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EnglishSeat, seatbelt and SRS airbags for your Subaru Forester 2019-2024
Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags
Precautions against vehicle modification..............59
1-7. Rear seat reminder........................................... 60
1-8. Child restraint systems.................................... 60
Safety precautions ...............................................60
Safety tips for installing child restraint systems ...62
Where to place a child restraint system................63
Choosing a child restraint system ........................65
1-1. Seats.................................................................. 30
Safety tips ............................................................30
Manual seat (if equipped)......................................33
Power seat (if equipped) .......................................34
1-2. Rear seats ......................................................... 39
Armrest (if equipped)............................................40
Folding down the rear seatback ............................40
Reclining the seatback (if equipped) .....................42
1-3. Head restraints ................................................. 43
Front seats...........................................................44
Rear seats ............................................................45
1-4. Seat heater (if equipped).................................. 46
Safety precautions................................................46
Front seat heater ..................................................47
Rear seat heater (if equipped) ...............................47
1-5. Seatbelts............................................................ 48
Seatbelt safety tips ...............................................48
Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) .....................50
1
Installing child restraint systems with ALR/ELR
seatbelt..............................................................65
Installing a booster seat or booster cushion.........69
Installation of child restraint systems by use of
lower and tether anchorages (LATCH) ................71
Top tether anchorages .........................................75
1-9. SRS airbag (Supplemental Restraint
System airbag) ............................................... 76
General precautions regarding SRS airbag
system...............................................................77
General precautions regarding SRS airbag
system for accessories and any objects .............79
Automatic Locking Retractor/Emergency
Locking Retractor (ALR/ELR) ..............................50
General precautions regarding SRS airbag
system and children...........................................81
Seatbelt warning light and chime ..........................50
Fastening the seatbelt ..........................................50
Seatbelt maintenance............................................56
1-6. Seatbelt pretensioners ..................................... 57
Seatbelt with shoulder belt pretensioner ...............57
Components ........................................................84
SUBARU advanced frontal airbag system .............86
SRS side airbag and SRS curtain airbag...............98
SRS airbag system monitors .............................. 105
SRS airbag system servicing.............................. 106
Precautions against vehicle modification............ 107
How to contact the vehicle manufacturer
concerning modifications for persons with
disabilities that may affect the advanced
airbag system .................................................. 108
Seatbelt with shoulder belt and lap belt
pretensioners .....................................................58
System monitors ..................................................58
System servicing ..................................................59
Seats
30
upright position and a collision
occurs, the risk of sliding under
the lap belt and of the lap belt
sliding up over the abdomen will
increase, and both can result in
serious injury or death.
1-1. Seats
& Safety tips
! Safety tips for seat
WARNING
Never adjust the seat while driv-
ing, as personal injury or loss of
vehicle control may occur.
.
The SRS airbags deploy with
considerable speed and force.
Occupants who are not sitting
back and upright when the SRS
airbag deploys could suffer ser-
ious injury. Because the SRS
airbag needs enough space for
deployment, the driver should
always sit upright and well back
in the seat as far from the steer-
ing wheel as practical while still
maintaining full vehicle control,
and the front passenger should
move the seat as far back as
possible and sit upright and well
back in the seat.
.
.
.
Before adjusting the seat, ensure
nothing is blocking the adjusting
mechanism.
WARNING
After adjusting the seat, move it
back and forth to ensure the seat
is securely locked. If it is not, it
may move suddenly or the seat-
belt may not operate properly.
Place children in the rear seat prop-
erly restrained at all times. The SRS
airbag deploys with considerable
speed and force and can injure or
even kill children, especially if they
are not restrained or improperly
restrained. Because children are
lighter and weaker than adults, their
risk of being injured from deploy-
ment is greater. For that reason, we
strongly recommend that ALL chil-
dren (including those in child seats
and those that have outgrown child
restraint devices) sit in the REAR
seat properly restrained at all times
in a child restraint system or in a
seatbelt, whichever is appropriate
.
.
Do not put objects under the front
seats. They may interfere with
front seat locking mechanism
and cause an accident.
Seatbelts provide maximum re-
straint when the occupant sits
back and upright in the seat. To
reduce the risk of sliding under
the seatbelt in a collision, the
front seatbacks should always
be used in the upright position
while the vehicle is running. If the
front seatbacks are not in the
Seats 31
for the child’s age, height and
weight. Secure ALL types of child
restraint devices (including forward
facing child restraint systems) in the
REAR seats at all times.
NEVER INSTALL A CHILD RE-
STRAINT SYSTEM IN THE FRONT
PASSENGER’S SEAT. DOING SO
RISKS SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH
TO THE CHILD BY PLACING THE
CHILD’S HEAD TOO CLOSE TO THE
SRS AIRBAG.
According to accident statistics,
children are safer when properly
restrained in the rear seating posi-
tions than in the front seating posi-
tions. For instructions and precau-
tions concerning child restraint sys-
tems, refer to “Child restraint sys-
tems” �P60.
WARNING
WARNING
To prevent the passenger from slid-
ing under the seatbelt in the event of
a collision, always put the seatback
in the upright position while the
vehicle is in motion. Also, do not
place objects such as cushions
between the passenger and the seat-
back. If you do so, the risk of sliding
under the lap belt and of the lap belt
sliding up over the abdomen will
increase, and both can result in
serious injury or death.
Do not let rear passengers rest their
feet between the front seatback and
seat cushion. Doing so may interfere
with the proper operation of the
following systems and could result
in serious injury.
.
.
.
.
Occupant detection system
SRS side airbag
Seat heater (if equipped)
Power seat (if equipped)
– CONTINUED –
Seats
32
WARNING
WARNING
WARNING
Do not press your feet onto the
instrument panel. Doing so may
prevent the occupant detection
function of the SRS airbag system
from functioning correctly, and may
result in serious injury or death in
the event of an accident.
Seatbelts provide maximum re-
straint when the occupant sits well
back and upright in the seat. Do not
put cushions or any other materials
between occupants and seatbacks
or seat cushions. If you do so, the
risk of sliding under the lap belt and
of the lap belt sliding up over the
abdomen will increase, and both can
result in serious internal injury or
death.
Never stack luggage or other cargo
higher than the top of the seatback
because it could tumble forward and
injure passengers in the event of a
sudden stop or accident.
Seats 33
! Safety tips for head restraint
& Manual seat (if equipped)
! Reclining the seatback
! Forward and backward adjustment
WARNING
.
Never drive the vehicle with the
head restraints removed because
they are designed to reduce the
risk of serious neck injury in the
event that the vehicle is struck
from the rear. Also, never install
the head restraints the opposite
way round. Doing so will prevent
the head restraints from function-
ing as intended. Therefore, when
you remove the head restraints,
you must reinstall all head re-
straints correctly to protect vehi-
cle occupants.
Pull the reclining lever up and adjust the
seatback to the desired position. Then
release the lever and move the seatback
back and forth to confirm that it is securely
fixed in place.
The seatback placed in a reclined position
can spring back upward with force when
the lever is pulled. When operating the
lever to return the seatback, hold the
seatback lightly so that it may be raised
back gradually.
Pull the lever upward and slide the seat to
the desired position. Then release the
lever and move the seat back and forth to
make sure that it is securely locked into
place.
.
All occupants, including the dri-
ver, should not operate a vehicle
or sit in a vehicle’s seat until the
head restraints are placed in their
proper positions in order to mini-
mize the risk of neck injury in the
event of a crash.
– CONTINUED –
Seats
34
backward. During forward/backward ad-
justment of the seat, the seat cushion
angle or height cannot be adjusted.
Seat cushion angle control switch
To adjust the seat cushion angle, pull up
or push down the front end of the control
switch.
! Seat height adjustment (driver’s
& Power seat (if equipped)
seat)
! Driver’s seat
2
3
4
Seat height control switch
To adjust the seat height, pull up or push
down the rear end of the control switch.
Seatback angle (reclining) control
switch
To adjust the angle of the seatback, move
the control switch.
5
Lumbar support control switch
To increase lower back support, push the
front side of the switch. To decrease
lower back support, push the rear side of
the switch.
1
2
When the lever is pushed down, the seat
is lowered.
When the lever is pulled up, the seat
rises.
The height of the seat can be adjusted by
moving the seat adjustment lever up and
down.
1
Seat position forward/backward con-
trol switch
To adjust the seat forward or backward,
move the control switch forward or
Seats 35
retrieval of the seat position, stop
the retrieval of the seat position
by performing any of the follow-
ing.
! Front passenger’s seat
! Memory function (driver’s seat – if
equipped)
WARNING
–
Operate any of the power seat
switches.
.
To avoid loss of vehicle control or
personal injury, never perform
the following operations while
driving.
–
–
–
Press the “SET” button.
Press button “1” or “2”.
Operate the outside mirror
control switch.
–
–
Adjusting the seat
Retrieving the seat position
.
.
Before adjusting the seat, make
sure that cargo or the hands and
feet of rear seat passengers are
clear of the adjusting mechan-
ism.
Some seat positions can be registered.
Register the seat position with button “1” or
“2” or each of the key fobs and retrieve the
seat position.
1
2
Seat position forward/backward con-
trol switch
To adjust the seat forward or backward,
move the control switch forward or
backward.
Seat cushion angle control switch
To adjust the seat cushion angle, pull up
or push down the front end of the control
switch.
Seat height control switch
To adjust the seat height, pull up or push
down the rear end of the control switch.
Seatback angle (reclining) control
switch
The following seat positions can be regis-
tered.
Perform the seat position retrie-
val before driving. Be sure to
confirm that the select lever is in
the “P” position, and the parking
brake is applied, when adjusting
the seat position. Do not drive
until the retrieval of the seat
position is complete.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Forward/backward position of the seat
Angle of the seatback
Angle of the seat cushion
Height of the seat
Angle of the outside mirrors
Angle of the outside mirrors when the
reverse tilt-down operates.
3
4
.
.
When retrieving a registered seat
position, make sure the hands,
feet and possessions of rear seat
passengers are clear of the seat
adjusting mechanism.
To adjust the angle of the seatback, move
the control switch.
NOTE
The seat position can also be retrieved
with the Driver Monitoring System user
information. To do so, perform user
registration in the Driver Monitoring
When any unusual conditions or
malfunctions occur during the
– CONTINUED –
Seats
36
System settings. Refer to “Driver Mon-
itoring System settings” �P217.
until a chirp sounds within 5 sec-
onds.
either of the following procedures.
. Press the “SET” button, then press
either “1” or “2” until a chirp sounds
within 5 seconds.
. While pressing and holding the
“SET” button, press either “1” or “2”
until a chirp sounds within 5 sec-
onds.
A chirp will sound once, and the seat
position and outside mirror angle on the
passenger’s side will be registered.
! Registration of memory position
with button “1” or “2”
1. Adjust the seat position under the
following conditions.
NOTE
. The parking brake is applied.
. The ignition switch is in the “ON”
position.
If a new position is registered for the
same button, the previously registered
memory position is deleted.
A chirp will sound once, and the seat
position and outside mirror angle will be
registered.
. The select lever is in the “P” position.
! Registration of the reverse tilt-
down mirror angle with button
“1” or “2”
NOTE
The factory setting (default setting) for
this function is set as the front passen-
ger’s side mirror. The setting of the
right and left side mirror/front passen-
ger’s side mirror operation can be
changed by a SUBARU dealer. Contact
your SUBARU dealer for details.
CAUTION
Depress the brake pedal when re-
gistering the reverse tilt-down mir-
ror angle.
1. Move the select lever to the “R”
position, then the outside mirror angle
will move to the reverse tilt-down
position.
2. Adjust the outside mirror angle. For
details about the settings, refer to
“Remote control mirror switch” �P252.
3. Move the select lever to the “P”
position, then the outside mirror angle
will return to its original position.
! Registration of memory position
with a key fob
1. Adjust the seat position under the
following conditions.
2. Register the adjusted positions by
either of the following procedures.
. Press the “SET” button, then press
either “1” or “2” until a chirp sounds
within 5 seconds.
. The parking brake is applied.
. The ignition switch is in the “LOCK”/
“OFF” position.
. The select lever is in the “P” position.
. While pressing and holding the
“SET” button, press either “1” or “2”
4. Register the adjusted positions by
Seats 37
! Registration of the reverse tilt-
down mirror angle with the key
fob
NOTE
.
The factory setting (default setting)
for this function is set as the front
passenger’s side mirror. The setting
of the right and left side mirror/front
passenger’s side mirror operation
can be changed by a SUBARU deal-
er. Contact your SUBARU dealer for
details.
CAUTION
Depress the brake pedal when re-
gistering the reverse tilt-down mir-
ror angle.
.
The system stores the adjusted
mirror angle for approximately 45
seconds after the ignition switch is
turned to the “OFF” position. Regis-
ter the mirror angle while the mem-
ory function is available.
1. Move the select lever to the “R”
position, then the outside mirror angle
will move to the reverse tilt-down
position.
2. Adjust the outside mirror angle. For
details about the settings, refer to
“Remote control mirror switch” �P252.
3. Move the select lever to the “P”
position, then the outside mirror angle
will return to its original position.
2. Hold the access key fob and press and
hold the “SET” button, then press the
“ ” button of the access key fob.
! Retrieval of memory position
A chirp will sound once, and the seat
position is registered.
registered with button “1” or “2”
WARNING
NOTE
4. Turn the ignition switch to the “OFF”/
“LOCK” position.
5. Hold the access key fob and press and
hold the “SET” button, then press the
“ ” button of the access key fob.
When registering the seat position,
carry the access key that you want to
register with you. If you are carrying 2
or more access keys, registration may
not be possible.
Be sure to press the correct button
to retrieve your registered seat posi-
tion. If the seat position is not
optimum for you, it may adversely
affect your driving and may reduce
the effectiveness of the seatbelt.
That could result in an accident
involving serious injury or death.
A chirp will sound once, and the reverse
tilt-down mirror angle will be registered.
– CONTINUED –
Seats
38
tered memory position can be re-
trieved even if the ignition switch is
in the “LOCK” or “OFF” position.
If buttons “1” and “2” are pressed at
the same time, execution of seat
position retrieval may not be possi-
ble.
When the retrieved position is the
same as the current seat position, a
chirp will sound twice.
A chirp will sound and the seat and angle
of the outside mirrors moves to the
registered position.
