Investigation EA00009: 1997–2000 Chevrolet Corvette

Status

CLOSED

Opened

Mar 16, 2000

Closed

Apr 18, 2000

Model years

1997–2000

Subject

Front lap belt malfunction

Component: Seat belts

Summary

Odi opened this ea00-009 on march 16, 2000, to continue analyses begun under preliminary evaluation pe99-076.the alleged defect: lap belt webbing in both seating positions tends to fold over while entering the retractor opening.these folds frequently impede proper webbing retraction.if the retractor has been inadvertently toggled into automatic lock retractor (alr) mode by being extended to its full length, it may fail to reset itself to the normal emergency lock retractor (elr) mode.such a condition has been shown to render the active restraint unusable.conclusion: gm will remedy the alleged defect in 71,569 subject vehicles built prior to august 1999 by adding webbing guide inserts to the lap retractor openings of both seating positions to prevent the admission of folded webbing onto the retractor spool.this engineering analysis has been closed.

An NHTSA investigation looks into whether a safety defect exists. Opening one is not a finding. Outcomes can include a recall, closure without action, or further inquiry.

Model years covered

• 2000 Chevrolet Corvette278 complaints
• 1999 Chevrolet Corvette308 complaints
• 1998 Chevrolet Corvette399 complaints
• 1997 Chevrolet Corvette153 complaints