Subaru Forester recall 2009-2012

crunchierthanthou · Mar 15, 2012

Recalled for rear seat belts that do not lock properly-

NHTSA recall page

Summary:
SUBARU IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009-2012 FORESTER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM NOVEMBER 26, 2007, THROUGH MARCH 13, 2012. THE AUTOMATIC LOCKING RETRACTOR in the SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES LOCATED IN THE REAR CENTER SEATING OF THE AFFECTED VEHICLES DO NOT MEET LOCKABILITY REQUIREMENTS AND FAIL TO COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 208, “OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION.” SPECIFICALLY, THE ASSEMBLIES MAY NOT PERMIT PROPER INSTALLATION AND SECURE ATTACHMENT OF A CHILD RESTRAINT IN THAT SEATING POSITION. (bolding mine)

Consumer Reports article

Kiki228 · Mar 26, 2012

Attn: 09-12 Subaru Forester Owners

Just received a recall e-mail from Subaru saying this:

SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC. has decided that the rear seat center seatbelt on certain 2009 through 2012 model year Forester vehicles fails to conform to one of the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 208, "Occupant Crash Protection".

Here's a link to more information. They're saying until a fix is issued that no child safety seat should be placed in the rear middle position. There is no latch in the center and the users manual says you should use the outboard seats, but I thought I would pass this along anyway just in case.

http://www.wqa37.service-campaign.com/

Scary stuff! Glad my little guy is in the outboard seat!