WQA-37

ATTENTION:
GENERAL MANAGER
PARTS MANAGER
CLAIMS PERSONNEL
SERVICE MANAGER
q
q
q
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IMPORTANT - All
Service Personnel
Should Read and
Initial in the boxes
provided, right.
PRODUCT CAMPAIGN BULLETIN
APPLICABILITY:
SUBJECT:
2009-2012MY Subaru Forester
Rear Seat Center Seatbelt
NUMBER:
DATE:
REVISED:
WQA-37
March 2012
10/10/12
Subaru has prepared a new repair kit for this campaign. As a result, there are two
separate WQA-37 Seatbelt Kits available, Kit 1 or Kit 2. Only one kit is needed for
each vehicle and either one is acceptable for completing this recall. Kit 2 will be
introduced when inventory of Kit 1 has been depleted. This bulletin has been revised
to include repair instructions for both kits. The installation instructions for Kit 2 begin
on pg. 14.
INTRODUCTION
Subaru has determined that certain 2009 through 2012 model year Forester vehicles have been
manufactured with a rear seat center seatbelt that does not comply with the Federal Motor
Vehicle Safety Standard requirement for securing a child restraint system (CRS) also known
as a “child safety seat”.
The rear center seatbelt may not adequately secure certain CRSs that require a short belt
routing configuration for attachment. This seatbelt contains an Automatic Locking Retractor
that may not lock as intended when such a configuration is used, preventing a tight and secure
installation of the CRS. If the CRS is not properly secured, the CRS may not provide the protection it was designed to provide, and the child occupying the CRS may be at an increased
risk of injury in the event of a crash.
This recall will involve updating the rear seat center seatbelt on all affected vehicles.
AFFECTED VEHICLES
2009-2012 Model Year Forester: 2012 model vehicles will have a production update
beginning March 14, 2012. Vehicles produced on or after this date are not affected by
this recall campaign.
Affected VINs are contained in the following range.
Forester
Model
From
To
2009MY
JF2SH6*6*9*700001 JF2SH6*6*9*797855
2010MY
JF2SH6*C*A*700001 JF2SH6*C*A*918317
2011MY
JF2SH**C*B*700001 JF2SH**C*B*783898
2012MY
JF2SH**C*C*400002 JF2SH**C*C*457256
* Various Characters may occupy this position
Recall coverage for all potentially affected vehicles must be confirmed by using Vehicle
Coverage Inquiry in Subarunet.
Continued...
Bulletin Number: WQA-37; Date: October 2012
Page 1
OWNER NOTIFICATION
There will be two owner notification letters sent.
The first owner notification letter was mailed on or about March 26, 2012. The letter explains
the condition associated with the rear seat center seatbelt and advises vehicle owners that they
will be notified by a second letter when repair parts become available.
The second owner notification letter will be sent when an adequate supply of replacement
parts are available. It is anticipated that letters will be mailed according to the following
schedule.
2012MY
2011MY
2010MY
2009MY
Beginning on or about 5/1/12
Beginning on or about 8/1/12
Beginning on or about 10/1/12
Beginning on or about 1/1/13
A copy of both owner notification letters is included at the end of this bulletin.
In addition to notification by mail, vehicle owners with a valid email address will be notified
electronically on the same date letters are mailed.
DEALER PROGRAM RESPONSIBILITY
Dealers are to promptly perform the applicable service procedures defined in this bulletin
to correct all affected vehicles in their inventory (new, used, demo & SSLP). Additionally,
whenever a vehicle subject to this recall is taken into dealer new or used inventory, or in the
dealership for service, necessary steps should be taken to ensure the recall correction has been
made before selling or releasing the vehicle.
New, used, demo or SSLP vehicles listed in a recall/campaign that are in dealer stock must be:
• Immediately identified.
• Tagged or otherwise marked to prevent their delivery or use prior to inspection and/
or repair.
• Repaired in accordance with the repair procedures outlined in this Product Campaign
Bulletin.
