NHTSA recall 96V-219 (96V219000)

seat belts recall reported November 4, 1996 - about 1,573 vehicles affected.

NHTSA campaign number: 96V219000
Also written as: 96V-219
Reported: November 4, 1996
Vehicles affected: ~1,573
Component: seat belts

What is being recalled

THESE VEHICLES WERE MANUFACTURED WITH SEAT BELT RETRACTORS OUT OF DESIGN POSITION WHICH CAN CAUSE THE RETRACTOR TO LOCK-UP ON SLOPES LESS SEVERE THAN THE FMVSS REQUIREMENT. THIS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH FMVSS NO. 209, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES."

Why it is dangerous

IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE COLLISION, UNBELTED OCCUPANTS ARE MORE AT RISK OF INJURY THAN THOSE USING SEAT BELTS.

The fix (free at any franchised dealer)

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE SEAT BELTS FOR PROPER FRONT SEAT BELT RETRACTOR POSITION. RETRACTORS FOUND TO BE IMPROPERLY POSITIONED WILL BE REINSTALLED CORRECTLY.

Recall repairs are always free, regardless of vehicle age or where you bought the car. Quote the campaign number 96V-219 when calling a dealer.

Affected 2 models

Chevrolet Camaro - 1997

Pontiac Firebird - 1997

Each year links to that car's full history: every recall, owner complaints and common problems.

Is YOUR car included? A campaign rarely covers every single vehicle of a model year. Check your exact car by its 17-character VIN with the free VIN decoder and recall check.

Source: NHTSA recall campaign data (public domain), refreshed weekly. See also the latest recall campaigns.