The problem
Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo) is recalling certain model year 2014 VAH, VHD, VNL, and VNM trucks manufactured August 12, 2013, through November 14, 2013; and equipped with IMMI-brand L9 seat belt buckles. When the button is pressed to release the seat belt, the latch plate can become partially engaged with the buckle, making the seat belt difficult to unlatch. Thus, these vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 209, "Seat Belt Assemblies."
The risk
If the latch plate remains partially engaged after the button is pressed, egress from the vehicle could be hindered which would increase the risk of injury in the event of an emergency.
The fix
Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the seat belt buckle, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on January 27, 2014. Owners may contact Volvo at 1-336-393-2000. Volvo's number for this recall is RVXX1307.
Contacts
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
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 Volvo dealer will do the repair free, whether or not you bought the vehicle there. Quote campaign 13V618000.
- 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.