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Service bulletin 12-203-16R

A bulletin is a manufacturer's communication to its dealers, as NHTSA indexes it. The summary is NHTSA's. The document is the manufacturer's: read it at NHTSA. A bulletin is not a recall, and listing a model year does not mean every vehicle of it is concerned.

The communication, as NHTSA indexes it (as of 2026-10-19)
TypeService bulletin
NHTSA id10213193
Published by NHTSA2022-06-03
Manufacturer's number12-203-16R
Manufacturer's date2022-05-18
NHTSA componentSEAT BELTS

NHTSA's summary

This bulletin provides a procedure to address customer concerns of a squeaking sound originating from where the front seat belt buckle assembly attaches to the seat frame.

The document

The document is the manufacturer's. This site does not hold it. NHTSA files a document at one of these two addresses; we have not asked NHTSA which.

Components

Seat belts

Vehicles listed
SUBARU ASCENT2019, 2020
SUBARU CROSSTREK2013 to 2015
SUBARU CROSSTREK2016, 2017, 2018, 2019
SUBARU FORESTER2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019
SUBARU IMPREZA2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019
SUBARU LEGACY2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020
SUBARU OUTBACK2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020
SUBARU WRX2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020
SUBARU WRX STI2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 (the catalog's model; the bulletin names a series or trim of it)

Listing a model year does not mean every vehicle of it is concerned: the document says which.

Recalls for the same vehicles and component
22V8380002022-11-10. SEAT BELTS
20201372020-04-01. Seats And Restraints
20V1890002020-03-31. SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER

A recall listed here may apply to some of the same vehicles. Only the manufacturer can say whether it applies to one vehicle.

Other bulletins for the same vehicles and component
17-20-24R2025-10-02. Service bulletin. This bulletin announces a design change made to the second row inner seat belt buckle assembly to address cases of the seat belt indicator warnings not turning off after the buckle is fully latched.
17-21-252025-09-02. Service bulletin. This Bulletin announces the availability of a new part Extender Belt. This is for customers who find it necessary to increase the length of their seat belt.
17-20-242024-12-03. Service bulletin. This bulletin announces a design change made to the second row inner seat belt buckle assembly to address cases of the seat belt indicator warnings not turning off after the buckle is fully latched.
WRJ-22R2023-01-05. Service bulletin. Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is initiating a new safety recall for certain 2009-2013 model year Forester vehicles, in which a defective left front seat belt may have been installed as a replacement part.
Subarunet Announ2022-12-02. Service bulletin. Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is initiating a new safety recall for certain 2009-2013 model year Forester vehicles, in which a defective left front seat belt may have been installed as a replacement part.
WRJ-222022-12-02. Service bulletin. Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is initiating a new safety recall for certain 2009-2013 model year Forester vehicles, in which a defective left front seat belt may have been installed as a replacement part.
Subarunet Announ2022-12-01. Service bulletin. Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is initiating a new safety recall for certain 2009-2013 model year Forester vehicles, in which a defective left front seat belt may have been installed as a replacement part.
WRC-20R2022-08-02. Service bulletin. Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019MY Crosstrek vehicles to replace the LH and RH Rear Seat Lap-Shoulder Seatbelt Assemblies.
WRA-20R2022-07-07. Service bulletin. In the interest of customer satisfaction, Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is initiating a service program to replace the LH and RH Rear Seat Lap-Shoulder Seat Belt Assemblies in certain 2019MY Crosstrek vehicles.
12-203-16R2021-09-03. Service bulletin. This bulletin provides a procedure to address customer concerns of a squeaking sound originating from where the front seat belt buckle assembly attaches to the seat frame.