RepairPal Expert Overview
Summary:
Cadillac has recalled 2000-2001 DeVille vehicles because the seat belt buckles may require too much effort to release. This may delay exiting the vehicle in the event of a crash. Dealers will inspect the belts, modify latch plates, and replace the affected retractor if necessary. Dealers will also add "snap on" latch clips to ensure proper insertion of the buckles.
Mfr's Report Date:
May 29, 2001
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 00V347000
NHTSA Action Number: N/A
Component: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
Potential Number of Units Affected: 116682
Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES, HEARSE, AND LIMOUSINES. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 209, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES." THESE VEHICLES HAVE SEAT BELTS THAT MAY NOT MEET THE 30-POUND PUSH BUTTON RELEASE EFFORT REQUIREMENT OF THE STANDARD.
Consequence: HIGH RELEASE EFFORTS COULD MAKE IT MORE DIFFICULT FOR A CRASH VICTIM TO RELEASE THE BELT AND EXIT THE VEHICLE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE SEAT BELTS AND, IF NECESSARY, MODIFY THE LATCH PLATES OR REPLACE THE RETRACTOR. DEALERS WILL ALSO ADD "SNAP ON" LATCH CLIPS TO ELIMINATE THE POTENTIAL OF INVERTED LATCH PLATE INSERTION. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS BEING CONDUCTED IN PHASES. THE FIRST PHASE BEGAN MAY 29, 2001, AND THE SECOND PHASE BEGAN JULY 6, 2001. 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 CADILLAC AT 1-800-458-8006.
Notes: ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
Recall data provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration