GM to Recall More Than a Million Pickups for Seatbelt Defects

General Motors is recalling more than a million pickup trucks worldwide because of seatbelt defects that could cause the restraints to fail in the event of a crash. According to an ABC news report, the recall covers Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra pickup trucks from the 2014 and 2015 models. A steel cable that connects the seatbelts to the trucks can bend when the driver sits in the seat. Over time, it can wear and separate, which means, it might not work when you need it most.

Details of the Recall

GM said it found the problem while analyzing warranty data and that so far, it has not received reports of injuries or fatalities due to the defective seatbelt cables. The problem happens primarily with trucks where drivers frequently enter and exit the vehicles, GM officials said. The company has told dealers not to sell about 3,000 new 2014 and 2015 trucks until the cables are repaired.

When the recall begins, dealers will enlarge and opening and install a bracket on the cable tensioner, and if necessary, replace the tensioner. Owners can expect to get the recall notices in the mail, but no date has been set for the recall just yet. A majority of the recalled vehicles are in the U.S. and Canada.

The Danger of Seatbelt Defects

Seatbelt failure during a crash can lead to catastrophic injuries or fatalities. When a seat restraint system fails to work as intended, drivers could get thrown around the vehicle and suffer blunt force trauma, or worse, get partially or fully ejected from vehicles on to the roadway where they could get run over by other vehicles. The role a seatbelt plays in keeping vehicle occupants inside the vehicle can be critical, particularly in a violent crash.

Accident Investigations

As California seatbelt defect attorneys, we understand the importance of accident investigations, especially those where officials determine that the occupant was not buckled up. In a number of cases we deal with, we find that the occupants were in fact wearing their seatbelts, but were ejected because of seatbelt failure.

During accident investigations, it is important to look for specific evidence that points to seatbelt use such as blood stains on the seatbelt or markings on the victim’s body. Often, law enforcement agencies that investigate accident cases lack the specific knowledge, experience or resources to properly look into auto defects. This is why it is important for accident victims or their families to get in touch with an auto defect law firm, which has successfully investigated these types of cases and has the resources to ensure that the facts come out.