Please be advised that it is a violation of Federal law for a dealer to deliver a new motor
vehicle covered by a recall under a sale or lease until the defect is remedied. Therefore,
any Authorized Subaru Dealer failing to perform the applicable service procedures as
defined in this bulletin to correct all affected vehicles in their inventory (new, used, demo
& SSLP) prior to the vehicle being placed in service may be subject to civil penalties of
up to $6,000 per violation (i.e., for each vehicle), as provided in 49 CFR §578.6 and will
also be in breach of the Subaru Dealer Agreement.
Continued...
Bulletin Number: WQA-37; Date: October 2012
Page 2
PARTS INFORMATION
There are two separate WQA37 Seatbelt Kits available, Kit 1 or Kit 2. Only one kit is needed
for each vehicle and either one is acceptable for completing this recall. The part numbers
are listed in the following chart. Kit 2 will be introduced when inventory of Kit 1 has been
depleted.
Since each kit has specific repair instructions, please be sure to follow the instructions found
in the repair section of this bulletin for the kit being used.
Based on the interior color, identify the actual part number needed in the chart below.
Name
Description
Kit 1
WQA37 Seatbelt Kit
Kit 2
Part Number
64665SC030AP
64665SC030AR
64665SC040AP
64665SC040AR
Color
Gray
Black
Gray
Black
The following additional parts may also be needed in some instances where the clips are
compromised during the repair process.
Part Number
94482FC001LO
94482FC501LO
64396KA010
Name
Seatbelt Cap – No Sunroof
Seatbelt Cap – W/Sunroof
Hook Rear Seat Cushion
MATERIALS NEEDED FOR INSTALLATION OF KIT 1 ONLY
It will be necessary to make two headliner supports using the following materials.
Diagrams can be found on pages 17~18.
2-welding rods 3mm (1/8 in.) in diameter
Vinyl tape
Clean shop rags
Continued...
Bulletin Number: WQA-37; Date: October 2012
Page 3
SERVICE PROCEDURE
There are two separate WQA37 Seatbelt Kits available, Kit 1 or Kit 2. Only one kit is needed
for each vehicle and either one is acceptable for completing this recall. The applicable part
numbers are listed in the chart found on page 3.
The repair procedure will consist of replacing the rear center seating position seatbelt buckles
and, when installing Kit 1, the rear center seating position retractable shoulder belt.
In preparation for installing Kit 1 only, prepare two headliner supports, one of each design
using the materials listed above and the diagrams found on pages 31-32.
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS FOR KIT 1
Note: Make sure to note the orientation of the seatbelt buckle prior to removal.
Before beginning, ensure your clothing and hands are free from dirt and grease.
Find a clear and clean area to lay removed rear seat cushion to avoid getting dirt on
or damaging it.
1. Record preset radio stations.
2. Turn ignition switch to OFF. Disconnect the ground cable from battery, and wait for 60
seconds or more before starting work.
3. (Models with seat table). Flip open the seat table of the rear seat cushion and remove
trim cover. Disconnect the table light (white) wiring connector. Caution: Do not
disconnect the satellite safing sensor wiring connector. Remove the 4 (10mm) bolts.
Table light
wiring connector
Seat Anchor locations depending upon applicability (with or without seat table).
		
Continued...
Bulletin Number: WQA-37; Date: October 2012
Page 4
Remove the seat cushion
4. Disengage the backrest hook (A) by pushing it back while lifting the front side of the
seat cushion. Perform the same procedure on the opposite side. Remove seat cushion
from vehicle.
With seat table
Without seat table
Caution: If the cushion anchor hooks (either two or three, see drawings above) on the
vehicle body side are disengaged (remain on the seat cushion) when removing
the rear seat cushion, always replace with new cushion anchor hooks to prevent
any reduction in the retention force.
SE-01117
SE-00937
Cushion Anchor Hook
Seat Anchor Locations
Continued...
Bulletin Number: WQA-37; Date: October 2012
Page 5
Note: Make sure to note the orientation of the seatbelts prior to removal.
The center seatbelt with “Key Slot Release” requires replacement.
The center seatbelt buckle marked “Center” requires replacement.
Note: Make sure to note the location of the seatbelt brackets.
