My 2004 Forester 2.5xt sustained a significant motor vehicle accident on 10/25/11 damaging the front & rear end at a repair cost approaching 9K. My seat belt failed to hold me in place -- no other vehicle occupants. Subaru Corp in NJ, usa was notified. I believe the 'emergency locking retractor' (ELR) failed to operate as intended; my chest slammed against the steering wheel twice when I was hit in the rear and when I subsequently hit the vehicle in front. This happened at a traffic light and 10mph was estimated when traveling from a stopped position into the van in front. I was injured with a black & blue mark on my chest with some discomfort for 2 weeks. My body bent at the waist and my neck was not effected. A police report was filed. The cabin area where the seat belt assemblies are located were not damaged by the crash. Within 1 week Subaru requested information from me and resolved the case. I appreciate the company's quick response, but I am not satisfied with the resolution. I requested that the seat belts be evaluated by Subaru experts along with other associated safety components, and to have my seat belt (at a minimum) replaced by my local dealership at no cost to me. Manual states to replace the seat belt if in an accident. The company responded by saying that because the vehicle was in an accident, that Subaru corporation will not do anything, will not inspect the vehicle and will not pay for new seat belts. The company also did not request any photos from the collision repair facility to validate that the seat belts were not physically altered by the impact. It was the crash that revealed that the seat belts did not operate as they were supposed to, to hold me back in my seat. Because I contacted Subaru Corp with no visual damage to my seat belt, the insurance company will not replace the seat belt. My cost is over $500.

- Dunlap, IL, USA