Investigation EA88014: 1985 Subaru GL

Status

CLOSED

Opened

Jan 13, 1988

Closed

Jun 29, 1990

Model years

1985

Subject

Seat belt retractor fails

Component: Seat belts › Front › Retractor

Summary

Summary of information from manufacturer:safety belt retractor ispeculiar to 1985 gl 4door sedan and stationwagon.installed to improvesensitivity and limit webbing movement.replaced in production by new unitto provide 'common usage with other manufacturers'.part sales were nearlytwice 1984 and 1986 model sales (which fit other vehicles).some 15 partnumbers were issued for this single year component.analysis:the 1985 model appears to have a sensitivity problem.of the 8known odi reports on all 1984-1986 subaru models, 6 are the 1985 gl stationwagons, 1 is a 1984 model gl station wagon, and the other is another 1984model.these reports are of particular interest since the filing of a voqrequires that one experience an accident, survive (or someone notes thepossibile failure), and then notify the odi.status:prepare detailed ir.===

An NHTSA investigation looks into whether a safety defect exists. Opening one is not a finding. Outcomes can include a recall, closure without action, or further inquiry.

Model years covered

• 1985 Subaru GL7 complaints