NHTSA Complaint #11423479 — 2014 SUBARU IMPREZA

I purchased this vehicle 06/23/2021. I drove it the first time long distance (Concord NH to Stoughton MA) with a passenger for the first time three days after purchase. The passenger air bag is off light came on and would not register my passenger. It worked on and off the entire ride, starting with it working and then would shut off, on the highway, while my passenger never moved from the seat. I called the dealership and they said they would look at it. They did nothing, they blamed it on the seats having been steam cleaned (that dampness messes with the sensors? as if that's a reasonable reason my airbag won't deploy?) I asked if they checked the connections and they just blanket answered that they'd need to see it with the light on, and that 'i'm sure the technician checked everything'. I'm unsure how to do that other than driving to the dealership with a passenger the next time it happened? Today I drove it, again with a passenger, and it worked only one way on the trip. I pulled over, tried to shut off the car and turn it back on, had my passenger get out and back in the vehicle, nothing would fix the light being on and the airbag indicator saying that the airbag was off. I'm extremely concerned and honestly don't understand why any vehicle would have a sensor that SHUTS OFF the airbag. There is already a recall for this issue in Suburu Foresters, years 2015-2018 I believe. I would also very much like this resolved in my model, it is extremely unsafe and I'd prefer not driving it at all but have no choice right now. I would be happy to have this inspected by someone. The internet suggested loose connections, or a faulty seatbelt, or the sensor itself which is connected to the passengers seat. This component has only been inspected by Ed Reilly Suburu on Manchester St., in Concord NH and they did not fix it. The vehicle only has 52,000 miles on it and is supposed to be one of the safest brands of vehicle to drive.