Bracket
Bracket
5. Unwrap the Velcro® strap and remove the bolt to remove the seatbelts.
Perform the same procedure on the opposite side.
Continued...
Bulletin Number: WQA-37; Date: October 2012
Page 6
6. Separate seatbelt brackets by removing bolt and washer. Discard bolt and washer.
Bolt and
Washer
7. Reassemble both belt assemblies using new inner belt and bolt in the same orientation
as original. Note: Washer is not required.
Caution: Make sure new belt bracket is on the bottom.
8. Reinstall assemblies into vehicle and torque to spec. 30 N-m (3.06 kgf-m, 22.1 ft-lb)
New Seat
Belts
Note: The replacement belts will be shorter than the original belts. This is intentional. Always
use matched belt sets. Do not intermix original and campaign belts
Continued...
Bulletin Number: WQA-37; Date: October 2012
Page 7
9. Reinstall the seat cushion. To facilitate positioning of the seatbelts in the cushion,
connect all of the seatbelts. The next step will require an assistant. With each person
holding the left and right seatbelts respectively, slide the cushion into place while
pulling the belt buckles into position in the seat cushion opening.
Continued...
Bulletin Number: WQA-37; Date: October 2012
Page 8
This page should clarify two areas of the Campaign and does not represent any change in
procedure. The first clarification is the length of the recall belt. By design, the recall replacement
belt is shorter than the original belt.
ORIGINAL
BELTS
RECALL
BELTS
Note the
orientation of
the center belt
Note the
orientation of
the center belt
The second clarification is the final buckle/ latch orientation for the center belt. The red latch
release button must face away from the seating position it services. Access to the red latch release
button must not be blocked by the belt when it is latched in place for use.
Original
Belts
Original Belts
Final Installed
Orientation
Recall
Belts
Recall Belt Final
Installed Orientation
must be the same as
original belt
Continued...
Bulletin Number: WQA-37; Date: October 2012
Page 9
10. Disconnect the belts and position the buckles as shown.
Center Seat Belt Buckles
Outer Seat Belt Buckles
Proper seatbelt buckle(s) positioning
11. (Models with seat table) Connect the table light (white) wiring connector. Install the 4
(10mm) bolts and install trim cover.
Rear center seatbelt
1. Carefully remove the belt trim cover (B). Pull the outer seatbelt center tongue (A)
through the headliner opening.
2. Remove the right rear quarter panel trim covers (A) and (B).
Continued...
Bulletin Number: WQA-37; Date: October 2012
Page 10
3. Remove the front machine screw and 2 rear sheet metal screws from the right rear
quarter panel trim.
4. Carefully unclip the right rear quarter panel trim from body. It is not necessary to
remove the panel. Only move it out slightly to allow the headliner to be lowered.
Protect the trim edge from chafing the headliner using a shop rag or other suitable
cushion. Unclip the rear upper headliner trim.
Continued...
Bulletin Number: WQA-37; Date: October 2012
Page 11
Caution: Headliner supports will prevent the headliner from creasing or bending, the
headliner should not be allowed to drop more than 4 inches on the right side
and 1.5 inches on the left side. Headliner supports must be used to prevent
damage.
Right side
Left side
Continued...
Bulletin Number: WQA-37; Date: October 2012
Page 12
5. Install headliner supports.
Headliner supports in place
Left side headliner support
Place over the tailgate opening
to bottom edge of headliner
		
Right side headliner support
Hook to tether anchor, then route
through headliner opening for tether
and attach to rear gate stay.
Note: Use clean shop rags to protect trim and painted surfaces.
6. Remove the bolt and rear center seatbelt.
Bolt
7. Install new rear center seatbelt and bolt.
Caution: Carefully start bolt by hand to prevent cross-threading.
Continued...
Bulletin Number: WQA-37; Date: October 2012
Page 13
8. Torque bolt to 30 N-m (3.06 kgf-m, 22.1 ft-lb)
9. Remove headliner supports.
10. Install trim in reverse order of removal.
11. Make sure that the seatbelt extends smoothly, retracts properly and the Automatic/
Emergency Locking Retractor (ALR/ELR) features function properly.
