GM Seat Belt Recall: NHTSA Closes Investigation on 1.3 Million Affected Vehicles
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has officially closed a long-standing investigation into General Motors (GM) concerning a seat belt issue that affected over 1.3 million vehicles in the United States. The investigation, which began in 2019, focused on flexible steel seat belt anchor cables that were at risk of detaching in certain GM models, potentially compromising driver and passenger safety.
Background of the Investigation
The issue first came to light in 2014, when GM initiated a recall for several SUV models, including the GMC Acadia, Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Traverse, and Saturn Outlook, from the model years 2009-2014. The recall was prompted by concerns that the seat belt anchor cables in the front seats could weaken over time and detach, especially during collisions.
NHTSA’s Four-Year Investigation
The NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation launched a thorough review in 2019 to assess the effectiveness of GM’s recall and whether further action was necessary. The probe was upgraded to an engineering analysis in 2020 to better understand the failure rates and the severity of the issue. While the cables were found to fail in some cases, particularly on the driver’s side, most of these failures occurred while the vehicle was stationary, minimizing the immediate risk of injury or accidents.
Low Failure Rate and No Reported Injuries
One of the key reasons the NHTSA decided to close the investigation without pursuing additional recalls was the low failure rate—just 0.141 cases per thousand vehicles. Additionally, no crashes, injuries, or fatalities were reported as a result of this issue. GM had previously expanded its coverage to replace faulty components for up to 12 years or 180,000 miles, further alleviating concerns.
GM’s Response and Commitment to Safety
Following the closure of the investigation, GM emphasized its commitment to customer safety. A spokesperson for the company noted, “The safety of our customers is the highest priority for the entire GM team.” GM also expressed support for the NHTSA’s decision to close the case and reiterated its dedication to working closely with the agency to ensure the safety of its vehicles.
What This Means for GM Vehicle Owners
For owners of the affected GM vehicles, this resolution is largely reassuring. Those who had their seat belts inspected or repaired during the initial recall can feel confident that their vehicles are safe. Given the low failure rate and the fact that most issues occurred when the vehicle was not in motion, the risk of any serious problems related to this defect remains minimal.
In summary, while any issue involving seat belts is serious, GM’s prompt response and the NHTSA’s findings have provided a sense of closure for vehicle owners. The automaker continues to prioritize safety, ensuring that its customers are protected on the road.
