Warning: Shoulder strap guide design weakness can tear seat
 

The Subaru District Sales rep warned me that the shoulder strap on one of the demo cars tore the seat when someone pulled it off without unbuttoning it first.

He said the guide design will probably be modified (not sure if that means the seat will be reinforced below the button or something else), but that won't happen in time for the first batch of FRSes and BRZs (obviously).

I'm unaware of any cases of it happening to JDM BRZs or 86s already on the road, so I wouldn't worry too much about it.

It's simply a minor design weakness that can result in a torn seat if misused; just be mindful when tugging on the shoulder strap while it's in the guide.

Wonder if the same problem exists on the leather and alcantara seats.

The demo BRZ limited that was making the rounds at the dealerships near me had the same issue. Both were basically torn off already from people being rough with them and not understanding their use. I guess their placement makes it seem like they're used for pulling the seat forward or something?

Probably. The belt will also pop the snaps when pulled tight, i.e. testing the brakes. When I went for my ride, the rep hit the brakes hard when I wasn't expecting it and the belt pulled the strap out of the snaps. But it didn't damage anything.

Frankly, I wasn't planning to use them because of this possibility. The loops always struck me as kind of flimsy. I have no problem turning to reach the belt. If they come with two snaps, I'll jsut remove the loops. If they're sewn in, Ill just leave them unsnapped so people getting in and out of the back don't pull on them.