12. Reconnect ground battery cable.
13. Reset radio stations and set clock.
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS FOR KIT 2
Subaru has prepared a new kit for the WQA-37 recall. Both kits are appropriate, however,
Kit 1 will be phased out as soon as inventory is depleted. If you have Kit 1 in your
inventory, or receive Kit 1 from your PDC, you should continue to install that kit until
inventory is depleted. IMPORTANT: Never combine parts between kits.
IMPORTANT: PLEASE READ THE COMPLETE PROCEDURE BEFORE
ATTEMPTING TO INSTALL KIT 2.
Note: The repair procedure for Kit 2 eliminates the need to replace the rear center
seating position retractable shoulder belt assembly located above the head liner.
KIT 2 Components
Center Seat Belt Buckles with Brackets
Center Seat Belt
Buckle Stabilizer
Right
Center Seat Belt
Buckle Stabilizer
Left
Center Seat Belt Tongue Stiffener & Tack Assy.
Figure 1: WQA-37 Kit 2
Note: The belts for Kit 2 are shorter than original belts and also shorter than those used for Kit 1.
This is intentional.
Continued...
Bulletin Number: WQA-37; Date: October 2012
Page 14
Outer Seat
Belt Buckles
Center Seat Belt Buckles
Figure 2: Installed View Passenger side
without seat
Figure 3: Installed View Driver side
without seat
NOTE: Stabilizers installed in photos below for illustration only. Actual installation
occurs later in the procedure.
Outer Seat
Belt Buckles
Center Seat Belt Buckles
Figure 4: Installed View Passenger side
Figure 5: Installed View Driver side
NOTE: Before beginning, ensure your clothing and hands are free from dirt and
grease. Find a clear and clean area to lay the removed rear seat cushion to avoid
staining or damaging it.
1.	For models with rear seat table, flip open the seat table of the rear seat cushion,
CAREFULLY remove the storage box floor panel with a plastic trim removal tool then
disconnect the white table light wiring harness connector. Remove the 4 (10mm) bolts.
Do not disconnect the airbag satellite safing sensor connector.
Table light
wiring connector
Continued...
Bulletin Number: WQA-37; Date: October 2012
Page 15
2.	Disengage the backrest hook (A) by pushing it back while lifting the front side of the seat
cushion. Perform the same procedure on the opposite side. Remove seat cushion from
vehicle.
With seat table
Without seat table
Caution: If the cushion anchor hooks (either two or three, see drawings above) on the
vehicle body side are disengaged (remain on the seat cushion) when removing
the rear seat cushion, always replace with new cushion anchor hooks to prevent
any reduction in the retention force.
SE-01117
SE-00937
Cushion Anchor Hook
Seat Anchor Locations
Continued...
Bulletin Number: WQA-37; Date: October 2012
Page 16
3.
Remove the retaining bolts and remove the center seat belt assemblies.
SB-00394
CAUTION:
•
During re-installation, make sure that the seat belts are not twisted.
4.
Install new seat belts and torque bolts to spec: 30 N-m (3.06 kgf-m, 22.1 ft-lb).
Continued...
Bulletin Number: WQA-37; Date: October 2012
Page 17
5.
Position the seat belt assemblies as shown in the photo below.
6.	Connect the seat belt tongues to all buckles to assist the re-installation of the seat
cushion. Extend the outer belt webbing and route them over the headrests as shown
below to help hold the buckles and make it easier to re-install the seat cushion.
Continued...
Bulletin Number: WQA-37; Date: October 2012
Page 18
7.
Reinstall the seat cushion.
a.
b.
Position the cushion and pull the CENTER buckles into the openings.
Manipulate the brackets on the center belt over the seat openings on both sides.
c. Disconnect the center seat belt buckles.
d. Push the seat rearward to almost the fully inserted position.
e.	Push the opening cover flap down into the opening out of view. It will no longer be
used after installation of this Kit.
f. Pull the outer buckles into view and disconnect the belts.
g.	Pull the outer buckles into the opening, above the center buckles on both sides. You
can also refer to Figures 2 & 3 for proper positioning.
h. Leave the outer buckles in the upper part of the opening.
i.