When the select lever is moved to the “R”
position, the outside mirror will move to the
registered reverse tilt-down position.
.
.
NOTE
.
.
A retrieved seat position might de-
viate as the function is used con-
tinuously over time.
A retrieved seat position might de-
viate if you attempt to continue
operating the registered seat in the
same direction when the registered
seat is already at the farthest possi-
ble point of adjustment in any direc-
tion.
! Retrieval of the memory position
registered with access key fob
1. Hold the registered access key fob.
1. Turn the ignition switch to the “ON”
position.
2. Put the select lever is in the “P” position
and apply the parking brake, then
press button “1” or “2”.
.
If the registered memory position
cannot be retrieved after performing
the previous procedures, try the
following procedures.
(1) Press the “SET” button on the
driver’s door.
A chirp will sound and the seat and outside
mirror move to the registered position.
When the select lever is moved to the “R”
position, the outside mirror will move to the
registered reverse tilt-down position.
(2) Press the “ ” button on the
access key fob or the door lock
button to lock the doors.
(3) Perform the prior procedures
again.
If the keyless access function is
disabled, the memory position can-
not be retrieved by touching the
NOTE
.
.
If the vehicle battery is removed, the
registered memory position data will
not be deleted.
When the button “1” or “2” is
pressed within 45 seconds after the
driver’s door is opened, the regis-
2. Unlock the driver’s door by pressing
the “ ” button or touching the sensor
behind the door handle.
.
3. Open the driver’s door.
Rear seats 39
sensor behind the driver’s door
handle. However, the memory posi-
tion can still be retrieved by pressing
the “ ” button on the access key
fob. For information about how to
enable/disable the keyless access
function, refer to “Disabling keyless
access function” �P124.
If a new position is registered for the
same access key fob, the previously
registered memory position data will
be deleted.
A chirp will sound, and the registered seat
position and outside mirror angle on the
passenger’s side will be cleared.
1-2. Rear seats
NOTE
After deleting the seat position, wait for
a few moments before registering a
new seat position.
.
.
.
If you are carrying 2 or more access
keys, seat position retrieval may not
be possible.
If, while carrying an access key, 45
seconds passed after you enter the
operating range of the keyless ac-
cess function, it may not be possible
to retrieve the registered memory
position even if the door is open. For
the operating range of the keyless
access function, refer to “Locking
and unlocking by holding the access
key fob” �P117.
WARNING
Seatbelts provide maximum re-
straint when the occupant sits back
and upright in the seat. Do not place
cushions or any other materials
between occupants and seatbacks
or seat cushions. By doing so, the
risk of sliding under the lap belt and
of the lap belt sliding up over the
abdomen will increase, and both can
result in serious injury or death.
! Clearing the registered seat posi-
tion with access key fob
1. Close the driver’s door.
2. Hold the access key fob and press and
hold the “SET” button, then press the
“ ” button on the access key fob.
– CONTINUED –
Rear seats
40
& Armrest (if equipped)
& Folding down the rear seat-
back
WARNING
.
When you fold down the seat-
back, check that there are no
passengers or objects on the rear
seat. Not doing so creates a risk
of injury or property damage if
the seatback suddenly folds
down.
.
.
Never allow passengers to ride
on the folded rear seatback or in
the cargo area. Doing so may
result in serious injury or death.
WARNING
To lower the armrest, pull down the top
edge of the armrest.
Never stack luggage or other cargo
higher than the top of the seatback
as it could tumble forward and injure
passengers in the event of a sudden
stop or accident.
Secure all objects and especially
long items properly to prevent
them from being thrown around
inside the vehicle and causing
serious injury during a sudden
stop, steering maneuver or accel-
eration.
WARNING
.
.
To avoid serious injury, passen-
gers must never sit on the center
armrest.
When using the seatbelt, do not
allow it to become tangled with
an arm rest. The seatbelt will not
perform its original function in an
emergency and it may cause a
serious injury.
.
When you return the seatback to
its original position, shake it
slightly to confirm that it is se-
curely in place. If it is not securely
fixed in place, it may suddenly
fold down in the event of sudden
braking, or objects may move out
from the cargo area. Both could
cause serious injury or death.
Rear seats 41
WARNING
When the seatback is returned to its
original position, observe the fol-
lowing precautions. Failure to do so
may lead to serious injury or an
accident because the operation effi-
ciency of the seatbelt is inhibited.
.
The seatbelt should not be
caught in the seatback and it
should be fully visible.
.
The seatbelt should not pass
behind the striker for the seat-
back.
Release knob
CAUTION
.
.
Do not hang luggage etc. on the
striker. The possibility exists that
the seatback may not be able to
be fixed firmly in place. This
could lead to unexpected acci-
dents.
While driving, if something hits
the release latch, it is possible
that the seatback will fold down.
Be careful that no luggage etc.
hits the latch.
1
Striker
Release latch on both sides of the cargo
area (if equipped)
2. Unlock the seatback by pulling the lock
release knob or release latch (if
equipped) and then fold the seatback
1. Lower the head restraint of the rear
center seating position.
– CONTINUED –
Rear seats
42
down.
fold down in the event of sudden
braking, or objects may move out
from the cargo area, which could
cause serious injury or death.
! Return the rear seatback
& Reclining the seatback (if
equipped)
Lock release knob
1
2
A
Unlocked
Locked
Unlocking marker in red
WARNING
To return the seatback to its original
position, raise the seatback until it locks
into place and make sure that the unlock-
ing marker on the lock release knob is no
longer visible.
.
.
When returning the seatback to
its original position, observe the
following precaution.
Failure to observe the precaution
may damage the seatbelt, impair-
ing its effectiveness, and possi-
bly result in a serious injury.
WARNING
When you return the seatback to its
original position, check that the
unlocking marker on the lock re-
lease knob is not visible. Also, shake
the seatback slightly to confirm that
it is securely fixed in place. If the
seatback is not securely fixed in
place, the seatback may suddenly
When returning the seatback to
its original position, pull the
seatbelt out towards the vehicle
exterior so that it will not be
caught between the seatback
and the trim.
Head restraints 43
reclined seatback. Refer to “Car-
go area cover” �P292.
1-3. Head restraints
WARNING
To prevent the passenger from slid-
ing under the seatbelt in the event of
a collision, observe the following
precautions:
WARNING
The front seat head restraints are
designed to be installed into the
front seats only. The rear seat head
restraints are designed to be in-
stalled into the rear seats only. Do
not attempt to install the front seat
head restraints into the rear seats, or
the rear seat head restraints into the
front seats.
.
Keep the seatback in the upright
position while the vehicle is in
motion.
.
Do not place objects such as
cushions between the passenger
and the seatback.
Otherwise, the risk of sliding under
the lap belt and of the lap belt sliding
up over the abdomen will increase,
and both can result in serious inter-
nal injury or death.
NOTE
Pull the strap and adjust the seatback to
the desired position.
Then release the strap and move the
seatback back and forth to confirm that it
is securely fixed in place.
It is possible to adjust the angle of the
front seat head restraints only. When
installing the front seat head restraints,
make sure that the angle of the head
restraints can be adjusted.
CAUTION
If your vehicle is equipped with a
cargo area cover, observe the fol-
lowing precautions.
.
Be careful not to pinch your hand
between the head restraint and
the cargo area cover when you
recline the rear seat.
.
Move the front cover of the cargo
area cover backward so that the
cover is not damaged by the
– CONTINUED –
Head restraints
44
To lower:
perform the installation and removal
tasks.
& Front seats
Push the head restraint down while press-
ing the release button on the top of the
seatback.
Both the driver’s seat and the front
passenger’s seat are equipped with head
restraints. Both head restraints are adjus-
table in the following ways.
! Angle adjustment
To remove:
Use a key or other hard, pointed object to
press the remove button, then pull out the
head restraint.
! Height adjustment
To install:
Push the head restraint into the holes on
the top of the seatback until it locks.
The angle of the head restraint can be
adjusted in several steps. While maintain-
ing a suitable driving posture, adjust the
head restraint to a position where the back
of your head is as close to the head
restraint as possible.
1
2
3
Head restraint
Release button
Remove button
To release:
To tilt:
.
Lowermost to the 1st step
Tilt the head restraint by hand to the
preferred position. A click will sound when
the head restraint is locked.
Each head restraint should be adjusted so
that the center is closest to the top of the
occupant’s ears.
Pull the head restraint up to the 1st step.
To raise:
.
To return:
NOTE
1st step to the 3rd step
Tilt the head restraint as far forward as it
can go. The head restraint will automati-
cally return to the fully upright position.
Pull the head restraint up while pressing
the release button on the top of the
seatback.
When the head restraint cannot be
pulled out or installed due to insuffi-
cient clearance, tilt the seat and then
Head restraints 45
Then, adjust the head restraint to the
preferred angle.
After installing the head restraint, make
sure it is securely locked.
! Center seating position
& Rear seats
Head restraints are installed in all second-
row seats and can be adjusted as de-
scribed below.
! Window side seating position
1
2
Head restraint
Release button
To raise:
1
2
When not used (retracted position)
When used (extended position)
Pull the head restraint up.
To lower:
Press the release button then push the
head restraint down.
CAUTION
To remove:
Press the release button, and pull out the
head restraint.
The head restraint is not intended to
be used in the retracted position.
Before sitting in the seat, raise the
head restraint to the extended posi-
tion.
1
2
Head restraint
Release button
To install:
To remove:
Press the release button, and pull out the
head restraint.
Push the head restraint into the holes on
the top of the seatback until it locks. Press
and hold the release button to lower the
head restraint.
To install:
Push the head restraint into the holes on
the top of the seatback until it locks. Press
and hold the release button to lower the
head restraint.
When the rear center seating position is
occupied, raise the head restraint to the
– CONTINUED –
Seat heater
46
extended position. When it is not occupied,
lower it to improve rearward visibility.
& Safety precautions
1-4. Seat heater (if equipped)
CAUTION
The seat heater is equipped in the front
seats or rear seats (window side seating
position).
.
People with delicate skin may
suffer slight burns even at low
temperatures if they use the seat
heater for a long period of time.
When using the heater, always be
sure to warn the persons con-
cerned.
The seat heater operates when the ignition
switch is either in the “ACC” or “ON”
position.
.
.
Do not put anything on the seat
which insulates against heat,
such as a blanket, cushion, or
similar items. This may cause the
seat heater to overheat.
When the seat is warmed enough
or before you leave the vehicle,
be sure to turn off the seat heater.
NOTE
Use of the seat heater for a long period
of time while the engine is not running
can cause battery discharge.
Seat heater 47
To turn on the seat heater, push the “LO” or
“HI” position on the switch, as desired,
depending on the temperature.
& Front seat heater
Selecting the “HI” position will cause the
seat to heat up quicker.
To turn off the seat heater, lightly press the
opposite side of the current position.
The indicator located on the switch illumi-
nates when the seat heater is in operation.
& Rear seat heater (if equipped)
Rear seat heater switch
CAUTION
1
2
A
B
HIGH mode indicators
LOW mode indicators
Left-hand side
Do not open and close the center
console lid while operating the rear
seat heater switch. There is the risk
of fingers being caught in the lid.
Right-hand side
Press the rear seat heater switch. Each
time you press the switch, the mode will
change as follows.
The seat heater operates when the ignition
switch is in the “ON” position.
When LOW mode is selected, the LOW
mode indicator on the rear seat heater
switch illuminates. When HIGH mode is
selected, both the LOW and HIGH mode
indicators illuminate. When the OFF mode
is selected, all the indicators turn off.
Front seats
1
2
3
A
B
HI – Rapid heating
LO – Normal heating
Off
Left-hand side
Right-hand side
– CONTINUED –
Seatbelts
48
Selecting “HIGH” mode will cause the seat
to heat up quicker.
.
.
Never use a belt that is twisted or
reversed. In an accident, this can
increase the risk or severity of
injury.
1-5. Seatbelts
& Seatbelt safety tips
NOTE
Only the front seat heater switches
retain the previous switch position
even if the vehicle has restarted. The
rear seat heater switch will reset.
WARNING
Keep the lap belt as low as
possible on your hips. In a colli-
sion, this spreads the force of the
lap belt over stronger hip bones
instead of across the weaker
abdomen.
.
All persons in the vehicle should
fasten their seatbelts BEFORE
the vehicle starts to move. Other-
wise, the possibility of serious
injury becomes greater in the
event of a sudden stop or acci-
dent.
.
Seatbelts provide maximum re-
straint when the occupant sits
well back and upright in the seat.
To reduce the risk of sliding
under the seatbelt in a collision,
the front seatbacks should be
always used in the upright posi-
tion while the vehicle is running.
If the front seatbacks are not
used in the upright position in a
collision, the risk of sliding under
the lap belt and of the lap belt
sliding up over the abdomen will
increase, and both can result in
serious internal injury or death.
.
.
All belts should fit snugly in order
to provide full restraint. Loose
fitting belts are not as effective in
preventing or reducing injury.
Each seatbelt is designed to sup-
port only one person. Never use a
single belt for two or more per-
sons – even children. Otherwise,
in an accident, serious injury or
death could result.
.
Replace all seatbelt assemblies
including retractors and attach-
ing hardware worn by occupants
of a vehicle that has been in a
serious accident. The entire as-
sembly should be replaced even
if damage is not obvious.
.
Do not put cushions or any other
materials between occupants
and seatbacks or seat cushions.
If you do so, the risk of sliding
under the lap belt and of the lap
belt sliding up over the abdomen
will increase, and both can result
Seatbelts 49
Your vehicle is equipped with a crash
sensing and diagnostic module, which will
record the use of the seatbelt by the front
passenger when any of the SRS frontal,
side and curtain airbags deploy.
in serious internal injury or death.
Secure ALL types of child restraint
devices (including forward facing
child restraint systems) in the REAR
seats at all times.
NEVER INSTALL A CHILD RE-
STRAINT SYSTEM IN THE FRONT
PASSENGER’S SEAT. DOING SO
RISKS SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH
TO THE CHILD BY PLACING THE
CHILD’S HEAD TOO CLOSE TO THE
SRS AIRBAG.
! Infants or small children
Use a child restraint system that is suitable
for your vehicle. Refer to “Child restraint
systems” �P60.
