Subaru forester seatbelt recall to affect 275,000 cars

Subaru will recall certain Forester models produced in model years 2009-11. About 275,000 of the small SUVs could be affected by a problem with the automatic locking retractor in the seatbelt assembly. In the recall announcement, Subaru says the assemblies do not meet federal motor-vehicle safety standards for occupant crash protection. The assemblies will not allow proper child-seat installation, which could lead to injury in the case of a crash. Subaru will replace the rear-center seatbelt assembly with a newly modified locking retractor free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in April. Concerned owners can contact Subaru at (800) 782-2783 or visit www.safercar.gov for more information.