NHTSA Recall 97V071000
Filed by Nissan North America, Inc.. Component: Seat Belts. Reported 1997-04-22. An estimated 36,000 vehicles are affected. Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer.
Defect
THE RELEASE BUTTON USED IN THE REAR SEAT BELT BUCKLES WERE NOT MADE ACCORDING TO SPECIFICATIONS. IN HOT WEATHER, THE PLASTIC WELDS SECURING THE RELEASE BUTTON TO THE SPRING CAN FAIL RESULTING IN PARTIAL ENGAGEMENT OF THE SEAT BELT TONGUE IN THE BUCKLE OR NOT BEING ABLE TO LATCH THE SEAT BELT.
Risk
IF A PARTIAL ENGAGEMENT OCCURS, THIS CAN CAUSE THE SEAT BELT TONGUE TO COME OUT OF THE BUCKLE IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH OR HARD BRAKING OF THE VEHICLE.
What the manufacturer will do
DEALERS WILL REPLACE ALL REAR SEAT BELT BUCKLES WITH NEW SEAT BELT BUCKLES.
Notes
OWNER NOTIFICATION:OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JUNE 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 NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.