The problem
These vehicles exhibit a condition in which a rear seat belt buckle release button can stick in the unlatched (down) position under certain conditions because the buckle assembly can move inside the seat belt cover. If the cover moves far enough, it can create an interference condition with the latch release button. When it does, the seat belt buckle cannot be latched.
The risk
The rear belts may not hold an occupant in the event of a vehicle accident increasing the risk of pesonal injury.
The fix
Dealers will replace the three rear-seat belt buckles (one assembly) with a new, revised design.
Contacts
System: interior; seat belts; rear. Vehicle description: multi-purpose passenger vehicles. Owner notification: owner notification is expected to begin in august 1996. Note: 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 chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020, gmc at 1-800-462-8782, or oldsmobile at 1-800-442-6537.
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 Chevrolet, GMC, Oldsmobile dealer will do the repair free, whether or not you bought the vehicle there. Quote campaign 96V142000.
- 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.