Another Subaru Recall Could Be Coming For New Crosstrek And Impreza Over Defective Seat Belts
The 2019 Subaru Crosstrek Subcompact SUV and 2019 Subaru Impreza compact sedan and 5-Door hatchback models could be recalled in the U.S. soon. Subaru Australia announced the recall over a potential seatbelt issue. The announcement says 721 new Crosstrek and Impreza models will be recalled in Australia. Subaru of America has not yet issued a recall in the U.S., but it could potentially affect over 150,000 vehicles with 100,000 2019 Crosstrek models and 50,000 Impreza compact vehicles.
What is the issue with the seatbelts?
Affecting all 2019 models, a manufacturing defect in two locking mechanisms in their rear seatbelts might not lock as intended during an accident. Because rear occupants may not be restrained properly, it increases the risk of injury and/or death to vehicle occupants. The Subaru Crosstrek and Impreza are closely related with the Crosstrek getting a raised suspension, exterior cladding, and off-road capability, but otherwise share the same platform.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in the U.S. has not issued a recall for 2019 Subaru Crosstrek and Impreza models yet over this seatbelt issue, but will likely do so because the Australian specification Crosstrek are all manufactured in Japan and Impreza models (built in the U.S. plant) use the same parts from the Japanese automaker.
Other recent Subaru Crosstrek and Impreza recalls
Subaru issued another huge recall affecting new Crosstrek and Impreza models. Subaru of America recalled the next-generation 2018-2019 Crosstrek and Impreza vehicles for an electrical system issue. The NHTSA said the recall affected 466,205 vehicles in the U.S. alone. In another recent Subaru Crosstrek recall (256 U.S. vehicles), 2019 model year subcompact SUVs were recalled to replace the left-side rear door window glass.
What should customers do about the seatbelt issue?
2019 Subaru Crosstrek and Impreza owners can contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614 if you have questions about the latest rear seatbelt defect affecting your vehicle. Customers can also use the Subaru VIN lookup tool to check if your vehicle has a recall. Stay tuned to Torque News for the latest recall information.
You Might Also Like: New Subaru Crosstrek And Impreza Are Your Top Picks For Best Residual Value
Denis Flierl has invested over 30 years in the automotive industry in a variety of roles. All of his reports are archived on our Subaru page. Follow Denis on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Subaru Report. Check back tomorrow for more Subaru news and updates at Torque News!
Leave your comments below, share the article with friends and tweet it out to your followers!
Photo credit: Subaru USA