Subaru Ascent 2018-2026 Owner's Manual: Seatbelt with shoulder belt pretensioner

NOTE

This section applies specifically to the following Subaru Ascent component.

• second-row (window-side) seatbelt

In the Subaru Ascent, the second-row window-side seatbelts are equipped with advanced shoulder belt pretensioners that automatically activate during significant frontal, side, or rollover collisions. When a predetermined force threshold is detected by the vehicle’s sensors, the system instantly retracts the seatbelt to remove slack, ensuring that the occupant is firmly secured in the seat.

This rapid tightening action in the Subaru Ascent significantly enhances occupant protection by reducing forward movement during impact and improving overall restraint performance.

Additionally, the second-row pretensioner system in the Subaru Ascent includes a built-in force-limiting mechanism. This feature helps control the amount of pressure applied to the occupant’s body, reducing the risk of injury during high-impact situations.

When the seatbelt pretensioner activates, a short operational sound may be heard and a small amount of smoke may be released.

These effects are normal and harmless, indicating proper system activation. The smoke does not indicate a fire or malfunction within the Subaru Ascent.

After activation, the pretensioner mechanism locks permanently, and the seatbelt can no longer be extended or retracted. In such cases, the entire seatbelt assembly must be replaced by an authorized SUBARU dealer.