Subaru Impreza seat belt problems

Filed Apr 6, 2026 · Seat belts · TX

My front passenger seat belt has been stuck and unusable since November 2025. This issue has been reported to Brandon Tomes Subaru in McKinney TX at the end of November. The seat belt was inspected and was determined faulty and covered under the warranty. The part needed to fix it wasn't unavailable and the dealership said it would be shipped. Today is April 6th of 2026 and my car has not been repaired still. It is not safe to transport passengers and I have 3 children. My oldest [XXX] ) always uses the front passenger seat. I am unable to safely drive the car and transport my family, and it very negatively affecting my family. Please help me to get my car back on the road and safely. With appreciation, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jul 29, 2025 · Seat belts · 62,000 miles · KS

The contact owns a 2014 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated while attempting to secure the front driver’s side seat belt, the locking mechanism failed to immediately lock. The contact stated that several attempts were needed before the seat belt locked as needed. The driver was also unable to immediately unlock the seat belt buckle from the locking mechanism. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 62,000. The VIN was not available.

Filed Apr 23, 2025 · Airbags · 69,000 miles · WA · crash · 1 injury

The contact owned a 2017 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated that while driving 10 MPH, she crashed into the rear of another vehicle on the front passenger side of her vehicle. The contact mentioned that the seat belt did retract during the impact. No air bags deployed. The vehicle was towed to IAA by the insurance company. The insurance company inspected the vehicle and informed the contact that the air bags should have deployed. The vehicle was deemed a total loss. The contact stated that she sustained a neck and brain injury from the impact that required medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 69,000.

Filed Feb 3, 2025 · Brakes, Electrical · 164,964 miles · PA

The contact owns a 2012 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30-40 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality and was driven with manual steering. The failure occurred while driving at various speeds. The contact stated that approximately four days after the first failure, the steering wheel failed to move. Additionally, the vehicle was losing oil and one quart of oil had to be added every month. The contact stated that the power steering, ABS, TPMS, transmission automatic transmission fluid (ATF), and 4-WD failure warning lights were illuminated. The passenger occupant sensor chimed for the passenger to secure the seat belt consistently even though the occupant was seated with the seat belt buckled securely. The contact who is a certified mechanic had replaced the rack and pinion. The contact noticed that the threads on the tie rods were close in proximately risking the chance of damaging the tie rods. The ABS module had been replaced. The contact believed that the engine needed to be replaced but the engine was not replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened a case. The manufacturer confirmed there was no recall for the failure. The manufacturer referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 164,964.

Filed Sep 9, 2018 · Seat belts · 71,695 miles · NV

I just replaced the front passenger seat belt for reverse lock (unable to pull out) for the second time. No other belts are affected. Parked the car unhooked the belt. Upon returning the belt would not pull out. Which of course requires the passenger to not be restrained. The first time this happened I assumed the belt was worn out, or manufacturing defect. It was out of warranty so I replaced it myself. The replacement lasted about two years. Now I have to believe there is a defect in the system somewhere.

Filed Mar 26, 2016 · Seat belts · 55,000 miles · NV

Passenger side seat belt locked in retracted position.

Filed Oct 27, 2015 · Airbags · 18,000 miles · PA

Vehicle passenger airbag disabled light illuminates when a cellular device is placed in the proximity of the passenger seatbelt buckle. Also a cellular device placed on the seat with no occupant engages the ocs to register that someone is sitting in the seat. Spoke with subaru dealer regarding the issue, and was told everything is ok, and there is no fix for the complaint.

Filed Apr 29, 2015 · Airbags, Brakes · IL · crash · 1 injury

Front end collision, vehicle totaled. Seat belt failure. Brake failure. Airbags failed to deploy. Multiple injuries sustained.

Filed Aug 31, 2012 · Airbags, Seat belts · 10,900 miles · ID · crash · 1 injury

The vehicle hit a concrete barrier on an exit ramp from the interstate. The hit was front right of the vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy and the seat belt failed to lock causing the driver head injury.

Filed Aug 18, 2009 · Seat belts · 100 miles · MT · 1 injury

I have a 2008 impreza. Ever since I purchased it the passenger side seatbelt locks up right away and tightens to the point that you have to take it off. It has been replaced and still does not work right.