Investigation PE99020: 1999 Subaru Forester

Status

CLOSED

Opened

Mar 5, 1999

Closed

Mar 26, 1999

Model years

1999

Subject

Seat belt anchorage separation

Component: Seat belts › Front › Anchorage

Summary

Odi has one complaint alleging the passenger's side safety belt anchorage, located between the seat and center console, became detached while driving.in addition, the owner inspected the driver's side safety belt anchorage and found that the bolt was partially backed-out.the complaint vehicle was equipped with leather seat covers and heated front seats.because of these options, the front seat belts were installed by an outside vendor at the port of entry in vancouver, washington.subaru states that a small quantity of vehicles with heatedfront seats did not have the seat belt buckle assembly installed when they arrived in vancouver.the seat belt buckle assemblies were supplied separately from the front seats and an outside vendor installed both the leather seat covers and the front seat belt buckle assemblies to the seat frame.subaru has searched their files and found no additional complaints or warranty claims on forester vehicles for loose seat belt bolts.subaru also confirmed that with their current quality assurance inspections that such a condition cannot go unnoticed in the future.

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

• 1999 Subaru Forester131 complaints