Feds Examine Effectiveness of GM Recall for Defective Seatbelts
Feds Examine Effectiveness of GM Recall for Defective Seatbelts
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has said it is taking a closer look at how effective a previous General Motors recall has been after it received four consumer complaints. According to a news report on Mlive.com, the original recall was issued back in 2014 for about 1.4 million 2009 through 2014 Chevy Traverse, GMC Acadia, Buick Enclave and Saturn Outlook vehicles because there was the risk that a steel cable connecting the front seatbelts to the vehicle could separate, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Problem Continues with Seatbelts
When that recall began, GM dealers inspected the flexible cables on the affected models and made replacements as needed. So, now, the NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation has received four complaints from consumers. However, no injuries have been reported. One of these complaints came from an Ohio man who said the seatbelt in his 2010 Chevy Traverse snapped as his wife was fastening it. He said he had defect fixed back in 2014.
NHTSA’s ODI will investigate the effectiveness of the recall’s original fix as it determines the next step. The original recall posted on NHTSA’s website states that in the affected vehicles, the flexible steel cable that connects the seatbelt to the front outboard seating positions may fatigue and separate over time. If the steel cable becomes fatigued and separates, the seatbelt may not properly restrain the occupant increasing the risk of injury or death in a car accident.
Purpose of Recalls and Repairs
Automakers have a responsibility to manufacture and sell vehicles that are safe for consumers. Based on the number of recalls we see on a daily basis, it is apparent that there are millions of vehicles out on the roadways that are unsafe and defective. When consumers complain about a safety defect, automakers are required to recall the faulty vehicles and repair the problem at no cost to consumers.
Apparently that’s exactly what GM did back in 2014 when it recalled more than a million vehicles for this particular seatbelt defect. However, it appears that the vehicles may not have gotten the appropriate fix because the problem is persisting. This is an extremely dangerous seatbelt defect that could result in devastating injuries or even death. As auto defect lawyers who represent the rights of injured victims and their families, we hope these vehicles can be properly repaired.
If you or a loved one has been injured as a result of these or other defects, contact an experienced auto defect attorney to obtain more information about pursuing your legal rights.
