GM seatbelt debacle forces recall of 480,000 vehicles

GM has recalled 484,000 vehicles after finding a problem with third row seatbelts. SUVs to be recalled include the Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe, and GMC Yukon and Yukon XL.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the defect involves the buckle. The rivet that retains the buckle to the mounting bracket in the left or right side third-row seat belt buckle assembly may have been “improperly formed.” Dealers will inspect the rivet head formation on both the left and right side third-row seat belt buckle assemblies and replace seat belt buckle assemblies, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed Sept. 26, 2022.

To GM‘s knowledge, no injuries or accidents have stemmed from this seatbelt issue. NHTSA said without fixing the seatbelts, passengers could experience increased risk of injury in the event of a car accident.