defective or whether a plug or cable is the cause.

For the same vehicles, we also repair control units with the part numbers 98221AG28A, 98221AJ16B, 98221AN00A, 98221AN00E, 98221AN01A, 98221AN01D.

How does the repair of the 98221AN12A work?

You have the fault memory read out and enclose the log. Then disconnect the battery. Only now remove the control unit and create a repair order online. Finally, send in the well-packed unit.

Airbag24 checks the unit on the test bench, repairs defective components, erases the stored crash data and carries out a function test. Processing at Airbag24 usually takes 3–4 working days. Afterwards your unit is returned 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 98221AN12A get to Airbag24?

You send the control unit as a parcel to Airbag24, or you book a UPS collection for an extra charge. The return after repair is made by UPS.

Put the printed repair order in the parcel and pack the unit shock-proof.