The problem
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.
The risk
An insecure installation of a child restraint can increase the risk of injury to a child during a crash.
The fix
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear center seat belt assembly with a newly modified automatic locking retractor, free of charge. An interim letter was mailed on March 26, 2012. Owners May contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 12V-099 (12V099000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer number | WQA-37 |
| Manufacturer | Subaru of America, Inc. |
| Component | Seat belts › Rear/other |
| Report date | March 13, 2012 |
| Owners notified | March 26, 2012 |
| Vehicles affected | 326,014 |
| Initiated by | OVSC |
Vehicles covered
Owner complaints about the seat belts
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 12V-099 repair free?
Yes. Subaru dealers will fix the problem at no cost: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear center seat belt assembly with a newly modified automatic locking retractor, free of charge. An interim letter was mailed on March 26, 2012. Owners May contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783.
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 326,014 vehicles built in a certain window. Check your 17-character VIN with our VIN recall check or at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.