Fully insert the seat cushion and seat the clips.
Continued...
Bulletin Number: WQA-37; Date: October 2012
Page 19
8.
Install the Center Buckle Stabilizers.
a.	Beginning on either side, insert the stabilizer into the opening in the seat, over the
CENTER buckle with bracket.
b. Make sure the stabilizer is seated properly.
c. Push a clip into each hole, connecting the stabilizer to the bracket on the buckle.
d.	To ensure that the clip is fully seated, hold the assembly up and put fingers under the
buckle bracket while inserting the retaining pins as shown in Figure 6 below.
Figure 6
e.
f.
Install the stabilizer on the other side in a similar manner.
Stretch the elastic band over the outer buckles on both sides.
Figure 7: Completed installation
Passenger side
Figure 8: Completed installation
Driver side
Continued...
Bulletin Number: WQA-37; Date: October 2012
Page 20
9.
Center Seat Belt Tongue Stiffener Installation.
a.	Insert the Center Seat Belt Tongue into the stiffener, centering the opening in the
stiffener over the bulge of belt material.
b.	Insert the tack through the hole in the stiffener from the smooth side of the belt
stitching (opposite of the label).
c. Place the female collar of the tack onto the pin from the other side.
d.	Using an adjustable wrench as shown, clamp the assembly together and compress
the pointed end by first tightening the jaws of the adjustable wrench by hand as far
as possible.
Continued...
Bulletin Number: WQA-37; Date: October 2012
Page 21
NOTE: Keep male and female portions of the tack assembly parallel while compressing them.
e.	Next, using channel lock pliers, tighten the adjustable wrench gear until the
combined height of the tack and belt assembly is ~9.5 to 10.0 mm.
Figure 9: Seating the Tack Collar
Final Height
Continued...
Bulletin Number: WQA-37; Date: October 2012
Page 22
NOTE: Confirm that the pin of male tack is compressed as a concentric circle into the hole of
collar as shown above.
10.	Since the stiffener adds some thickness to the tongue, it may be difficult to insert
the tongue into the roof holder. Follow the steps in the photos below.
a.
Fold the upper tongue over the lower tongue as shown.
b.	While holding the pieces together, insert both into the opening and push up
as shown.
Continued...
Bulletin Number: WQA-37; Date: October 2012
Page 23
Bulletin Number: WQA-37; Date: October 2012
Page 24
SERVICE PROGRAM IDENTIFICATION LABEL
Type or print the necessary information on a Recall Campaign identification label. The
completed label should be attached to the vehicle’s upper radiator support.
Additional labels are available by calling the Subaru Claims Helpline at: 1-866-782-2782.
WQA-37
CLAIM REIMBURSEMENT AND ENTRY PROCEDURES
Credit to perform this service program will be based on the submission of properly completed repair order information. Dealers may submit claims through Vehicle Claim Entry on
Subarunet.com.
CLAIM TYPE & CAMPAIGN CODE
RC
WQA-37
MODEL
Forester
Bulletin Number: WQA-37; Date: October 2012
LABOR
191-391
0.5 hrs.
191-392
0.4 hrs.
PARTS USED
Kit 1
Kit 2
LABOR OPERATION
Rear Seat Center Seatbelt
Assembly R&R
Rear Seat Center Seatbelt
Latches R&R
Page 25
1ST OWNER NOTIFICATION LETTER
											Subaru of America, Inc.
											
Subaru Plaza
											
P.O. Box 6000
											Cherry Hill, NJ 08034-6000
											www.subaru.com
Important Safety Recall Notice
Subaru Recall Campaign WQA-37
NHTSA Recall No. 12V-099
March 2012
Dear Subaru Owner:
This notice is sent to you in accordance with the requirements of the National Traffic and
Motor Vehicle Safety Act.
							
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”.
			
					
DESCRIPTION OF THE NONCOMPLIANCE
Subaru has determined that your vehicle has been manufactured with a rear seat center
seatbelt that does not comply with the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard requirement for
securing a child restraint system (CRS) also known as a “child safety seat”.