! Children
According to accident statistics,
children are safer when properly
restrained in the rear seating posi-
tions than in the front seating posi-
tions. For instructions and precau-
tions concerning the child restraint
system, refer to “Child restraint
systems” �P60.
WARNING
Place children in the rear seat prop-
erly restrained at all times. The SRS
airbag deploys with considerable
speed and force and can injure or
even kill children, especially if they
are not restrained or improperly
restrained. Because children are
lighter and weaker than adults, their
risk of being injured from deploy-
ment is greater. For that reason, we
strongly recommend that ALL chil-
dren (including those in child re-
straint systems and those that have
outgrown child restraint devices) sit
in the REAR seat properly restrained
at all times in a child restraint
system or in a seatbelt, whichever
is appropriate for the child’s height
and weight.
WARNING
Never place the shoulder belt under
the arm or behind the back. If an
accident occurs, this can increase
the risk or severity of injury.
If a child is too big for a child restraint
system, the child should sit in the rear seat
and be restrained using the seatbelts.
According to accident statistics, children
are safer when properly restrained in the
rear seating positions than in the front
seating positions. Never allow a child to
stand up or kneel on the seat.
CAUTION
Metallic parts of the seatbelt can
become very hot in a vehicle that has
been closed up in sunny weather;
they could burn an occupant. Do not
touch such hot parts until they cool.
If the shoulder portion of the belt crosses
the face or neck, move the child closer to
the belt buckle to help provide a good
– CONTINUED –
Seatbelts
50
shoulder belt fit. Care must be taken to
securely place the lap belt as low as
possible on the hips and not on the child’s
waist. If the shoulder portion of the belt
cannot be properly positioned, a child
restraint system should be used. Never
place the shoulder belt under the child’s
arm or behind the child’s back.
When securing a child restraint system on
the rear seats by the use of the seatbelt,
the seatbelt must be changed over to the
Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR) mode.
& Emergency Locking Retrac-
tor (ELR)
The driver’s seatbelt has an Emergency
Locking Retractor (ELR).
The emergency locking retractor allows
normal body movement but the retractor
locks automatically during a sudden stop,
impact or if you pull the belt very quickly
out of the retractor.
When the child restraint system is re-
moved, make sure that the seatbelt re-
tracts fully and the retractor returned to the
Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR)
mode.
! Expectant mothers
For instructions on how to convert the
retractor to the ALR mode and restore it to
the ELR mode, refer to “Installing child
restraint systems with ALR/ELR seatbelt”
�P65.
& Automatic Locking Retractor/
Emergency Locking Retrac-
tor (ALR/ELR)
Each passenger’s seatbelt has an Auto-
matic Locking Retractor/Emergency Lock-
ing Retractor (ALR/ELR). The Automatic
Locking Retractor/Emergency Locking
Retractor normally functions as an Emer-
gency Locking Retractor (ELR). The ALR/
ELR has an additional locking mode
“Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR)
mode” intended to secure a child restraint
system. When the seatbelt is once drawn
out completely and is then retracted even
slightly, the retractor locks the seatbelt in
that position and the seatbelt cannot be
extended. As the belt is rewinding, clicks
will be heard which indicate the retractor
functions as an ALR. When the seatbelt is
retracted fully, the ALR mode is released.
& Seatbelt warning light
and chime
Refer to “Seatbelt warning light and chime”
�P168.
& Fastening the seatbelt
Expectant mothers also need to use the
seatbelts. They should consult their doctor
for specific recommendations. The lap belt
should be worn securely and as low as
possible over the hips, not over the waist.
! Front seatbelts
1. Adjust the seat position according to
the following procedure.
Driver’s seat: Adjust the seatback to
the upright position. Move the seat as
far from the steering wheel as practical
while still maintaining full vehicle con-
trol.
Front passenger’s seat: Adjust the
Seatbelts 51
seatback to the upright position. Move
the seat as far back as possible.
! Adjusting the front seat shoulder
belt anchor height
2. Sit well back in the seat.
3. Pick up the tongue plate and pull the
belt out slowly. Do not let it get twisted.
. If the belt stops before reaching the
buckle, return the belt slightly and
pull it out more slowly.
. If the belt still cannot be unlocked, let
the belt retract slightly after giving it a
strong pull, then pull it out slowly
again.
5. To tighten the lap part, pull up on the
shoulder belt.
6. Place the lap belt as low as possible on
the hips, not on the waist.
The shoulder belt anchor height should be
adjusted to the position best suited for the
driver/front passenger. Always adjust the
anchor height so that the shoulder belt
passes over the middle of the shoulder
without touching the neck.
To raise:
Slide the anchor up.
To lower:
Pull the release knob and slide the anchor
down.
4. Insert the tongue plate into the buckle
until you hear a click.
Pull down the anchor to make sure that it is
locked in place.
– CONTINUED –
Seatbelts
52
Before closing the door, make sure that the
belts are retracted properly to avoid
catching the belt webbing in the door.
WARNING
When wearing the seatbelts, make
sure the shoulder portion of the
webbing does not pass over your
neck. If it does, adjust the seatbelt
anchor to a lower position. Placing
the shoulder belt over the neck may
result in neck injury during sudden
braking or in a collision.
! Rear seatbelts (except rear center
seatbelt)
1. Sit well back in the seat.
2. Pick up the tongue plate and pull the
belt out slowly. Do not let it get twisted.
. If the belt stops before reaching the
buckle, return the belt slightly and
pull it out more slowly.
! Unfastening the seatbelt
. If the belt still cannot be unlocked, let
the belt retract slightly after giving it a
strong pull, then pull it out slowly
again.
4. To tighten the lap part, pull up on the
shoulder belt.
5. Place the lap belt as low as possible on
the hips, not on the waist.
1
Button
1. Push the button on the buckle.
2. Retract the seatbelt slowly to prevent it
from getting tangled or twisted.
3. Insert the tongue plate into the buckle
until you hear a click.
Seatbelts 53
! Rear center seatbelt
! Unfastening the seatbelt
WARNING
Fastening the seatbelt with the web-
bing twisted can increase the risk or
severity of injury in an accident.
When fastening the belt after it is
pulled out from the retractor, espe-
cially when inserting the anchor
tongue plate into the mating buckle
(on right-hand side), always check
that the webbing is not twisted.
1
2
3
4
Center seatbelt tongue plate
Anchor tongue plate
Anchor buckle
1
Button
1. Push the button on the buckle.
2. Retract the seatbelt slowly to prevent it
from getting tangled or twisted.
Center seatbelt buckle
Before closing the door, make sure that the
belts are retracted properly to avoid
catching the belt webbing in the door.
– CONTINUED –
Seatbelts
54
WARNING
.
Be sure to fasten both tongue
plates to the respective buckles.
If the seatbelt is used only as a
shoulder belt (with the anchor
tongue plate not fastened to the
connector’s buckle on the right-
hand side), it cannot properly
restrain the wearer in position in
an accident, possibly resulting in
serious injury or death.
.
The head restraint is not intended
to be used at the lowest position.
Before sitting on the seat, raise
the head restraint to the extended
position. Otherwise, in an acci-
dent, serious injury or death
could result.
Rear center seatbelt is stowed in the
recess of the ceiling.
1. Retrieve the anchor tongue plate from
the slot in the recess by pulling the
anchor tongue plate, then pull out the
seatbelt slowly.
2. Pass the seatbelt through the belt
guide.
3. After confirming that the webbing is not
twisted, insert the anchor tongue plate
attached at the webbing end into the
buckle on the right-hand side until a
Seatbelts 55
! Unfastening the seatbelt
click sounds.
. If the belt stops before reaching the
buckle, return the belt slightly and
pull it out more slowly.
. If the belt still cannot be unlocked,
give it a strong pull and let it retract
slightly, then pull it out slowly again.
5. To tighten the lap part, pull up on the
shoulder belt.
1
Button
6. Place the lap belt as low as possible on
the hips, not on the waist.
1. Push the release button of the center
seatbelt buckle (on the left-hand side)
to unfasten the seatbelt.
NOTE
When the seatback is folded down, it is
necessary to disconnect the connector.
4. Insert the center seatbelt tongue plate
into the center seatbelt buckle marked
“CENTER” on the left-hand side until it
clicks.
– CONTINUED –
Seatbelts
56
retractor to roll up the belt slowly. You
should hold the webbing end and guide
it back into the retractor while it is
rolling up. Neatly store the tongue plate
in the recess on the ceiling and then
insert the anchor tongue plate into the
slot located at the front of the recess.
the trim during driving, causing
damage to the trim.
& Seatbelt maintenance
To clean the seatbelts, use a mild soap and
lukewarm water. Never bleach or dye the
belts because this could seriously affect
their strength.
Inspect the seatbelts and attachments
including the webbing and all hardware
periodically for cracks, cuts, gashes, tears,
damage, loose bolts or worn areas. Re-
place the seatbelts even if only minor
damage is found.
2. Insert a tongue plate or other hard
pointed object into the slot in the
anchor buckle on the right-hand side
and push it in. The anchor tongue plate
will then disconnect from the buckle.
CAUTION
.
.
Keep the belts free of polishes,
oils, chemicals and particularly
battery acid.
Never attempt to make modifica-
tions or changes that will prevent
the seatbelt from operating prop-
erly.
CAUTION
.
.
Do not allow the retractor to roll
up the seatbelt too quickly. Other-
wise, the metal tongue plates
may hit against the trim, resulting
in damaged trim.
Have the seatbelt fully rolled up
so that the tongue plates are
neatly stored. A hanging tongue
plate can swing and hit against
3. With the belt held by hand, allow the
Seatbelt pretensioners 57
.
.
If the seatbelt retractor assembly or
surrounding area has been da-
maged, contact your SUBARU deal-
er as soon as possible.
When you sell your vehicle, we urge
you to inform the buyer that the
vehicle is equipped with seatbelt
pretensioners. Also, notify the buyer
of the contents in this section.
seatbelt retractors equipped with
seatbelt pretensioners, consult
your SUBARU dealer.
1-6. Seatbelt pretensioners
The following seatbelts have a seatbelt
pretensioner.
.
When discarding seatbelt retrac-
tor assemblies equipped with
seatbelt pretensioners or scrap-
ping the entire vehicle due to
collision damage or for other
reasons, consult your SUBARU
dealer.
.
.
.
Driver’s seatbelt
Front passenger’s seatbelt
Rear passenger’s seatbelt (window-
side)
The seatbelt pretensioners are designed
to be activated in the event of an accident
involving a moderate to severe frontal and
side collision and rollover accident.
& Seatbelt with shoulder belt
pretensioner
NOTE
NOTE
.
Seatbelt pretensioners are not de-
signed to activate in minor impacts
or in rear impacts.
This section is applicable to the follow-
ing components.
.
WARNING
Rear passenger’s seatbelt (window-
side)
.
Pretensioners are designed to func-
tion on a one-time-only basis. In the
event that a pretensioner is acti-
vated, both the driver’s and front
passenger’s seatbelt retractor as-
semblies should be replaced only
by an authorized SUBARU dealer.
When replacing seatbelt retractor
assemblies, use only genuine
SUBARU parts.
If a seatbelt that has a seatbelt
pretensioner does not retract or
cannot be pulled out due to a mal-
function or activation of the preten-
sioner, contact your SUBARU dealer
as soon as possible.
.
.
To obtain maximum protection,
the occupants should sit in an
upright position with their seat-
belts properly fastened. Refer to
“Seatbelts” �P48.
Do not modify, remove or strike
the seatbelt retractor assemblies
equipped with seatbelt preten-
sioners or surrounding area. This
could result in accidental activa-
tion of the seatbelt pretensioners
or could make the system inop-
erative, possibly resulting in ser-
ious injury. Seatbelt preten-
sioners have no user-serviceable
parts. For required servicing of
.
The pretensioner sensor also serves as
– CONTINUED –
Seatbelt pretensioners
58
follows.
The front seatbelt pretensioner includes a
tension reducing device which limits the
peak forces exerted by the seatbelt on the
occupant in the event of a collision.
The adaptive force limiter will select a
reducing load to the suit body size of
occupant as detected by the occupant
detection system sensors.
& Seatbelt with shoulder belt
.
.
.
Front impact sensor
Side impact sensor
Rollover sensor
and lap belt pretensioners
NOTE
This section is applicable to the front
seatbelt.
If the sensor detects a certain predeter-
mined amount of force during frontal or
side collisions or rollover accidents, any
seatbelt that has a seatbelt pretensioner is
quickly drawn back in by the retractor to
take up the slack so that the belt more
effectively restrains the seat occupant.
When a seatbelt pretensioner is activated,
an operating noise will be heard and a
small amount of smoke will be released.
These occurrences are normal and not
harmful. This smoke does not indicate a
fire in the vehicle.
The rear passenger’s seatbelt (window-
side) pretensioner includes a tension
reducing device which limits the peak
forces exerted by the seatbelt on the
occupant in the event of a collision.
Once the seatbelt pretensioner has been
activated, the seatbelt pretensioner re-
mains locked. Consequently, the seatbelt
cannot be pulled out and retracted and
therefore must be replaced.
When a seatbelt pretensioner is activated,
an operating noise will be heard and a
small amount of smoke will be released.
These occurrences are normal and not
harmful. This smoke does not indicate a
fire in the vehicle.
1
2
Seatbelt retractor assembly (shoulder
belt pretensioner and adaptive force
limiter)
& System monitors
Lap belt pretensioner
A diagnostic system continually monitors
the readiness of the seatbelt pretensioner
with the ignition switch in the “ON” position.
The seatbelt pretensioners share the
control module with the SRS airbag
system. Therefore, if any malfunction
occurs in a seatbelt pretensioner, the
SRS airbag system warning light will
illuminate. For details, refer to “SRS airbag
system monitors” �P105.
The shoulder belt pretensioner is supple-
mented by a lap belt pretensioner, which is
located at the base of the center pillar. Like
the shoulder belt pretensioner, the lap belt
pretensioner instantaneously pulls in the
belt to eliminate slack if a certain level of
frontal collision force is detected. As a
result, the seatbelt restrains the front seat
occupant more effectively.
Once the seatbelt pretensioner has been
activated, the seatbelt retractor remains
locked. Consequently, the seatbelt can not
be pulled out and retracted and therefore
must be replaced.
Seatbelt pretensioners 59
retractors, have the work performed
by your authorized SUBARU dealer.
