Recall - Seat Belt Buckle Replacement: Overview
NUMBER: WWL-95DATE: 02/2003
APPLICABILITY:
2003MY Forester Vehicles
SUBJECT:
Seatbelt Buckle Replacement
INTRODUCTION
Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) has determined that certain 2003 Forester models may have been produced with improperly manufactured left and right front seatbelt buckle/latch mechanisms.
This program will involve the replacement of the left and right front seatbelt buckle/latch assemblies.
AFFECTED VEHICLES
Certain 2003 Subaru Forester models.
NOTE:
Prior to performing repairs, confirm coverage for potentially affected vehicles by using the Vehicle Coverage Inquiry in the Dealer Communication System (DCS).
Affected VIN Range
OWNER NOTIFICATION
SOA will prepare and mail an Owner Notification Letter to owners of the affected vehicles. The owner notification is scheduled to be mailed in late February 2003.
A copy of the Owner Notification Letter is included at the end of this bulletin.
DEALER PROGRAM RESPONSIBILITY
Dealers are to promptly service all vehicles subject to this recall at no charge to the vehicle owner regardless of mileage, age of the vehicle, or ownership.
For affected vehicles sold after the date on the dealer's computer list, dealers are to contact those owners and provide them with a copy of the owner notification letter. They should also arrange to make the required correction according to the instructions in the service procedure section of this bulletin.
Vehicles in Dealer Inventory
Dealers are also to promptly perform the applicable service procedures defined in this bulletin to correct all affected vehicles in their inventory (new, used, demo) Additionally, whenever a vehicle subject to this recall is taken into dealer new or used inventory, or is 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 or used 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.
^ Inspected and/or repaired in accordance with instructions outlined in the Product Campaign Bulletin.
Any Authorized Subaru Dealer failing to perform the applicable service procedures defined in this bulletin to correct all affected vehicles in their inventory (new, used, demo) prior to the vehicle being placed in service may be subject to civil penalties of up to $5,000 per violation (i.e., for each vehicle), as provided in 49 USC sub-section 30165(a) of the Safety Act, and will also be in breach of the Subaru Dealer Agreement.
PARTS INFORMATION
Each dealer will automatically be sent a quantity of replacement parts equal to the number of affected vehicles located to the dealer of record.
PRODUCT CAMPAIGN IDENTIFICATION LABEL
Type or print the necessary information on a Product Campaign identification. The completed label should be attached to the vehicle's upper radiator support.
A quantity labels is provided to each dealer with this bulletin. Additional labels are available through your Region/Distributor Service Office.
CLAIM REIMBURSEMENT AND ENTRY PROCEDURES
Credit for performing this Product Campaign will be based on the submission of properly completed repair order information. Dealers may enter the applicable claim information through their Dealer Communications System.
Replace Both Front Seatbelt Buckle Assemblies - Use the claim submission information shown for replacing the left and right front seatbelt buckle assemblies.
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