Investigation PE99059: 1995–1996 Buick Riviera

Status

CLOSED

Opened

Sep 15, 1999

Closed

Feb 22, 2000

Model years

1995–1996

Subject

Rear seat belt retractor

Component: Seat belts › Rear/other

Summary

Complaints generally stated that one or both outboard rear seat belts do not retract at all and are useless.it is evident that the seat belts do not provide any tension and have excess slack.the retractor assembly has a plastic cover next to the retractor return spring.according to general motors (gm), heat may soften, warp and deflect the plastic spring cover allowing the return spring to disengage through and jam in the spring cover access hole rendering the return spring nonfunctional.to elimanate the problem, gm changed the spring cover material and access hole at the beginning of production of model year (my) 1996 buick riviera and oldsmobile aurora vehicles.both complaints and warranty claims have declined significantly from my 1995 subject vehicles to my 1996 vehicles.

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

• 1996 Buick Riviera44 complaints
• 1995 Buick Riviera130 complaints