hankosolder2 Posted December 11, 2009 Share Posted December 11, 2009 Our '98 OBW is starting to suffer from a fairly badly frayed seatbelt on the driver's side. I seem to remember some thread on here about Subaru's warranty policy on seat belts but I can't find it in a search. Is there any sort of lifetime warranty on these, or a specific TSB for this vehicle? I want to be informed before I contact my dealer.... TIA, Nathan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
idosubaru Posted December 11, 2009 Share Posted December 11, 2009 I remember that thread too i think it was fairly recent, did you search for it? I thought it was something about 10 years..or i'm confusing that with the SRS system which is *supposed* to be checked every 10 years by Subaru. As a last resort someone on here would probably sell you used ones that weren't frayed for next to nothing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
davebugs Posted December 11, 2009 Share Posted December 11, 2009 As a last resort someone on here would probably sell you used ones that weren't frayed for next to nothing. Unpopular item to sell. Don't even know how much of the assy to remove. I have a 97 IBW Grey interior that I beileve they are o.k. in if noone slcoser speaks up. The belt itself I can't imagine is worth much. The labor to remove, packaging and stuff may be. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
forester2002s Posted December 11, 2009 Share Posted December 11, 2009 Here is one thread from 2007. The suggestion is that Subarus newer than 1995 have a lifetime warranty on seat-belts. http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/forum/showthread.php?t=71939&highlight=seat+belt+warranty Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hankosolder2 Posted December 12, 2009 Author Share Posted December 12, 2009 Here is one thread from 2007.The suggestion is that Subarus newer than 1995 have a lifetime warranty on seat-belts. http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/forum/showthread.php?t=71939&highlight=seat+belt+warranty I wonder if that '95 date is a rolling date--- i.e. they cover seatbelts for <15 years from date of manufacture or some such thing, or are all post '95 vehicles covered ad infinitum? Anyway, I'll try my luck at the dealer. If they don't give me satisfaction I can try SOA, and failing that I'll start fishing for secondhand belts. I'll report back here with what happens to add to the knowledge base. I have to say that I've NEVER had a frayed seatbelt in any of my Hondas or BMWs of similar or older age and mileage, so I do feel these belts are a bit sub par. (Don't get me wrong, it's an older vehicle, so I'm not all up in arms about it or anything- things do wear out and break- I'm just making a comparision. ) Nathan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Suzam Posted December 12, 2009 Share Posted December 12, 2009 We have a 98 OBW also has frayed, I just figured my Mother -In-Law was to blame since it's her car. Never had our others with similar mileage fray. They are a 95, 97 and 2001, all in good shape. Makes me wonder if there was a bad batch in 98? Most mechanics will not replace with a used belt for insurance reasons (theirs for being sued if it failed) so a new seat belt unit installed is what they want to do (no doubt, would be expensive). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OB99W Posted December 12, 2009 Share Posted December 12, 2009 It seems that 2006 was the first model year that Subaru included language in the warranty to cover the seat belts (see https://www.subaru.com/my-subaru/warranties-2006.html). However, perhaps they decided to do so retroactively with previous models. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
idosubaru Posted December 12, 2009 Share Posted December 12, 2009 I have to say that I've NEVER had a frayed seatbelt ithere's a high percentage of subaru's with the original belts that are 30 years old and in great shape. i've noticed some odd fraying on rare ocassions and have always thought "man what did the previous owner due to make it do that"? can't recall ever seeing any 80's stuff with frayed belts but i'm sure it's happened. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gene J Posted December 12, 2009 Share Posted December 12, 2009 Yep the belts are feel. Call customer service and they will set up an appointment!. Mine were replaced last year or the year before! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Legacy777 Posted December 14, 2009 Share Posted December 14, 2009 I recently did some digging into this. Seatbelts are lifetime warrantied from 1995 and newer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
arrow_arrow Posted February 23, 2011 Share Posted February 23, 2011 I just bought a '98 Outback with a frayed driver's seat belt-- anyone know if the warranty covers Canadian cars as well? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Legacy777 Posted February 23, 2011 Share Posted February 23, 2011 I would think it should be applicable as well to Canadian cars. I'd suggest calling up your local Subaru dealer. It's something they'll do under warrantee and must be done by them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
djmark7 Posted February 23, 2011 Share Posted February 23, 2011 98 leg here seatbelts are a lifetime warranty had one changed a while ago, frayed and got stuck in the retaining mechanism Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
idosubaru Posted February 23, 2011 Share Posted February 23, 2011 how badly are they going to inspect the car first? my seatbelt is terribly frayed but i hit a deer and had to replace the hood and fender. it was just a deer and not a bad enough accident to really do anything to the seat belt, indeed i barely even hit the brakes. but i could understand them not wanting to replace it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Legacy777 Posted February 24, 2011 Share Posted February 24, 2011 When I went in, I just showed them the seat belt and where it was frayed....that's it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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