.
Installation of a tire of different
size and construction from the
tires specified on the vehicle
placard attached to the driver’s
door pillar or specified for indivi-
dual vehicle models in this Own-
er’s Manual.
& System servicing
WARNING
When discarding a seatbelt re-
NOTE
.
If the front or side part of the vehicle is
damaged in an accident to the extent
that the seatbelt pretensioner does not
operate, contact your SUBARU dealer
as soon as possible.
tractor assembly or scrapping
the entire vehicle damaged by a
collision, consult your SUBARU
dealer.
.
Tampering with or disconnecting
the system’s wiring could result
in accidental activation of the
seatbelt pretensioner and/or
SRS airbag or could make the
system inoperative, which may
result in serious injury. Do not
use electrical test equipment on
any circuit related to the seatbelt
pretensioner and SRS airbag sys-
tems. For required servicing of
the seatbelt pretensioner, con-
sult your nearest SUBARU deal-
er.
& Precautions against vehicle
modification
Always consult your SUBARU dealer if you
want to install any accessory parts to your
vehicle.
CAUTION
Do not perform any of the following
modifications. Such modifications
can interfere with proper operation
of the seatbelt pretensioners.
.
Attachment of any equipment
(bush bar, winches, snow plow,
skid plate, etc.) other than genu-
ine SUBARU accessory parts to
the front end.
CAUTION
For the locations of the sensors and
control modules, refer to “Compo-
nents” �P84.
.
Modification of the suspension
system or front end structure.
If you need service or repair in those
areas or near the front seatbelt
Rear seat reminder
60
situation, there is the possibility that
the following phenomenon may oc-
cur.
– It may alert the driver even if there
are no passengers or cargo in the
rear seat.
– It may not alert the driver even if
there are passengers and cargo
in the rear seat.
This function can be turned ON/OFF
using the meter customizing func-
tion. Refer to “Function settings and
adjustments on the combination
meter display (color LCD)” �P24.
The ON/OFF setting will not be
changed even if the ignition switch
is turned to the “OFF” position.
The ON/OFF setting will be returned
to the default setting if the battery is
removed.
1-7. Rear seat reminder
1-8. Child restraint systems
& Safety precautions
This function prompts the driver to confirm
the presence of passengers and cargo in
the rear.
This function will be activated when the
rear doors are opened and closed.
It alerts the driver by warning messages on
the combination meter display (color LCD)
and beeps when the ignition switch is
turned from the “ON” position to the “OFF”
position.
.
.
.
Infants and small children should always
be placed in an infant or child restraint
system in the rear seat while riding in the
vehicle.
You should use an infant or child restraint
system that meets Federal Motor Vehicle
Safety Standards or Canada Motor Vehi-
cle Safety Standards, is compatible with
your vehicle and is appropriate for the
child’s age and size.
NOTE
.
This function does not directly de-
tect passengers and cargo in the
rear seat.
This function detects the opening
and closing of the rear doors. In this
All child restraint systems are designed to
be secured in vehicle seats by lap belts or
the lap belt portion of a lap/shoulder belt
(except those described in “Installation of
child restraint systems by use of lower and
.
Child restraint systems 61
tether anchorages (LATCH)” �P71).
Children could be endangered in an
accident if their child restraint systems
are not properly secured in the vehicle.
When installing the child restraint system,
carefully follow the manufacturer’s instruc-
tions.
According to accident statistics, children
are safer when properly restrained in the
rear seating positions than in the front
seating positions.
All U.S. states and Canadian provinces
require that infants and small children be
restrained in an approved child restraint
system at all times while the vehicle is
moving.
Lock release knob
1
2
A
Unlocked
Locked
Unlocking marker in red
WARNING
Never let a passenger hold a child on
his or her lap or in his or her arms
while the vehicle is moving. The
passenger cannot protect the child
(or infant) from injury in a collision,
because the child will be caught
between the passenger and objects
inside the vehicle.
WARNING
.
.
Before installing a child restraint
system, be sure to confirm that
the seatback is securely locked
into place. Otherwise, in an acci-
dent, serious injury or death
could result.
Additionally, holding a child in your
lap or arms in the front seat exposes
that child to another serious danger.
Since the SRS airbag deploys with
considerable speed and force, the
child could be injured or even killed.
Do not leave children in the car
unattended. High interior tem-
peratures may cause heat stroke
and dehydration that result in
serious injury or death.
– CONTINUED –
Child restraint systems
62
swerving, or accidents.
& Safety tips for installing child
restraint systems
.
Do not leave an unsecured child
restraint system in your vehicle.
Unsecured child restraint sys-
tems can be thrown around in-
side of the vehicle in a sudden
stop, turn or accident; they can
strike and injure vehicle occu-
pants as well as result in serious
injuries or death to the child.
WARNING
.
.
Child restraint systems and seat-
belts can become hot in a vehicle
that has been closed up in sunny
weather; they could burn a small
child. Check the child restraint
system before you place a child
in it.
CAUTION
Do not use a seatbelt extender. If
a seatbelt extender is used when
installing a child restraint sys-
tem, the seatbelt will not securely
hold the child restraint system.
Use of a seatbelt extender could
cause death or serious injury to
children or other passengers in
sudden braking, swerving, or
accidents.
WARNING
When you install a child restraint
system, follow the manufacturer’s
instructions supplied with it. After
installing the child restraint system,
check to ensure that it is held
securely in position. If it is not held
tight and secure, the danger of your
child suffering personal injury in the
event of an accident may be in-
creased.
Children should be properly re-
strained at all times. Never allow a
child to stand up, or to kneel on any
seat. Unrestrained children will be
thrown forward during sudden stop
or in an accident and can be injured
seriously.
.
Attach the child restraint system
to the anchors properly. When
using the LATCH anchors, be
sure that there are no foreign
objects around the anchors.
Make sure the child restraint
system is securely attached.
Otherwise it may cause death or
serious injury to children or other
passengers in sudden braking,
Additionally, children standing up or
kneeling on or in front of the front
seat are exposed another serious
danger. Since the SRS airbag de-
ploys with considerable speed and
force, the child could be injured or
even killed.
Child restraint systems 63
Some types of child restraint systems
might not be able to be secured firmly
due to projection of the seat cushion.
In this seating position, you should use
only a child restraint system that has a
bottom base that fits snugly against the
contours of the seat cushion and can be
securely retained using the seatbelt.
& Where to place a child re-
straint system
The following descriptions are SUBARU’s
recommendations on where to place a
child restraint system in your vehicle.
WARNING
.
Several types of child restraint
systems may conceal the buckle
of the neighboring seat. If the
occupant of the neighboring seat
cannot correctly fasten the seat-
belt, that person must move to a
different seat. If the seatbelt can-
not be correctly fastened, there is
the risk of serious injury or death
in the event of sudden braking or
a collision.
C: Rear seat, center seating position
In this position, the following equipment is
provided for installing a child restraint
system.
.
.
.
ALR/ELR seatbelts
Lower anchorages (bars)
Top tether anchorages
A: Front passenger’s seat
You should not install a child restraint
system (including a booster seat) due to
the hazard to children posed by the
passenger’s airbag.
Some types of child restraint systems
might not be able to be secured firmly
due to projection of the seat cushion.
In this seating position, you should use
only a child restraint system that has a
bottom base that fits snugly against the
contours of the seat cushion and can be
securely retained using the seatbelt.
The rear center seat includes lower an-
chorages, and the lower anchorages on
the center side of the rear right seat can be
used to install a child restraint system.
B: Rear seat, window-side seating
positions
Recommended positions for all types of
child restraint systems.
In these positions, the following equipment
is provided for installing a child restraint
system.
.
If the child restraint system can-
not be correctly installed be-
cause it contacts the driver’s
seat, move the child restraint
system to a different seat. If it
cannot be installed in a different
seat (other than the driver’s seat),
adjust the front seat so that
contact does not occur.
.
Automatic Locking Retractor/Emer-
gency Locking Retractor (ALR/ELR)
seatbelts
.
.
Lower anchorages (bars)
Upper anchorages (tether anchorages)
When a child restraint system is installed in
the rear center seat using the lower
anchorages, do not sit in the rear right
– CONTINUED –
Child restraint systems
64
seat.
children are safer when properly
restrained in the rear seating
positions than in the front seating
positions.
WARNING
If a child restraint system is not correctly
fixed in place (for example, if a child
restraint system can be moved more than
1 inch (2.5 cm) from side to side), the child
restraint system should be moved to a
window seat position of the rear seat.
.
SINCE YOUR VEHICLE IS
EQUIPPED WITH A PASSEN-
GER’S SRS AIRBAG, NEVER IN-
STALL A CHILD RESTRAINT
SYSTEM IN THE FRONT PAS-
SENGER’S SEAT. DOING SO
RISKS SERIOUS INJURY OR
DEATH TO THE CHILD BY PLA-
CING THE CHILD’S HEAD TOO
CLOSE TO THE SRS AIRBAG.
.
.
Do not use lower anchorages
(bars) for a seat in the center
seating position unless a child
restraint system manufacturer’s
instructions permit and specify
using anchors spaced as far
apart as those in this vehicle.
WARNING
.
Even with advanced airbags, chil-
dren can be seriously injured by
the airbag. Seat children in the
rear seat properly restrained at
all times. The SRS airbag deploys
with considerable speed and
force and can injure or even kill
children, especially if they are not
restrained or improperly re-
strained. Because children are
lighter and weaker than adults,
their risk of being injured from
deployment is greater.
Do not connect two or more lower
hooks onto the same anchorage
(bar).
.
Do not allow children to lean their
heads or any other parts of their
bodies against the door or the
area of the seat, front and rear
pillars or roof side rails. The SRS
side airbags and SRS curtain
airbags deploy even if children
are seated in the child restraint
system, and the impact could
cause death or serious injury to
the child.
For that reason, be sure to secure
ALL types of child restraint sys-
tems (including forward facing
child restraint systems) in the
REAR seats at all times. You
should choose a restraint system
which is appropriate for the
child’s age, height and weight.
According to accident statistics,
.
To secure the child restraint sys-
tem, be sure to comply with all
installation instructions provided
by the child restraint system
manufacturer. Not doing so could
result in death or serious injury to
children in a sudden stop or
accident.
Child restraint systems 65
Also it is important for you to make sure
that the child restraint system is compa-
tible with the vehicle in which it will be
used.
may result in death or serious
injuries in the event of sudden
stop, sudden steering maneuver
or an accident.
& Choosing a child restraint
system
NOTE
! Installing a rearward facing child
Some sizes of child restraint systems
may not fit the vehicle seat. Before
purchasing a child restraint system,
check whether it fits on the vehicle seat.
restraint system
WARNING
.
.
NEVER INSTALL A CHILD RE-
STRAINT SYSTEM IN THE FRONT
PASSENGER’S SEAT. DOING SO
RISKS SERIOUS INJURY OR
DEATH TO THE CHILD BY PLA-
CING THE CHILD’S HEAD TOO
CLOSE TO THE SRS AIRBAG.
& Installing child restraint sys-
tems with ALR/ELR seatbelt
CAUTION
Choose a child restraint system that is
appropriate for the child’s age and size
(weight and height) in order to provide the
child with proper protection. The child
restraint system should meet all applicable
requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle
Safety Standards for the United States or
of Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standards
for Canada. It can be identified by looking
for the label on the child restraint system or
the manufacturer’s statement of compli-
ance in the document attached to the
system.
.
When you install a child restraint
system, follow the manufac-
turer’s instructions supplied with
it. After installing the child re-
straint system, check to ensure
that it is held securely in position.
If it is not held tight and secure,
the danger of your child suffering
personal injury in the event of an
accident may be increased.
Before installing a child restraint
system, be sure to confirm that
the seatback is securely locked
into place. Otherwise, in an acci-
dent, serious injury or death
could result.
1. Place the child restraint system in the
rear seating position.
.
When installing a child restraint
system in the rear center seating
position, set both seatbacks to
the original position. Otherwise,
the child restraint system cannot
be securely restrained, which
WARNING
When you intend to install a child
restraint system in the rear center
seating position, if the child restraint
– CONTINUED –
Child restraint systems
66
system does not fit snugly against
the contours of the rear center seat
cushion, install the child restraint
system in the window-side seating
position to be safe. For details, refer
to “Where to place a child restraint
system” �P63.
4. Take up the slack in the lap belt.
6. Before having a child sit in the child
restraint system, try to move it back
and forth and right and left to check if it
is firmly secured. Sometimes a child
restraint system can be more firmly
secured by pushing it down into the
seat cushion and then tightening the
seatbelt. It should not be possible to
move the child restraint system more
than 1 in (2.5 cm) in any direction along
the seatbelt path.
7. If the seatbelt has been set to the ALR
mode in step 5, pull at the shoulder
portion of the belt to confirm that it
cannot be pulled out (ALR properly
functioning).
5. If using the seatbelt in the ALR mode is
recommended by the manufacturer’s
instructions supplied with the child
restraint system, perform the following
procedure.
(1) Pull out the seatbelt fully from the
retractor to change the retractor
over from the Emergency Locking
Retractor (ELR) to the Automatic
Locking Retractor (ALR) mode.
(2) Allow the belt to rewind into the
retractor. As the belt is rewinding,
clicks will be heard which indicate
the retractor functions as ALR.
2. Run the lap and shoulder belt through
or around the child restraint system
following the instructions provided by
its manufacturer.
3. Insert the tongue plate into the buckle
until you hear a click.
Child restraint systems 67
! Installing a forward facing child
restraint system
WARNING
.
.
NEVER INSTALL A CHILD RE-
STRAINT SYSTEM IN THE FRONT
PASSENGER’S SEAT. DOING SO
RISKS SERIOUS INJURY OR
DEATH TO THE CHILD BY PLA-
CING THE CHILD’S HEAD TOO
CLOSE TO THE SRS AIRBAG.
Before installing a child restraint
system, be sure to confirm that
the seatback is securely locked
into place. Otherwise, in an acci-
dent, serious injury or death
could result.
8. To remove the child restraint system,
press the release button on the seat-
belt buckle and allow the belt to retract
completely. The belt will return to the
ELR mode.
3. Remove the head restraint of the rear
seating position where the child re-
straint system is to be installed. For
details, refer to “Head restraints”
�P43.
CAUTION
1. Place the child restraint system in the
rear seating position.
