The problem
Certain vehicles were manufactured with an incorrect rear center seat belt assembly buckle. The misbuild involved fitting a buckle for another market with the correct u.S. Specification seat belt.
The risk
Such installation results in a rear center seat belt assembly in which the belt tongue cannot be inserted into the buckle and a consquent inability of the system to provide proper occupant restraint during panic braking of the vehicle or an accident.
The fix
Dealers will inspect the rear center seat belt tongue and buckle and incorrect buckle assemblies will be replaced.
Contacts
Owner notification: owner notification will begin january 17, 1997. 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 honda at 1-800-999-1009. Also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-800-424-9393.
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 Acura dealer will do the repair free, whether or not you bought the vehicle there. Quote campaign 96V248002.
- 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.