NHTSA recall 97V-073 (97V073002)

seat belts recall reported May 12, 1997 - about 24,000 vehicles affected.

NHTSA campaign number: 97V073002
Also written as: 97V-073
Reported: May 12, 1997
Vehicles affected: ~24,000
Component: seat belts

What is being recalled

THE GUIDE RAIL ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE CONTAINS A COVERED CABLE AND ALSO AN ANGLED BELT GUIDE AT THE TOP END OF THE WEBBING. THE COMBINATION OF THESE FACTORS CAN LEAD, OVER TIME, TO THE CABLE'S MOVEMENT EXERTING ABRADING FORCE TO THE LOWER EDGES OF THE CABLE'S CHAMBER, SUFFICIENT TO CAUSE THE CABLE TO DROP OUT OF THE CHAMBER WITH THE SHOULDER BELT ANCHORAGE BECOMING STUCK.

Why it is dangerous

IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SEAT OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED.

The fix (free at any franchised dealer)

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW REPLACEMENT GUIDE RAIL THAT INCORPORATES A DOUBLE LIP DUST SEAL AND AN ANODIC OXIDE COATING.

Recall repairs are always free, regardless of vehicle age or where you bought the car. Quote the campaign number 97V-073 when calling a dealer.

Affected 2 models

Dodge Colt - 1992, 1993

Plymouth Colt - 1992, 1993

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.