Table 1 shows one common seat belt related problems of the 2026 Subaru Ascent.
| Problem Category | Number of Problems |
|---|---|
| Seat Belt problems |
What failed: the rear seat belt (belt, buckle, and/or retractor) in the right rear seat of a 2026 Subaru Ascent, VIN [xxx]. It was securing a rear-facing child car seat carrying my [xxx] grandson. The vehicle was a loaner from [dealer name] and was returned to the dealer on [return date]. It is available for inspection through the dealer, and I have asked them in writing to preserve the belt assembly. How safety was put at risk: on xxx, after about 40 minutes of stop-and-go traffic on [xxx] in [xxx], we stopped on a closed exit ramp. My grandson began screaming. The seat belt securing his car seat had come loose, and the car seat had tipped forward. He was upside down with his face wedged under the front passenger seat. I injured my lower back freeing him and am under medical care. He appears uninjured. My husband re-secured the belt, and we continued. Had we been moving at highway speed, the child could have been seriously injured, and we would have had to stop and exit the vehicle in live traffic to reach him. Reproduced or confirmed: not yet. I have asked the dealer in writing to inspect the belt, buckle, and retractor, and to provide the results in writing. Inspected by others: no inspection by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives has taken place to date. Warnings: none. No seat belt warning chime, light, or message appeared before or during the failure. The only warning was my grandson screaming and crying. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).