Seat belts: rear/otherRecall 97V-071 · Infiniti and Nissan vehicles
NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC. recall 97V-071 covers 36,000 Infiniti and Nissan vehicles for a seat belts: rear/other problem, reported to NHTSA on April 22, 1997.
Source: NHTSA recall 97V071000 and manufacturer quarterly reports. Started by the manufacturer.
The problem
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.
The 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.
The fix
DEALERS WILL REPLACE ALL REAR SEAT BELT BUCKLES WITH NEW SEAT BELT BUCKLES.
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.
Recall repairs are free. Confirm whether this recall is open on your vehicle by entering its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.