2. For models with rear seat reclining
mechanism, if there is a gap between
the child restraint system and the
seatback, adjust the seatback angle
until good contact is achieved.
NOTE
When the child restraint system is no
longer in use, remove it and restore the
ELR function of the retractor. That
function is restored by allowing the
seatbelt to retract fully.
Store the head restraint in the cargo
area. Do not place the head restraint
in the passenger compartment to
prevent it from being thrown around
in the passenger compartment in a
sudden stop or a sharp turn.
– CONTINUED –
Child restraint systems
68
position, pass the rear center seat-
belt through the belt guide properly.
For details, refer to “Rear center
seatbelt” �P53.
WARNING
When you intend to install a child
restraint system in the rear center
seating position, if the child restraint
system does not fit snugly against
the contours of the rear center seat
cushion, install the child restraint
system on the window-side seating
position to be safe. For details, refer
to “Where to place a child restraint
system” �P63.
5. Insert the tongue plate into the buckle
until you hear a click.
8. Before having a child sit in the child
restraint system, try to move it back
and forth and right and left to check if it
is firmly secured. Sometimes a child
restraint system can be more firmly
secured by pushing it down into the
seat cushion and then tightening the
seatbelt. It should not be possible to
move the child restraint system more
than 1 in (2.5 cm) in any direction along
the seatbelt path.
6. Take up the slack in the lap belt.
7. Pull out the seatbelt fully from the
retractor to change the retractor over
from the Emergency Locking Retractor
(ELR) to the Automatic Locking Re-
tractor (ALR) function. Then, allow the
belt to rewind into the retractor. As the
belt is rewinding, clicks will be heard
which indicate the retractor functions
as ALR.
9. Pull at the shoulder portion of the belt
to confirm that it cannot be pulled out
(ALR properly functioning).
4. Run the lap and shoulder belt through
or around the child restraint system
following the instructions provided by
its manufacturer.
– When a child restraint system is
installed on the rear center seating
Child restraint systems 69
press the release button on the seat-
belt buckle and allow the belt to retract
completely. The belt will return to the
ELR mode.
& Installing a booster seat or
booster cushion
Remember that the head restraint is not
intended to be used at the lowest position
(retracted position). Therefore, when the
rear center seat is occupied (including
when a child restraint system is installed)
next time, be sure to raise the head
restraint to the extended position.
NOTE
10. Latch the top tether hook onto the
tether anchorage that is located behind
the rear seat and tighten the top tether
firmly. For additional instructions, refer
to “Top tether anchorages” �P75.
When the child restraint system is no
longer in use, remove it and restore the
ELR function of the retractor. That
function is restored by allowing the
seatbelt to retract fully.
Booster seat
Booster cushion
11. To remove the child restraint system,
– CONTINUED –
Child restraint systems
70
1. Adjust the head restraint as follows.
For booster seat:
For booster cushion:
rear seating position and sit the child
on it. The child should sit well back on
the booster seat/cushion.
3. For models with rear seat reclining
mechanism, if there is a gap between
the booster seat/cushion and the seat-
back, adjust the seatback angle until
good contact is achieved.
4. Run the lap and shoulder belt through
or around the booster seat/cushion
and the child following the instructions
provided by its manufacturer. For
booster seat/cushion with a belt guide,
use the seatbelt through the belt guide.
(1) Raise the head restraint to the
extended position (center seat).
Do not remove the head restraint.
5. Insert the tongue plate into the buckle
until you hear a click. Take care not to
twist the seatbelt.
(1) Remove the head restraint from
the rear seating position where the
child restraint system is to be
installed.
(2) Store the removed head restraint
in the cargo area.
Make sure the shoulder belt is posi-
tioned across the center of child’s
shoulder and that the lap belt is
positioned as low as possible on the
child’s hips.
CAUTION
Do not place the head restraint in the
passenger compartment to prevent
it from being thrown around in the
passenger compartment in a sud-
den stop or a sharp turn.
2. Place the booster seat/cushion in the
Child restraint systems 71
effective in preventing or redu-
cing injury.
& Installation of child restraint
systems by use of lower and
tether anchorages (LATCH)
.
.
Place the lap belt as low as
possible on the child’s hips. A
high-positioned lap belt will in-
crease the risk of sliding under
the lap belt and of the lap belt
sliding up over the abdomen, and
both can result in serious injury
or death.
! Lower and tether anchorages
Make sure the shoulder belt is
positioned across the center of
child’s shoulder. Placing the
shoulder belt over the neck may
result in neck injury during sud-
den braking or in a collision.
6. To remove the booster seat/cushion,
press the release button on the seat-
belt buckle and allow the belt to retract.
WARNING
WARNING
.
.
Never use a belt that is twisted or
reversed. In an accident, this can
increase the risk or severity of
injury to the child.
.
Attach the child restraint system
to the anchors properly. When
using the LATCH anchors, be
sure that there are no foreign
objects around the anchors.
Make sure the child restraint
system is securely attached.
Otherwise it may cause death or
serious injury to children or other
passengers in sudden braking,
swerving, or accidents.
Never place the shoulder belt
under the child’s arm or behind
the child’s back. If an accident
occurs, this can increase the risk
or severity of injury to the child.
.
The seatbelt should fit snugly in
order to provide full restraint.
Loose fitting belts are not as
– CONTINUED –
Child restraint systems
72
.
When installing a child restraint
system using LATCH anchors
with the rear seatbelt fastened,
ensure that the rear seatbelt does
not become caught in the child
restraint system or the lower
LATCH anchorages.
! Lower anchorages
NOTE
The seatbelt warning system of the rear
seats detects if any of the seats are
occupied by a passenger. Installing a
child restraint system in the rear seat-
ing area, using the LATCH anchors,
may result in the activation of the
passenger seatbelt warning light and
chime. Fastening the rear seatbelt prior
to installing the child restraint system
will avoid activating the passenger
seatbelt warning light and chime.
Your vehicle is equipped with 5 lower
anchorages (bars) and 3 upper an-
chorages (tether anchorages) for accom-
modating such child restraint systems.
WARNING
Do not connect two or more lower
hooks onto the same anchorage
(bar).
For details, refer to “Rear passenger’s
seats” �P170.
There are a total of 5 lower anchorages at
the rear seat. The second lower ancho-
rage from the right side is used for both the
right seat and center seat. Each lower
anchorage is located where the seat
cushion meets the seatback.
Some types of child restraint systems can
be installed on the rear seat of your vehicle
without use of the seatbelts. Such child
restraint systems are secured to the
dedicated anchorages provided on the
vehicle body. The lower and tether an-
chorages are sometimes referred to as the
LATCH system (Lower Anchors and
Tethers for CHildren).
Child restraint systems 73
1. Move the seatback back and forth to
confirm that it is securely locked into
place.
! Tether anchorages
– Check the red colored unlocking
marker which is attached to the
bottom of the lock release knob is
not visible. For details, refer to
“Folding down the rear seatback”
�P40.
3. Peel off the anchorage cover from the
selected side of the rear seatback.
Fold the peeled anchorage cover in
half and affix it with hook and loop tape
to expose the anchorages (bars) to be
used for installation of the child re-
straint system.
The tether anchorages (upper an-
chorages) are provided at the locations
shown in the above illustration. For details,
refer to “Top tether anchorages” �P75.
! To install a child restraint system
using lower and tether an-
chorages
2. You will find “ ” marks at the bottoms
of the rear seatback. These marks
indicate the positions of the lower
anchorages (bars).
WARNING
Before installing a child restraint
system, be sure to confirm that the
seatback is securely locked into
place. Otherwise, in an accident,
serious injury or death could result.
– CONTINUED –
Child restraint systems
74
4. Remove the rear seat head restraint.
For details, refer to “Head restraints”
�P43.
5. While following the instructions sup-
plied by the child restraint system
manufacturer, connect the lower hooks
onto the lower anchorages located at
7. If your child restraint system is a
flexible attachment type (which uses
tether belts), push the child restraint
system into the seat cushion and pull
both left and right lower tether belts up
to secure the child restraint system by
taking up the slack in the belt.
8. Latch the top tether hook onto the
tether anchorage that is located behind
the rear seat and tighten the top tether
firmly. For additional instructions, refer
to “Top tether anchorages” �P75.
CAUTION
“
” marks on the bottom of the rear
seatback. When the hooks are con-
nected, make sure the adjacent seat-
belts are not caught.
Store the head restraint in the cargo
area. Do not place the head restraint
in the passenger compartment to
prevent it from being thrown around
in the passenger compartment in a
sudden stop or a sharp turn.
6. For models with rear seat reclining
mechanism, if there is a gap between
the child restraint system and the
seatback, adjust the seatback angle
until good contact is achieved.
Child restraint systems 75
! Anchorage location
National Highway Traffic Safety Adminis-
tration (NHTSA) website. In Canada,
check with Transport Canada.
& Top tether anchorages
Your vehicle is equipped with three top
tether anchorages so that a child restraint
system having a top tether can be installed
in the rear seat. When installing a child
restraint system using top tether, proceed
as follows, while observing the instructions
by the child restraint system manufacturer.
Since a top tether can provide additional
stability by offering another connection
between a child restraint system and the
vehicle, we recommend that you use a top
tether whenever one is required or avail-
able.
9. Before having a child sit in the child
restraint system, try to move it back
and forth and right and left to check if it
is firmly secured. Sometimes a child
restraint system can be more firmly
secured by pushing it down into the
seat cushion. It should not be possible
to move the child restraint system
more than 1 in (2.5 cm).
10. To remove the child restraint system,
follow the reverse procedures of in-
stallation.
SUBARU recommends that you check
with a certified Child Passenger Safety
Technician to ensure the proper installa-
tion of your child restraint system. For
more information, and to locate the closest
inspection location in the U.S., refer to the
1
2
3
For left seat
For center seat
For right seat
Three upper anchorages are installed on
the back side of the rear seatback.
– CONTINUED –
SRS airbag (Supplemental Restraint System airbag)
76
2. Tighten the top tether securely.
! To hook the top tether
1-9. SRS airbag (Supplemen-
tal Restraint System airbag)
SUBARU recommends that you check
with a certified Child Passenger Safety
Technician to ensure the proper installa-
tion of your child restraint system. For
more information, and to locate the closest
inspection location in the U.S., refer to the
National Highway Traffic Safety Adminis-
tration (NHTSA) website. In Canada,
check with Transport Canada.
CAUTION
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS)
name is used because the airbag system
supplements the vehicle’s seatbelts.
.
.
Remove the head restraint when
mounting a child restraint sys-
tem. Otherwise, the top tether
cannot be fastened tightly.
This vehicle is equipped with a supple-
mental restraint system which consists of
seven airbags.
Store the head restraint that has
been removed in the cargo area.
Do not place the head restraint in
the passenger compartment to
prevent it from being thrown
around in the passenger com-
partment in a sudden stop or a
sharp turn.
The configurations are as follows.
.
.
.
Driver’s and front passenger’s frontal
airbags
Driver’s and front passenger’s side
airbags
Curtain airbags (for driver, front pas-
senger, and window-side rear passen-
gers)
.
Knee airbag for driver
These SRS airbags are designed only
as a supplement to the primary protec-
tion provided by the seatbelt.
The system also controls seatbelt preten-
sioners. For operation instructions and
precautions concerning the seatbelt pre-
tensioner, refer to “Seatbelt pretensioners”
�P57.
1. Attach the top tether hook to the
appropriate upper anchorage.
SRS airbag (Supplemental Restraint System airbag) 77
help avoid injuries that can result
when an occupant is not seated
in a proper upright position.
as possible and sit upright and well
back in the seat.
& General precautions regard-
ing SRS airbag system
WARNING
.
To obtain maximum protection in
the event of an accident, the
driver and all passengers must
always wear seatbelts when in
the vehicle. The SRS airbag is
designed only to be a supplement
to the primary protection pro-
vided by the seatbelt. It does not
eliminate the need to fasten seat-
belts. In combination with the
seatbelts, it offers the best pro-
tection in case of a serious acci-
dent.
WARNING
WARNING
Not wearing a seatbelt increases
the chance of severe injury or
death in a crash even when the
vehicle has the SRS system.
.
Do not sit or lean close to either
front door. The SRS side airbags
are stored in both front seat
seatbacks next to the door, and
they provide protection by de-
ploying rapidly in the event of a
side impact collision. However,
the force of SRS side airbag
deployment can injure an occu-
pant whose body is too close to
an SRS airbag.
The SRS airbags deploy with con-
siderable speed and force. Occu-
pants who are not seated in proper
upright position when the SRS air-
bag deploys could suffer serious
injury. Because the SRS airbag
needs enough space for deploy-
ment, the driver should always sit
upright and back in the seat as far
from the steering wheel as practical
while still maintaining full vehicle
control, and the front passenger
should move the seat as far back
For instructions and precautions
concerning the seatbelt system,
refer to “Seatbelts” �P48.
.
The SRS side airbags and SRS
curtain airbags are designed only
to be a supplement to the primary
protection provided by the seat-
belt. They do not eliminate the
need to fasten seatbelts. It is also
important to wear a seatbelt to
.
Since your vehicle is equipped
with SRS curtain airbags, do not
– CONTINUED –
SRS airbag (Supplemental Restraint System airbag)
78
sit or lean close to the front or
rear door on either side. Do not
put body parts out of the window.
The SRS curtain airbags on both
sides of the cabin are stored in
the roof side (between the front
pillar and a point behind the rear
quarter glass), and they provide
protection by deploying rapidly
in the event of a side impact,
rollover or an offset frontal colli-
sion. However, the force of its
deployment can injure an occu-
pant whose body is too close to
an SRS airbag.
bruises to the face or arms,
because of the SRS airbag de-
ployment force.
CAUTION
.
.
When the SRS airbag deploys,
some smoke will be released.
This smoke could cause breath-
ing problems for people with a
history of asthma or other breath-
ing trouble. If you or your pas-
sengers have breathing pro-
blems after SRS airbag deploys,
get fresh air promptly.
A deploying SRS airbag releases
hot gas. Occupants could get
burned if they come into direct
contact with the hot gas.
.
Do not sit or lean unnecessarily
close to the SRS airbag. Because
the SRS airbag deploys with
considerable speed and force to
protect in high speed collisions,
the force of an airbag can injure
an occupant whose body is too
close to SRS airbag.
