Doors: latchRecall 79V-161 · Buick and Chevrolet vehicles

GENERAL MOTORS CORP. recall 79V-161 covers 476,245 Buick and Chevrolet vehicles for a doors: latch problem, reported to NHTSA on July 2, 1979.

Vehicles repairedNo manufacturer report yet

Vehicles affected476,2457 models

ReportedJul 2, 1979Owners notified Jul 3, 1979

Complaints since0Same system, after the recall

Source: NHTSA recall 79V161000 and manufacturer quarterly reports. Started by the manufacturer.

What's wrong

The problem

A CHILD COULD OPEN THE REAR SIDE COMPARTMENT DOOR AND ENTER THIS COMPARTMENT. THE CHILD COULD BECOME ENTRAPPED IF THE DOOR WERE TO CLOSE, AS IT CANNOT BE UNLATCHED FROM THE INSIDE.

What to do

The fix

DEALER WILL REPLACE THE ORIGINAL COMPARTMENT DOOR LATCH, WHICH CAN BE LATCHED WITHOUT A KEY, WITH A NEW ASSEMBLY THAT REQUIRES A KEY TO LATCH AS WELL AS LOCK THE DOOR.

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES.SYSTEM: STRUCTURE; STORAGE COMPARTMENT.CONSEQUENCES OF DEFECT: IN THE ABSENCE OF OUTSIDE HELP, THE CHILD WOULDSUFFOCATE.NOTE: THE OWNER IS ADVISED TO KEEP THIS COMPARTMENT LOCKED EXCEPT WHILE EITHERLOADING OR UNLOADING IT.

Recall repairs are free. Confirm whether this recall is open on your vehicle by entering its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

7 models

Vehicles in this recall

Buick Estate1977, 1978, 1979

Buick Estate Wagon1977, 1978, 1979

Chevrolet Caprice1977, 1978, 1979

Chevrolet Impala1977, 1978, 1979

Oldsmobile Custom Cruiser1977, 1978, 1979

Pontiac Grand Safari1977, 1978, 1979

Pontiac Safari1977, 1978, 1979

Built from August 1, 1977 to February 1, 1979. Not every vehicle in these model years is included; check by VIN.