Component
SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY
Manufacturer
GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
What Happened
Your minivan's rear seat release handle might not work properly in a side crash, causing the seat latches to open too early.
Risk if Unfixed
If the seat latches open too early in a severe side crash, you could be more likely to get hurt.
Free Fix
We'll replace the seat latch release handle with a new cap to prevent this safety issue at no cost to you, starting on April 5, 2005.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
ON CERTAIN MINIVANS, THE OUTBOARD RELEASE HANDLE ON THE IMPACT-SIDE SECOND-ROW BUCKET SEAT MAY BE ACTUATED AND THE REAR LATCHES MAY UNLATCH EARLY IN A SIDE IMPACT CRASH. THIS WAS DISCOVERED IN A SIDE IMPACT TEST RUN BY GM, UNDER CONDITIONS SIMILAR TO NHTSA'S NEW CAR ASSESSMENT PROGRAM (NCAP) SIDE IMPACT TEST.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
IF THE REAR LATCHES OF THE SEAT RELEASE EARLY IN A SEVERE SIDE IMPACT, THE FRONT OUTBOARD LATCH MAY DISENGAGE AND INCREASE THE POTENTIAL FOR INJURY TO THE OCCUPANT OF THE SEAT.
Original — Remedy
DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE SEAT LATCH RELEASE HANDLE AND INSTALL A BLACK PLASTIC CAP OVER THE EXPOSED METAL STUD TO ELIMINATE THE SIDE IMPACT SAFETY CONCERN FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 5, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SATURN AT 1-800-972-8876, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, AND PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668.
View full recall details →
Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →