GM Recalls 243,403 Vehicles for Safety Belt Buckle Problem

General Motors is recalling 243,403 vehicles because of a potential safety problem where safety belts could appear to be properly latched when they are not.

The recall affects 2009-2010 models of the Chevrolet Traverse, Buick Enclave, GMC Acadia and Saturn Outlook, GM said today in a statement. Most of the vehicles are in the United States, with several thousand exported vehicles in countries such as Canada and Mexico also affected.

Second-row safety belt buckles could be damaged when the seat back is returned to an upright position after being laid flat, GM said. If this happens, the buckle may appear to latch, even when the latch mechanism is not fully engaged.

"Because of the potential for a false-latch condition, we want customers to return their vehicles to have the recall repair performed as soon as possible," said Jeff Boyer, GM executive director of safety.

GM discovered damaged safety belt buckles among warranty returns.

"So far, there are no known cases where second-row safety belts have failed to perform properly in a crash," the statement said.

Owners will start receiving letters this month to set up appointments with dealer service departments. Owners will not be charged for inspection and repair of the second-row belts.

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