NOTE
WARNING
.
When you sell your vehicle, we urge
you to inform the buyer that the
vehicle is equipped with SRS air-
bags. Also, notify the buyer of the
applicable section in this Owner’s
Manual.
If the SRS airbag deploys, fuel
supply will be cut off to reduce the
risk of fire caused by leaking fuel.
For details about restarting of the
engine, refer to “If your vehicle is
involved in an accident” �P442.
.
.
Keep arms away from either front
door or its internal trim. They
could be injured in the event of
SRS side airbag deployment.
It is also important to wear seat-
belts to help avoid injuries that
can result when the SRS airbag
contacts an occupant not in their
proper position.
Do not place any objects over or
near the SRS airbag cover or
between you and the SRS airbag.
If the SRS airbag deploys, these
objects could interfere with its
proper operation and could be
propelled inside the vehicle,
causing injury.
.
Even when properly positioned,
there remains a possibility that
an occupant may suffer minor
injury, such as abrasions and
SRS airbag (Supplemental Restraint System airbag) 79
& General precautions regard-
ing SRS airbag system for
accessories and any objects
WARNING
.
Do not put any objects (including
straps or cords) over the steering
wheel pad, column cover, or
dashboard.
–
These objects could be en-
tangled with the steering
wheel, preventing the SRS
frontal airbag, etc. from oper-
ating properly.
–
If the SRS frontal airbag de-
ploys, these objects could be
propelled inside the vehicle,
causing injury.
WARNING
Do not attach accessories to the
windshield or fit an extra-wide mir-
ror over the inside rear view mirror. If
the SRS airbag deploys, those ob-
jects could become projectiles that
could seriously injure vehicle occu-
pants.
.
.
Do not put any objects under the
driver’s side of the instrument
panel. If the SRS knee airbag
deploys, those objects could in-
terfere with its proper operation
and could be propelled inside the
vehicle, causing injury.
The key must not be attached to
heavy, sharp or hard acces-
sories, or another key. If the SRS
knee airbag deploys, those ob-
jects could interfere with its
proper operation and could be
propelled inside the vehicle and
cause injury.
– CONTINUED –
SRS airbag (Supplemental Restraint System airbag)
80
accessory in such a location
tain airbags.
could be propelled through the
cabin with great force by the
curtain airbag, or it could prevent
correct deployment of the curtain
airbag. In either case, the result
could be serious injuries.
Before hanging clothing on the coat
hooks, make sure there are no sharp
objects in the pockets. Hang cloth-
ing directly on the coat hooks with-
out using hangers.
WARNING
.
.
Do not attach accessories to the
door trim or near either SRS side
airbags and do not place objects
near the SRS side airbags. In the
event of SRS side airbag deploy-
ment, they could be propelled
dangerously toward the vehicle’s
occupants and cause injuries.
WARNING
WARNING
.
Do not put any kind of clothes or
other objects over either front
seatback and do not attach labels
or stickers to the front seat sur-
face on or near the SRS side
airbag. They could prevent prop-
er deployment of the SRS side
airbag, reducing protection avail-
able to the front seat’s occupant.
Do not hang coat hangers or other
hard or pointed objects on the coat
hook. If such items were hanging on
the coat hooks during deployment
of the SRS curtain airbags, they
could cause serious injuries by
coming off the coat hooks and being
thrown through the cabin or by
preventing deployment of the cur-
Do not attach a hands-free micro-
phone or any other accessory to
a front pillar, a center pillar, a rear
pillar, the windshield, a side win-
dow, an assist grip, or any other
cabin surface that would be near
a deploying SRS curtain airbag. A
hands-free microphone or other
SRS airbag (Supplemental Restraint System airbag) 81
airbag deploys with considerable
speed and force and can injure or
even kill children, especially if they
are not restrained or improperly
restrained. Because children are
lighter and weaker than adults, their
risk of being injured from deploy-
ment is greater.
.
Do not install a seat cover unless
it is a genuine SUBARU seat
cover exclusively designed for
use with the SRS airbag. Even
when using a genuine SUBARU
seat cover, the SRS side airbag
system may not function nor-
mally if the seat cover is not
installed correctly.
For that reason, we strongly recom-
mend that ALL children (including
those in child seats and those that
have outgrown child restraint sys-
tems) sit in the REAR seat properly
restrained at all times in a child
restraint device or in a seatbelt,
whichever is appropriate for the
child’s age, height and weight.
& General precautions regard-
ing SRS airbag system and
children
WARNING
NEVER INSTALL A CHILD RE-
STRAINT SYSTEM IN THE FRONT
PASSENGER’S SEAT. DOING SO
RISKS SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH
TO THE CHILD BY PLACING THE
CHILD’S HEAD TOO CLOSE TO THE
SRS AIRBAG.
Secure ALL types of child restraint
systems (including forward facing
child seats) in the REAR seats at all
times.
According to accident statistics,
children are safer when properly
restrained in the rear seating posi-
tions than in the front seating posi-
tions.
For instructions and precautions
concerning the child restraint sys-
tem, refer to “Child restraint sys-
tems” �P60.
WARNING
Seat children in the rear seat prop-
erly restrained at all times. The SRS
– CONTINUED –
SRS airbag (Supplemental Restraint System airbag)
82
WARNING
WARNING
Never allow a child to stand up or
kneel on the front passenger’s seat.
The SRS airbag deploys with con-
siderable force and can injure or
even kill the child.
Never hold a child on your lap or in
your arms. The SRS airbag deploys
with considerable force and can
injure or even kill the child.
SRS airbag (Supplemental Restraint System airbag) 83
WARNING
.
Never allow a child to do the
following.
–
–
–
Kneel on any passenger’s seat
facing the side window.
Wrap his/her arms around the
front seat seatback.
Put his/her head, arms or
other parts of the body out of
the window.
In the event of an accident, the
force of SRS side airbag and/or
SRS curtain airbag deployment
could injure the child seriously
because his/her head, arms or
other parts of the body are too
close to the SRS side airbag and/
or SRS curtain airbag.
.
Since your vehicle is also
equipped with a front passen-
ger’s SRS frontal airbag, children
should be placed in the rear seat
anyway and should be properly
restrained at all times.
– CONTINUED –
SRS airbag (Supplemental Restraint System airbag)
84
& Components
The SRS airbags are stowed in the
following locations.
1
2
3
4
Driver’s SRS frontal airbag: in the
center portion of the steering wheel
Front passenger’s SRS frontal airbag:
near the top of the dashboard
SRS side airbag: in the door side of each
front seat seatback
SRS curtain airbag: in the roof side
(between the front pillar and a point
behind the rear quarter glass)
SRS knee airbag: under the steering
column
5
SRS airbag (Supplemental Restraint System airbag) 85
1
Airbag control module (including impact
sensor and rollover sensor)
2
3
Frontal airbag module (driver’s side)
Frontal airbag module (front passenger’s
side)
4
5
6
7
Front impact sensor (left-hand side)
Front impact sensor (right-hand side)
Side airbag module (driver’s side)
Side airbag module (front passenger’s
side)
8
9
Side impact sensor (center pillar left-
hand side)
Side impact sensor (center pillar right-
hand side)
10 Airbag wiring
11 Seatbelt pretensioner and adaptive force
limiter (driver’s side)
12 Seatbelt pretensioner and adaptive force
limiter (front passenger’s side)
13 Side impact sensor (rear wheel house
right-hand side)
14 Side impact sensor (rear wheel house
left-hand side)
15 Curtain airbag module (right-hand side)
16 Curtain airbag module (left-hand side)
17 Seatbelt buckle switch (front passenger’s
side)
18 Knee airbag module (driver’s side)
19 Front passenger’s occupant detection
system sensor
20 Front passenger’s occupant detection
control module
21 Front passenger’s frontal airbag ON and
OFF indicator
22 SRS airbag system warning light
– CONTINUED –
SRS airbag (Supplemental Restraint System airbag)
86
23 Side impact sensor (under the rear center
seat)
24 Side impact sensor (front door left-hand
side)
25 Side impact sensor (front door right-hand
side)
ADVANCED AIR BAGS” and a tag at-
tached to the glove box lid beginning with
the phrase “Even with Advanced Air
Bags”. Make sure that you carefully read
the instructions on the warning labels and
tag.
Always wear your seatbelt. The SUBARU
advanced frontal airbag system is a
supplemental restraint system and must
be used in combination with a seatbelt. All
occupants should wear a seatbelt or be
seated in an appropriate child restraint
system.
& SUBARU advanced frontal
airbag system
Your vehicle is equipped with a SUBARU
advanced frontal airbag system that com-
plies with the new advanced frontal airbag
requirements in the amended Federal
Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS)
No. 208.
The SUBARU advanced frontal airbag
system automatically determines the de-
ployment force of the driver’s SRS frontal
airbag at the time of deployment as well as
whether or not to activate the front
passenger’s SRS frontal airbag and, if
activated, the deployment force of the SRS
frontal airbag at the time of deployment.
26 Lap belt pretensioner (front passenger’s
side)
27 Lap belt pretensioner (driver’s side)
28 Driver’s seat position sensor
29 Passenger’s seat position sensor
30 Rear seatbelt pretensioner (front passen-
ger’s side)
31 Rear seatbelt pretensioner (driver’s side)
For the locations of the SRS airbags, refer
to “Components” �P84.
In a moderate to severe frontal collision,
the following components deploy.
.
.
.
.
SRS frontal airbag for driver
SRS frontal airbag for front passenger
SRS knee airbag for driver
1
SRS curtain airbag*
*1: When an offset frontal collision that is severe
enough to deploy the front airbag occurs.
These components supplement the seat-
belts by reducing the impact to the
occupant’s head, chest and knees.
Your vehicle has warning labels on the
driver’s and front passenger’s sun visors
beginning with the phrase “EVEN WITH
SRS airbag (Supplemental Restraint System airbag) 87
airbag deploys. This is normal. In this
case, although the front passenger’s SRS
frontal airbag does not operate, the front
passenger’s seatbelt pretensioner oper-
ates with the driver’s seatbelt preten-
sioner. For details about the seatbelt
pretensioner, refer to “Seatbelt preten-
sioners” �P57.
! Driver’s SRS frontal airbag
! Front passenger’s SRS frontal air-
bag
The driver’s SRS frontal airbag uses a dual
stage inflator. The inflator operates in
different ways depending on the severity
of impact.
The front passenger’s SRS frontal airbag
uses a dual stage inflator. The inflator
operates in different ways depending on
the severity of impact.
CAUTION
Observe the following precautions.
Failure to do so may prevent the
SUBARU advanced frontal airbag
system from functioning correctly
or cause the system to fail.
.
.
.
Do not apply any strong impact to
the front passenger’s seat, such
as by kicking.
SRS airbag system warning light
Do not let rear passengers rest
their feet between the front seat-
back and seat cushion.
1
Occupant detection system sensors
Have the system inspected by your
SUBARU dealer immediately if the SRS
airbag system warning light illuminates.
The occupant detection system sensors
are installed between the seat and seat
rails, and monitor the physique and pos-
ture of the front passenger. Using this
information, the occupant detection sys-
tem determines whether the front passen-
ger’s SRS frontal airbag should be de-
ployed or not.
Do not spill liquid on the front
passenger’s seat. If liquid is
spilled, wipe it off immediately.
NOTE
The driver’s SRS side airbag and SRS
curtain airbag are not controlled by the
SUBARU advanced frontal airbag sys-
tem.
.
.
Do not remove or disassemble
the front passenger’s seat.
Do not install any accessory
(such as an audio amplifier) other
than a genuine SUBARU acces-
sory under the front passenger’s
The occupant detection system may not
inflate the front passenger’s SRS frontal
airbag even when the driver’s SRS frontal
– CONTINUED –
SRS airbag (Supplemental Restraint System airbag)
88
seat.
NOTE
.
.
.
.
Do not place anything (shoes,
umbrella, etc.) under the front
passenger’s seat.
The front passenger’s SRS side airbag
and SRS curtain airbag are not con-
trolled by the SUBARU advanced fron-
tal airbag system.
Do not place any objects (books,
etc.) around the front passen-
ger’s seat.
! Passenger’s frontal airbag ON and
OFF indicators
Do not use the front passenger’s
seat with the head restraint re-
moved.
Do not leave any articles on the
front passenger’s seat or the
seatbelt tongue and buckle en-
gaged when you leave your vehi-
cle.
SRS airbag system warning light
If the seatbelt buckle switch and/or front
passenger’s occupant detection system
have failed, the SRS airbag system warn-
ing light will illuminate. Have the system
inspected by your SUBARU dealer imme-
diately if the SRS airbag system warning
light illuminates.
If your vehicle has sustained impact, this
may affect the proper function of the
SUBARU advanced frontal airbag system.
Have your vehicle inspected at your
SUBARU dealer. Do not use the front
passenger’s seat while driving the vehicle
to your SUBARU dealer.
.
.
.
Do not put sharp object(s) on the
seat or pierce the seat uphols-
tery.
Do not place a magnet near the
seatbelt buckle and the seatbelt
retractor.
: Front passenger’s frontal airbag ON
indicator
: Front passenger’s frontal airbag OFF
indicator
Do not use front seats with their
forward-backward position and
seatback not being locked into
place securely. If any of them are
not locked securely, adjust them
again. For adjusting procedure,
refer to “Forward and backward
adjustment” �P33 and “Reclin-
ing the seatback” �P33.
Refer to “Front passenger’s frontal airbag
ON and OFF indicators” �P172.
SRS airbag (Supplemental Restraint System airbag) 89
case, contact your SUBARU dealer
immediately.
! Occupant detection system
CAUTION
Electrical devices, such as cell
phones, laptops, portable music
players, or electronic games, espe-
cially when connected to the acces-
sory power outlet and placed on the
front passenger’s seat or used by
the person sitting in the front pas-
senger’s seat, may affect the opera-
tion of the occupant detection sys-
tem. If either of the following situa-
tions occurs when using an electro-
nic device in the vehicle, at first try
to relocate that device to avoid it
creating any interference.
SRS airbag system warning light
If the front passenger’s seat cushion is
wet, this may adversely affect the ability of
the system to determine deployment.
Wipe off liquid from the seat, let the seat
dry naturally and then check the SRS
airbag system warning light.