DESCRIPTION OF THE SAFETY HAZARD
The rear center seatbelt may not adequately secure certain CRSs that require a short belt
routing configuration for attachment. This seatbelt contains an Automatic Locking Retractor
that may not lock as intended when such a configuration is used, preventing a tight and secure
installation of the CRS. If the CRS is not properly secured, the CRS may not provide the protection it was designed to provide, and the child occupying the CRS may be at an increased
risk of injury in the event of a crash.
REPAIRS
In the interest of safety, Subaru is sending this notice to you before repair parts are available.
A second notification letter will be sent to you when repair parts become available. At that
time, Subaru will repair the rear seat center seatbelt assembly at no cost to you.
Continued...
Bulletin Number: WQA-37; Date: October 2012
Page 26
PRECAUTIONS YOU SHOULD TAKE
A CRS should NOT be used in the rear seat center position until the seatbelt assembly has
been repaired. As recommended in your vehicle’s Owner’s Manual, the left or right rear seating positions should be used for installation of a CRS. Please refer to your vehicle’s Owner’s
Manual for proper seatbelt usage instructions.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The condition described only poses a safety risk when a CRS is installed in the rear seat center position. Otherwise, this seatbelt will operate normally and provide the intended occupant
protection. Other seatbelts in the vehicle are not affected by this condition.
In the event your needs are such that a CRS must be installed in the rear seat center position,
please contact Subaru immediately for assistance. We can be contacted in the following ways:
• Telephone: 1-800-SUBARU3 (1-800-782-2783) Monday through Thursday between
8:30 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. ET and Friday between 10:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. ET.
• E-mail: Go to www.subaru.com and select “Contact Us”.
• U.S. Postal mail: Write us at Subaru of America, Inc., Attn: CDS Department,
P.O. Box 6000, Cherry Hill, NJ 08034-6000.
For additional information and the most Frequently Asked Questions, please go to:
• http://www.wqa37.service-campaign.com
CHANGED YOUR ADDRESS OR SOLD YOUR SUBARU?
If you have moved or sold your vehicle, please complete the enclosed prepaid postcard and
mail it to us.
Your continued satisfaction with your Subaru is important to us. Please understand that we
have taken this action in the interest of your safety and your vehicle’s proper operation. We
sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this matter may cause. As we mentioned, a second
notification letter will be sent to you when the repair parts become available.
Sincerely,
Subaru of America, Inc.
Notice to Lessors
Under Federal law the lessor of a vehicle who receives this letter must provide a copy of it to the vehicle
lessee(s) within 10 business days from receipt. The lessor must also keep a record of the lessee(s) to
whom this letter is sent, the date sent, and the applicable vehicle identification number (VIN). (For the
purposes of this section, a lessor means a person or entity that in the last twelve months prior to the date
of this notification has been the owner, as referenced on the vehicle’s title, of any five or more leased
vehicles. A leased vehicle is a vehicle leased to another person for a term of at least four months.)
A subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd.
Bulletin Number: WQA-37; Date: October 2012
Page 27
2ND OWNER NOTIFICATION LETTER
											Subaru of America, Inc.
											
Subaru Plaza
											
P.O. Box 6000
											Cherry Hill, NJ 08034-6000
											www.subaru.com
Important Safety Recall Notice
Subaru Recall Campaign WQA-37
NHTSA Recall No. 12V-099
June 2012
Dear Subaru Owner:
This notice is sent to you in accordance with the requirements of the National Traffic and
Motor Vehicle Safety Act.
In March 2012, we notified you that Subaru of America, Inc. 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”. We informed you that we would send you a second letter when repair parts
became available. Those parts are now available.
DESCRIPTION OF THE NONCOMPLIANCE
Subaru has determined that your vehicle has been manufactured with a rear seat center
seatbelt that does not comply with the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard requirement for
securing a child restraint system (CRS) also known as a “child safety seat”.
DESCRIPTION OF THE SAFETY HAZARD
The rear center seatbelt may not adequately secure certain CRSs that require a short belt
routing configuration for attachment. This seatbelt contains an Automatic Locking Retractor
that may not lock as intended when such a configuration is used, preventing a tight and secure
installation of the CRS. If the CRS is not properly secured, the CRS may not provide the protection it was designed to provide, and the child occupying the CRS may be at an increased
risk of injury in the event of a crash.
