The problem
Equipment description: model year 1997 through 2001 lotus esprit vehicles built between september 1, 1995, and march 31, 2001. A replacement passenger seat belt assembly could have been installed in certain vehicles that do not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 208, "Occupant crash protection." These seat belt assemblies were manufactured without a lap portion that is lockable so as to secure a child safety seat.
The risk
If an incorrect belt was installed, the seat belt will not be capable of securing a child seat, which could result in death or serious injury to the seat occupant.
The fix
Customers are being instructed to bring their cars into their local dealer for a free replacement belt assembly. Owner notification began april 26, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact lotus cars usa at 1-800-245-6887.
Contacts
Also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-888-dash-2-dot (1-888-327-4236).
What to do
- Check your VIN. Enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls - it shows whether this recall applies to your vehicle and whether the repair has been done.
- Call a dealer. Any authorized Lotus dealer will do the repair free, whether or not you bought the vehicle there. Quote campaign 01E016000.
- Ask about parts and a loaner. If parts aren't available yet, ask what to do in the meantime.
- Keep your paperwork. If you paid for this repair before the recall, you may be able to get reimbursed - here's how.