1
Occupant detection system sensors
The occupant detection system sensors
are installed between the seat and seat
rails, and monitor the physique and pos-
ture of the front passenger. Using this
information, the occupant detection sys-
tem determines whether the front passen-
ger’s SRS frontal airbag should be de-
ployed or not.
.
The SRS airbag system warning
light illuminates.
.
The front passenger’s frontal air-
bag ON and OFF indicators oper-
ate erratically.
WARNING
If the device continues to cause
interference, the use of that device
in the vehicle should be discontin-
ued.
Do not kick the front passenger seat
or subject it to severe impact. Other-
wise, the SRS airbag system warn-
ing light may illuminate to indicate a
malfunction of the front passenger
occupant detection system. In this
– CONTINUED –
SRS airbag (Supplemental Restraint System airbag)
90
! Conditions in which front passen-
ger’s SRS frontal airbag is not
activated
The front passenger’s SRS frontal airbag
will not be activated when any of the
following conditions are met regarding
the front passenger’s seat:
.
.
The seat is empty.
The seat is equipped with an appro-
priate child restraint system and an
infant or a child is restrained in it. (See
WARNING that follows.)
.
The front passenger’s occupant detec-
tion system is malfunctioning.
: Front passenger’s frontal airbag ON
indicator
: Front passenger’s frontal airbag OFF
indicator
: Front passenger’s frontal airbag ON
indicator
: Front passenger’s frontal airbag OFF
indicator
WARNING
If the front passenger’s frontal airbag ON
and OFF indicators do not work properly
even when the front passenger’s seat is
dry, do not allow anyone to sit on the front
passenger’s seat and have the occupant
detection system checked by your
SUBARU dealer.
Also, if luggage or electronic devices are
placed on the front passenger’s seat, this
may adversely affect the ability of the
system to determine deployment. This
may prevent the front passenger’s frontal
airbag ON and OFF indicators from work-
ing properly. Check that the indicators
work properly.
When the OFF indicator turns off and the
ON indicator illuminates, the front passen-
ger’s frontal airbag may deploy during a
collision. Remove luggage and electronic
devices from the front passenger’s seat.
NEVER INSTALL A CHILD RE-
STRAINT SYSTEM IN THE FRONT
PASSENGER’S SEAT EVEN IF THE
FRONT PASSENGER’S SRS FRON-
TAL AIRBAG IS DEACTIVATED. Be
sure to install it in the REAR seat in a
correct manner. Also, it is strongly
recommended that any forward fa-
cing child seat or booster seat be
installed in the REAR seat, and that
even children who have outgrown a
child restraint system be also seated
in the REAR seat. This is because
children sitting in the front passen-
ger’s seat may be killed or severely
SRS airbag (Supplemental Restraint System airbag) 91
the child restraint system.
! If the front passenger’s frontal
airbag ON indicator illuminates
and the OFF indicator turns off
even when an infant or a small
child is in a child restraint sys-
tem (including booster seat)
injured should the front passenger’s
SRS frontal airbag deploy. REAR
seats are the safest place for chil-
dren.
4. Turn the ignition switch to the “ON”
position and make sure that the front
passenger’s frontal airbag ON indica-
tor turns off and the OFF indicator
illuminates.
CAUTION
If the ON indicator still remains illuminated
while the OFF indicator turns off, take the
following actions.
When the front passenger’s seat is
occupied by an infant in an appro-
priate child restraint system, ob-
serve the following precautions.
Failure to do so may interfere with
the proper operation of the occupant
detection system, activating the
front passenger’s SRS frontal airbag
even though that seat is occupied by
the infant in the child restraint
system.
.
Ensure that no article is placed on the
seat other than the child restraint
system and the child occupant.
.
Ensure that the backward-forward po-
sition and seatback of the front pas-
senger’s seat are locked into place
securely by moving the seat back and
forth.
.
Do not place any article (includ-
ing electronic devices) on the
seat other than the infant in the
child restraint system.
: Front passenger’s frontal airbag ON
indicator
: Front passenger’s frontal airbag OFF
indicator
If the ON indicator still remains illuminated
while the OFF indicator turns off after
taking the relevant corrective actions
described above, relocate the child re-
straint system to the rear seat and im-
mediately contact your SUBARU dealer
for an inspection.
.
Do not place more than one infant
in the child restraint system.
1. Turn the ignition switch to the “LOCK”/
“OFF” position.
2. Remove the child restraint system from
the seat.
3. By referring to the child restraint
manufacturer’s recommendations as
well as the child restraint system
installation procedures in “Child re-
straint systems” �P60, correctly install
NOTE
When a child who has outgrown a child
restraint system or a small adult is
seated in the front passenger’s seat,
the SUBARU advanced frontal airbag
– CONTINUED –
SRS airbag (Supplemental Restraint System airbag)
92
system may or may not activate the
front passenger’s SRS frontal airbag
depending on the occupant’s seating
posture. Children should always wear a
seatbelt when sitting in the seat irre-
spective of whether the airbag is deac-
tivated or activated. If the front passen-
ger’s SRS frontal airbag is activated
(the ON indicator remains illuminated
while the OFF indicator turns off), take
the following action.
! If the passenger’s frontal airbag
OFF indicator illuminates and the
ON indicator turns off even when
the front passenger’s seat is
occupied by an adult
! Conditions in which front passen-
ger’s SRS frontal airbag is activated
The front passenger’s SRS frontal airbag
will be activated for deployment upon
impact when any of the following condi-
tions are met regarding the front passen-
ger’s seat.
.
.
When the seat is occupied by an adult.
When certain items (e.g. jug of water)
are placed on the seat.
.
Ensure that no article is placed on
the seat other than the occupant.
If the ON indicator still remains illumi-
nated while the OFF indicator turns off
despite the fact that the actions noted
above have been taken, seat the child/
small adult in the rear seat and imme-
diately contact your SUBARU dealer for
an inspection. Even if the system has
passed the dealer inspection, it is
recommended that on subsequent trips
the child/small adult always take the
rear seat.
: Front passenger’s frontal airbag ON
indicator
: Front passenger’s frontal airbag OFF
indicator
This can be caused by the adult incorrectly
sitting in the front passenger’s seat.
1. Turn the ignition switch to the “LOCK”/
“OFF” position.
2. Ask the front passenger to set the
seatback to the upright position, sit up
straight in the center of the seat
cushion, correctly fasten the seatbelt,
position his/her legs out forward, and
adjust the seat to the rearmost posi-
Children who have outgrown a child
restraint system should always wear the
seatbelt irrespective of whether the airbag
is deactivated or activated.
SRS airbag (Supplemental Restraint System airbag) 93
tion.
3. Turn the ignition switch to the “ON”
position.
If the OFF indicator remains illuminated
while the ON indicator remains off, take the
following actions.
1. Turn the ignition switch to the “LOCK”/
“OFF” position.
2. Make sure that the front passenger
does not use a blanket, seat cushion,
seat cover, seat heater or massager,
etc.
3. If wearing excessive layers of clothing,
the front passenger should remove any
unnecessary items before sitting in the
front passenger’s seat, or should sit in
a rear seat.
4. Turn the ignition switch to the “ON”
position and wait 6 seconds to allow
the system to complete self-checking.
Following the system check, both
indicators turn off for 2 seconds. Now,
the ON indicator should illuminate
while the OFF indicator remains off.
If the OFF indicator still remains illumi-
nated while the ON indicator remains off,
ask the occupant to move to the rear seat
and immediately contact your SUBARU
dealer for an inspection.
– CONTINUED –
SRS airbag (Supplemental Restraint System airbag)
94
! Operation
The SRS airbags can function only when
the ignition switch is in the “ON” position.
The SUBARU advanced frontal airbag
system is designed to determine the
activation or deactivation condition of the
front passenger’s SRS frontal airbag de-
pending on the characteristic of item(s) or
person on the front passenger’s seat
monitored by the front passenger’s occu-
pant detection system sensor. For this
reason, only the driver’s SRS frontal
airbag may deploy in the event of a
collision, but this does not mean failure of
the system.
If the following sensors detect a predeter-
mined amount of force during a frontal
collision, the control module sends signals
to the airbag module(s) (only driver’s
module or both driver’s and front passen-
ger’s modules) instructing the module(s) to
inflate the SRS frontal airbag(s).
.
.
The front impact sensors
The impact sensors in the airbag
control module
A
B
1
2
Driver’s side
On the driver’s side, the SRS knee airbag
also inflates with the SRS frontal airbag.
Passenger’s side
SRS AIRBAGs deploy as soon as a collision occurs.
After deployment, SRS AIRBAGs start to deflate immediately so that the driver’s vision is not
obstructed.
SRS airbag (Supplemental Restraint System airbag) 95
The driver’s and front passenger’s SRS
frontal airbags use dual stage inflators.
The two inflators of each airbag are
triggered either sequentially or simulta-
neously, depending on the severity of
impact, in the case of the driver’s SRS
frontal airbag and depending on the
severity of impact and the characteristic
of item(s) or person on the seat in the case
of the front passenger’s SRS frontal air-
bag.
would not protect the occupant in those
situations.
CAUTION
Do not touch the SRS airbag system
components around the steering
wheel and dashboard with bare
hands right after deployment. Doing
so can cause burns because the
components can be very hot as a
result of deployment.
SRS airbag deployment depends on the
level of force experienced in the passen-
ger compartment during a collision. That
level differs from one type of collision to
another, and it may have no bearing on the
visible damage done to the vehicle itself.
! Example of accident in which the
driver’s/driver’s and front pas-
senger’s SRS frontal airbag(s)
will most likely deploy
! Example of the type of accident
! After deployment
The driver’s SRS frontal airbag and front
passenger’s SRS frontal airbag are de-
signed as follows.
After deployment, the SRS airbag imme-
diately starts to deflate so that the driver’s
vision is not obstructed and the driver’s
ability to maintain control of the vehicle is
not impaired. The time required from
detecting impact to the deflation of the
SRS airbag after deployment is shorter
than the blink of an eye.
.
To deploy in the event of an accident
involving a moderate to severe frontal
collision
.
To function on a one-time-only basis
The driver’s SRS frontal airbag and front
passenger’s SRS frontal airbag are not
designed as follows.
Both when only the driver’s SRS frontal
airbag deploys and the driver’s and front
passenger’s SRS frontal airbags deploy,
the driver’s and front passenger’s seatbelt
pretensioners operate at the same time.
.
To deploy in most lesser frontal im-
pacts*1
To deploy in most side or rear impacts
or in most rollover accidents*2
.
A head-on collision against a thick con-
crete wall at a vehicle speed of 12 to 19
mph (20 to 30 km/h) or higher activates
only the driver’s SRS frontal airbag or both
driver’s and front passenger’s SRS frontal
airbags. The airbag(s) will also be acti-
When the SRS airbag deploys, a sudden,
fairly loud inflation noise will be heard and
some smoke will be released. These
occurrences are a normal result of the
deployment. This smoke does not indicate
a fire in the vehicle.
*1: Because the necessary protection can be
achieved by the seatbelt alone.
*2: Because deployment of only the driver’s
SRS frontal airbag or both the driver’s and
front passenger’s SRS frontal airbags
– CONTINUED –
SRS airbag (Supplemental Restraint System airbag)
96
vated when the vehicle is exposed to a
frontal impact similar in fashion and
magnitude to the collision described
above.
Only the driver’s SRS frontal airbag or both
driver’s and front passenger’s SRS frontal
airbags may be activated when the vehicle
sustains a hard impact in the undercar-
riage area from the road surface (such as
when the vehicle plunges into a deep ditch,
is severely impacted or knocked hard
against an obstacle on the road such as
a curb).
! Examples of the types of acci-
dents in which it is possible that
the driver’s/driver’s and front
passenger’s SRS frontal
airbag(s) will deploy
SRS airbag (Supplemental Restraint System airbag) 97
! Examples of the types of accidents in which deployment of the driver’s/driver’s and front passenger’s SRS frontal
airbag(s) is unlikely to occur
1
2
3
4
5
The vehicle strikes an object, such as a
telephone pole or sign pole.
The vehicle slides under the load bed of a
truck.
The vehicle sustains an oblique offset
frontal impact.
The vehicle sustains an offset frontal
collision.
The vehicle strikes an object that can
move or deform, such as a parked
vehicle.
There are many types of collisions which
might not necessarily require deployment
of driver’s/driver’s and front passenger’s
SRS frontal airbag(s). In the event of
accidents like those illustrated, the dri-
ver’s/driver’s and front passenger’s SRS
frontal airbag(s) may not deploy depend-
ing on the level of accident forces involved.
– CONTINUED –
SRS airbag (Supplemental Restraint System airbag)
98
frontal airbags are not designed to deploy
in most of the following cases.
once either or both of the driver’s and front
passenger’s SRS frontal airbags is/are
activated on the first impact, it/they will
not be activated on the second impact.
! Examples of the types of acci-
dents in which the driver’s/dri-
ver’s and front passenger’s SRS
frontal airbag(s) are not de-
.
If the vehicle is struck from the side or
from behind.
signed to deploy in most cases
.
.
If the vehicle rolls onto its side or roof.
If the vehicle is involved in a low-speed
frontal collision.
& SRS side airbag and SRS
curtain airbag
! SRS side airbag
1
2
First impact
Second impact
The SRS side airbag is stored in the door
side of each front seat seatback, which
bears an “SRS AIRBAG” label.
In an accident where the vehicle is
impacted more than once, the driver’s
and/or front passenger’s SRS frontal
airbag(s) will deploy only once on the first
impact.
In a moderate to severe side impact
collision, the SRS side airbag on the
impacted side of the vehicle deploys
between the occupant and the door panel
and supplements the seatbelt by reducing
the impact on the occupant’s chest and
waist. The SRS side airbag operates only
Example: In the case of a double collision,
first with another vehicle, then against a
concrete wall in immediate succession,
The driver’s and front passenger’s SRS
SRS airbag (Supplemental Restraint System airbag) 99
for front seat occupants.
for a while following deployment then
slowly deflates.
! Operation
! SRS curtain airbag
The SRS side airbag and SRS curtain
airbag can function only when the ignition
switch is in the “ON” position.
The SRS side airbag and SRS curtain
airbag deploy even when no one occupies
the seat on the side on which an impact is
applied.