REPAIRS
To correct this condition, Subaru will repair the rear seat center seatbelt assembly at no cost
to you.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO
You should immediately contact your Subaru dealer and schedule an appointment to have the
rear seat center seatbelt assembly repaired.
PRECAUTIONS YOU SHOULD TAKE
A CRS should NOT be used in the rear seat center position until the seatbelt assembly
Continued...
Bulletin Number: WQA-37; Date: October 2012
Page 28
has been repaired. As recommended in your vehicle’s Owner’s Manual, the left or right
rear seating positions should be used for installation of a CRS. Please refer to your vehicle’s
Owner’s Manual for proper seatbelt usage instructions.
HOW LONG WILL THE REPAIR TAKE?
The actual time to repair the rear seat center seatbelt is approximately 30 minutes. However, it
may be necessary to leave your vehicle for a longer period of time on the day of your scheduled appointment to allow your dealer flexibility in scheduling. Please present this letter to
your Subaru Dealer at the time this repair procedure is performed.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The condition described only poses a safety risk when a CRS is installed in the rear seat center position. Otherwise, this seatbelt will operate normally and provide the intended occupant
protection. Other seatbelts in the vehicle are not affected by this condition.
IF YOU HAVE PREVIOUSLY PAID FOR THIS REPAIR
If you have already paid for repairs associated with this condition prior to receiving this
notice, you may be eligible for reimbursement. For more information contact Subaru at
1-800-782-2783.
CHANGED YOUR ADDRESS OR SOLD YOUR SUBARU?
If you have moved or sold your vehicle, please complete the enclosed prepaid postcard and
mail it to us.
IF YOU NEED FURTHER ASSISTANCE
To locate the nearest Subaru Dealer you can access our website at www.subaru.com and select
“Find a Dealer”.
For additional information and the most Frequently Asked Questions, please go to:
• http://www.wqa37.service-campaign.com
If you need additional assistance, please contact us directly:
• Telephone: 1-800-SUBARU3 (1-800-782-2783)
Monday through Thursday between 7:30 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. ET
Friday between 10:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. ET
Saturday between 9:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. ET
• E-mail: Go to www.subaru.com and select “Contact Us”.
• U.S. Postal mail: Write us at Subaru of America, Inc., Attn: CDS Department,
P.O. Box 6000, Cherry Hill, NJ 08034-6000.
Please contact us immediately if the dealer fails or is unable to make the necessary repairs
free of charge.
Continued...
Bulletin Number: WQA-37; Date: October 2012
Page 29
You may also contact the Administrator, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration,
1200 New Jersey Ave. SE, Washington, DC 20590 or call the toll free Auto Safety Hotline
at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153) or go to http://www.safercar.gov if you believe
the dealer has failed or is unable to remedy your vehicle without charge within a reasonable
amount of time.
Your continued satisfaction with your Subaru is important to us. Please understand that we
have taken this action in the interest of your safety and your vehicle’s proper operation. We
sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this matter may cause and urge you to schedule an
appointment as soon as possible to have this repair performed.
Sincerely,
Subaru of America, Inc.
Notice to Lessors
Under Federal law the lessor of a vehicle who receives this letter must provide a copy of it to the vehicle
lessee(s) within 10 business days from receipt. The lessor must also keep a record of the lessee(s) to
whom this letter is sent, the date sent, and the applicable vehicle identification number (VIN). (For the
purposes of this section, a lessor means a person or entity that in the last twelve months prior to the date
of this notification has been the owner, as referenced on the vehicle’s title, of any five or more leased
vehicles. A leased vehicle is a vehicle leased to another person for a term of at least four months.)
A subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd.
Bulletin Number: WQA-37; Date: October 2012
Page 30
Left Side
Overall length
approximately
380mm (15 in.)
before bending
Bulletin Number: WQA-37; Date: October 2012
Page 31
Right Side
Overall length
approximately
480mm (19 in.)
before bending
Bulletin Number: WQA-37; Date: October 2012
Page 32