NHTSA Complaint #705394 — 1993 SUBARU LEGACY

THE MOTORIZED SHOULDER HARNESS RETRACTOR OPERATES ERRATICALLY, FREQUENTLY LEAVING THE HARNESS ONLY PARTIALLY RETRACTED. WE ARE CONCERNED ABOUT SAFE OPERATION OF THE VEHICLE BECAUSE OF INTERFERENCE WITH STEERING, TURN SIGNAL OPERATION AND VISIBILITY (INCLUDING VISIBILITY IN LEFT REAR VIEW MIRROR). THERE IS ALSO CONCERN ABOUT STRANGULATION IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH BECAUSE OF THE POSITION OF THE BELT WELL FORSARD OF THE BODY, AND BELOW THE LEVEL OF THE NECK. MY WIFE CONSISTENTLY DISCONNECTS THE BELT, LEAVING ONLY THE LAP BELT, BUT THIS CERTAINLY DOESN'T PROVIDE OPTIMAL SAFETY EITHER, PARTICULARLY BECAUSE THE VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH AN AIR BAG. THE DEALER HAS ESTIMATED REPAIR COSTS AT OVER $500.00. WE FEEL BECAUSE IT IS REQUIRED SAFETY EQUIPMENT, THEY SHOULD REPAIR IT AT THEIR EXPENSE. THANKS FOR YOUR HELP. *AK