Your vehicle is equipped with a SUBARU
SRS curtain airbag system that complies
with the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety
Standard (FMVSS) No. 226.
The following airbags deploy indepen-
dently of each other since each has its
own impact sensor.
When the SRS side airbag and SRS
curtain airbag deploy, a sudden, fairly loud
inflation noise will be heard and some
smoke will be released. These occur-
rences are a normal result of the deploy-
ment. This smoke does not indicate a fire
in the vehicle.
The SRS curtain airbag on each side of the
cabin is stored in the roof side (between
the front pillar and a point over the rear
seat). An “SRS AIRBAG” mark is located
at the top of each center pillar.
.
.
.
.
Driver’s SRS side airbag
Front passenger’s SRS side airbag
SRS curtain airbag (right-hand side)
SRS curtain airbag (left-hand side)
In a moderate to severe side impact
collision, the SRS curtain airbag on the
impacted side of the vehicle deploys
between the occupant and the side win-
dow and supplements the seatbelt by
reducing the impact on the occupant’s
head.
Therefore, they may not both deploy in the
same accident. Also, the SRS side airbag
and SRS curtain airbag deploys indepen-
dently of the driver’s and front passenger’s
SRS frontal airbags in the steering wheel
and instrument panel.
CAUTION
Do not touch the SRS side airbag
system components around the
front seat seatback with bare hands
right after deployment. Doing so can
cause burns because the compo-
nents can be very hot as a result of
deployment.
For the locations of the sensors and
control modules, refer to “Components”
�P84.
In a rollover, SRS curtain airbags on both
sides of the vehicle deploy between the
occupant and the side window and supple-
ment the seatbelt by reducing the impact to
the occupant’s head.
! After deployment
After deployment, do not touch any
part of the SRS curtain airbag sys-
tem (from the front pillar to the part
of the roof side over the rear seat).
Doing so can cause burns because
the components can be very hot as a
result of deployment.
After the deployment, the SRS side airbag
immediately starts to deflate. The time
required from detection of an impact to
deflation of an SRS side airbag after
deployment is shorter than the blink of an
eye.
In an offset frontal collision, SRS curtain
airbags on both sides of the vehicle deploy
between the occupant and the side win-
dow and supplement the seatbelt by
reducing the impact to the occupant’s
head and chest.
The SRS curtain airbag remains inflated
– CONTINUED –
SRS airbag (Supplemental Restraint System airbag)
100
! Example of the type of accident in
! Example of the type of accident
which the SRS side airbag will
most likely deploy
The SRS side airbag and SRS curtain
airbag are designed as follows:
.
To deploy in the event of an accident
involving a moderate to severe side
impact collision
.
To function on a one-time-only basis
The SRS side airbag and SRS curtain
airbag are not designed to deploy in the
following cases:
.
.
In most lesser side impacts
In most frontal or most rear impacts
(because the SRS side airbag and SRS
curtain airbag deployment would not
protect the occupant in those situa-
tions)
1
A severe side impact near the front seat.
The SRS curtain airbags are also de-
signed to deploy when the vehicle is in an
extremely inclined state such as during a
rollover. They are not designed to deploy in
most lesser inclined state.
SRS side airbag and SRS curtain airbag
deployment depend on the level of force
experienced in the passenger compart-
ment during a side impact collision. That
level differs from one type of collision to
another, and it may have no bearing on the
visible damage done to the vehicle itself.
SRS airbag (Supplemental Restraint System airbag) 101
! Examples of the types of accidents in which the SRS curtain airbag will most likely deploy
1
The vehicle is involved in a severe side
impact near the front seat or the rear seat.
The vehicle rolls onto its side or the roof.
The angle of vehicle tip-up is marginal or
the skidding vehicle’s tires hit a curbstone
laterally.
2
3
4
An offset frontal collision that is severe
enough to deploy the front airbag.
– CONTINUED –
SRS airbag (Supplemental Restraint System airbag)
102
! Examples of the types of accidents in which it is possible that the SRS side airbag and the SRS curtain airbag will deploy
1
Hitting a curb, edge of pavement or hard
surface
2
3
Falling into or jumping over a deep hole
Landing hard or vehicle falling
It is possible that the SRS side and curtain
airbags will deploy if a serious impact
occurs to the underside of your vehicle.
Some examples are shown in the illustra-
tion.
SRS airbag (Supplemental Restraint System airbag) 103
! Examples of the types of accidents in which the SRS side airbag is unlikely to deploy
1
The vehicle is involved in an oblique side-
on impact.
2
The vehicle is involved in a side-on
impact in an area outside the vicinity of
the passenger compartment.
3
4
5
The vehicle strikes a telephone pole or
similar object.
The vehicle is involved in a side-on
impact from a motorcycle.
The vehicle rolls onto its side or the roof.
There are many types of collisions which
might not necessarily require SRS side
airbag deployment. In the event of acci-
dents like those illustrated, the SRS side
airbag may not deploy depending on the
level of accident forces involved.
– CONTINUED –
SRS airbag (Supplemental Restraint System airbag)
104
! Examples of the types of accidents in which the SRS curtain airbag is unlikely to deploy
1
2
The vehicle is involved in an oblique side-
on impact.
The vehicle is involved in a side-on
impact in an area outside the vicinity of
the passenger compartment.
3
4
The vehicle strikes a telephone pole or
similar object.
The vehicle is involved in a side-on
impact from a motorcycle.
There are many types of collisions which
might not necessarily require SRS curtain
airbag deployment. In the event of acci-
dents like those illustrated, the SRS
curtain airbag may not deploy depending
on the level of accident forces involved.
SRS airbag (Supplemental Restraint System airbag) 105
ary).
same direction, once the SRS side airbag
! Examples of the types of acci-
dents in which the SRS side
airbag and SRS curtain airbag
are not designed to deploy in
most cases
2
3
The vehicle is struck from behind.
The vehicle pitches end over end.
and SRS curtain airbag are activated on
the first impact, they will not be activated
on the second.
In the event of accidents like those
illustrated, the SRS side airbag and SRS
curtain airbag are not designed to deploy
in most cases.
& SRS airbag system monitors
SRS airbag system warning light
1
2
A
B
First impact
A diagnostic system continually monitors
the readiness of the SRS airbag system
(including front seatbelt pretensioners)
with the ignition switch in the “ON” position.
The SRS airbag system warning light will
show normal system operation by illumi-
nating for approximately 6 seconds when
the ignition switch is turned to the “ON”
position.
Second impact
SRS curtain airbag
SRS side airbag
In an accident where the vehicle is struck
from the side more than once, the SRS
side airbag and SRS curtain airbag deploy
only once on the first impact.
Example: In the case of a double side
impact collision, first with one vehicle and
immediately followed by another from the
1
The vehicle is involved in frontal collision
with another vehicle (moving or station-
– CONTINUED –
SRS airbag (Supplemental Restraint System airbag)
106
The following components are monitored
by the SRS airbag system warning light:
– Driver’s side
.
No illumination of the warning
light when the ignition switch is
first turned to the “ON” position
– Front passenger’s side
Seatbelt buckle switch (front passen-
ger’s side)
Front passenger’s occupant detection
system sensor
Front passenger’s occupant detection
control module
Front passenger’s frontal airbag ON
and OFF indicator
.
Front impact sensor
.
.
.
.
– Right-hand side
– Left-hand side
.
.
Continuous illumination of the
warning light
.
.
Airbag control module (including im-
pact sensor and rollover sensor)
Frontal airbag module
Illumination of the warning light
while driving
– Driver’s side
– Front passenger’s side
Knee airbag module (driver’s side)
Side impact sensor
& SRS airbag system servicing
.
.
.
.
All related wiring
.
.
Driver’s seat position sensor
Passenger’s seat position sensor
Rear seatbelt pretensioner
– Right-hand side
WARNING
– Center pillar right-hand side
– Center pillar left-hand side
– Front door right-hand side
– Front door left-hand side
– Rear wheel house right-hand side
– Rear wheel house left-hand side
– Under the rear center seat
Side airbag module
– Driver’s side
– Front passenger’s side
Curtain airbag module
– Right-hand side
– Left-hand side
.
.
When discarding an airbag mod-
ule or scrapping the entire vehi-
cle damaged by a collision, con-
sult your SUBARU dealer.
– Left-hand side
The SRS airbag has no user-
serviceable parts. Do not use
electrical test equipment on any
circuit related to the SRS airbag
system. For required servicing of
the SRS airbag, consult your
nearest SUBARU dealer. Tamper-
ing with or disconnecting the
system’s wiring could result in
accidental inflation of the SRS
airbag or could make the system
inoperative, which may result in
serious injury.
WARNING
If the warning light exhibits any of
the following conditions, immedi-
ately stop the vehicle in a safe place,
and consult a SUBARU dealer. Un-
less a technician checks and repairs
the system as needed, the seatbelt
pretensioners and/or the SRS airbag
will not operate properly in the event
of a collision, which may result in
injury.
.
.
.
Seatbelt pretensioner and adaptive
force limiter
– Driver’s side
– Front passenger’s side
Lap belt pretensioner
.
Flashing or flickering of the warn-
ing light
.
SRS airbag (Supplemental Restraint System airbag) 107
.
The rear part of the vehicle was
involved in an accident in which no
SRS airbag was deployed.
In the event that the SRS airbag is
deployed, replacement of the system
should be performed only by an author-
ized SUBARU dealer. When the compo-
nents of the SRS airbag system are
replaced, use only genuine SUBARU
parts.
CAUTION
If you need service or repair in areas
indicated in the following list, have
the work performed by an author-
ized SUBARU dealer. The SRS air-
bag control module, impact sensors
and airbag modules are stored in
these areas.
& Precautions against vehicle
modification
WARNING
NOTE
In the following cases, contact your
SUBARU dealer as soon as possible.
.
.
.
.
.
Under the center of the instru-
ment panel
.
To avoid accidental activation of
the system or rendering the sys-
tem inoperative, which may re-
sult in serious injury, no modifi-
cations should be made to any
components or wiring of the SRS
airbag system.
.
The front part of the vehicle was
involved in an accident in which only
the driver’s SRS frontal airbag or
both driver’s and front passenger’s
SRS frontal airbags did not deploy.
The pad of the steering wheel, the
cover over the front passenger’s
SRS frontal airbag, or either roof
side (from the front pillar to a point
over the rear seat) is scratched,
cracked, or otherwise damaged.
The center pillar, front door, rear
wheel house or rear sub frame, or
an area near these parts, was in-
volved in an accident in which the
SRS side airbag and SRS curtain
airbag did not deploy.
On both the right and left sides at
the front of the vehicle
Steering wheel and column and
nearby areas
.
Bottom of the steering column
and nearby areas
This includes following modifica-
tions.
Top of the dashboard on front
passenger’s side and nearby
areas
–
Installation of custom steering
wheels
–
Attachment of additional trim
materials to the dashboard
.
.
.
.
Each front seat and nearby area
Inside each center pillar
Inside each front door
.
.
–
–
Installation of custom seats
Replacement of seat fabric or
leather
In each roof side (from the front
pillar to a point over the rear seat)
–
–
Installation of additional fabric
or leather on the front seat
.
.
Between the rear seat cushion
and rear wheel house on each
side
The fabric or leather of either front
seatback is cut, frayed, or otherwise
damaged.
Attachment of a hands-free
microphone or any other ac-
cessory to a front pillar, a
Under the rear center seat
– CONTINUED –
SRS airbag (Supplemental Restraint System airbag)
108
center pillar, a rear pillar, the
windshield, a side window, an
assist grip, or any other cabin
surface that would be near a
deploying SRS curtain airbag.
& How to contact the vehicle
manufacturer concerning
modifications for persons
with disabilities that may af-
fect the advanced airbag
system
Changing or moving any parts of the front
seats, rear seat, seatbelts, front bumper,
front side frame, radiator panel, instrument
panel, combination meter, steering wheel,
steering column, tire, suspension or floor
panel can affect the operation of the
SUBARU advanced airbag system. If you
have any questions, you may contact the
following SUBARU distributors.
CAUTION
Do not perform any of the following
modifications. Such modifications
can interfere with proper operation
of the SRS airbag system.
–
Installation of additional elec-
trical/electronic equipment
such as a mobile two-way
radio on or near the SRS air-
bag system components and/
or wiring is not advisable. This
could interfere with proper
operation of the SRS airbag
system.
.
Attachment of any equipment
(bush bar, winches, snow plow,
skid plate, etc.) other than genu-
ine SUBARU accessory parts to
the front end.
.
.
Modification of the suspension
system or front end structure.
Installation of a tire of different
size and construction from the
tires specified on the vehicle
placard attached to the driver’s
door pillar or specified for indivi-
dual vehicle models in this Own-
er’s Manual.
–
Modifications on or inside the
front door panels for the pur-
pose of a speaker replace-
ment or sound insulation.
<Continental U.S., Alaska and the District
of Columbia>
Subaru of America, Inc.
Customer Advocacy Department
One Subaru Drive
P.O. Box 9103
Camden, NJ 08101-9877
1-800-SUBARU3 (1-800-782-2783)
.
The impact sensors, which detect
the pressure of an impact, are
located in the doors. Do not
modify any components of the
doors or door trims, such as the
addition of door speakers for
example. Any modifications to
the doors create a risk of the
airbag system becoming inop-
erative or unintended airbag de-
ployment.
.
Attachment of any equipment
(side steps or side sill protectors,
etc.) other than genuine SUBARU
accessory parts to the side body.
<Hawaii>
Always consult your SUBARU dealer if you
want to install any accessory parts on your
vehicle.
Subaru Hawaii
2850-A Pukoloa St.,
Honolulu, HI 96819
877-215-0338
SRS airbag (Supplemental Restraint System airbag) 109
<Guam>
Shen’s Corporation dba Prestige Automo-
biles
491 East Marine Corps Drive,
Dededo, Guam 96929
671-633-2698
<Puerto Rico>
Trebol Motors
296 Marginal JF Kennedy, San Juan,
Puerto Rico
787-793-2828
<Canada>
Subaru Canada, Inc.
Consumer Support Department
560 Suffolk Court, Mississauga, Ontario
L5R 4J7
1-800-894-4212
There are currently no SUBARU distribu-
tors in any other U.S. territories. If you are
in such an area, please contact the
SUBARU distributor or dealer from which
you bought your vehicle.
