Front assembly: reclinerRecall 98V-145 · Chevrolet and Oldsmobile vehicles

GENERAL MOTORS CORP. recall 98V-145 covers 125,990 Chevrolet and Oldsmobile vehicles for a front assembly: recliner problem, reported to NHTSA on June 26, 1998.

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Vehicles repairedNo manufacturer report yet
Vehicles affected125,9902 models
ReportedJun 26, 1998Owners notified Aug 18, 1998
Complaints since28Same system, after the recall

Source: NHTSA recall 98V145000 and manufacturer quarterly reports. Started by an NHTSA defect investigation.

What's wrong

The problem

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER MINI VANS EQUIPPED WITH BUCKET SEATS OR A SPLIT BENCH SEAT IN THE SECOND (MIDDLE) OR THIRD (BACK) ROW. THE SEAT LATCH MECHANISMS ON BUCKET SEATS AND ON THE 40% PORTION OF THE SPLIT BENCH SEAT IN THE SECOND AND THIRD ROWS DO NOT HAVE PROTECTIVE COVERS.

The risk

WHEN ACTIVATING THE RELEASE MECHANISM TO ROLL A BUCKET SEAT FORWARD, A CUSTOMER'S FINGER(S) COULD BE SEVERELY INJURED OR SEVERED IN THEY ARE NOT KEPT CLEAR OF THE MECHANISM.

What to do

The fix

DEALERS WILL INSTALL PROTECTIVE COVERS ON THE OUTBOARD LATCH MECHANISMS ON ALL LEFT AND RIGHT HAND REAR BUCKET SEATS IN THE SECOND AND THIRD ROW, AND TO BOTH INBOARD AND OUTBOARD LATCH MECHANISMS ON THE CENTER REAR BUCKET SEAT AND THE 40% PORTION OF THE SPLIT BENCH SEAT.

OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DURING AUGUST 1998.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 CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1022 OR OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-442-6537. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4326).

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

2 models

Vehicles in this recall

Built from April 1, 1996 to March 31, 1998. Not every vehicle in these model years is included; check by VIN.

Background

The investigation behind this recall

  1. FINGER CUTTING/PINCHINGPE98030 · closed Jun 30, 1998
    NHTSA