Investigation EA99019: 1998–1999 Oldsmobile Intrigue

Status

CLOSED

Opened

Jul 7, 1999

Closed

Feb 22, 2000

Model years

1998–1999

Subject

Rear shoulder belt malfunction

Component: Seat belts › Rear/other

Summary

The alleged defect concerns two major symptoms:failure to retract webbing and inability to extend the webbinng for use. The root cause of these symptoms is the design of the trim bezel through which the sebbing passes. Built into the rear package shelf, the bezel includes a vertical slot to facilitate vehicle assembly.the slot is positioned such that the shoulder belt webbing tends to slip into it.webbing ingestion by the vertical slot may retard webbing retraction, or allow webbing twists to accumulate on the retractor spool.in either case, the retractor may fail to maintain appropriate tension on the seat occupant.failure of the shoulder belt to completely retract may also result in an inability to extend it for use if the child restraint cinch feature has been inadvertently engage (by extending the webbing to its maximum length).gm will remedy the alleged defect in the subject vehicles by straightening an twisted rear shoulder belt webbing and them installing a plastic cover that will prevent further webbing ingestion by the webbing guide vertical slot.this engineerign ananlysis is 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

• 1999 Oldsmobile Intrigue256 complaints
• 1998 Oldsmobile Intrigue510 complaints