Legal News

General Motors announced on August 17 that they would be recalling several of the 2009-2010 crossover SUV's due to possible problems with the vehicle's seatbelts. More than 243,000 vehicles, mainly in the United States, will be affected by the recall. The specific models under the GM recall include the Chevrolet Traverse, Buick Enclave, GMC Acadia and Saturn Outlook.

The New York Times reported a statement by GM asking dealers to inspect for seatbelt problems which can occur in the second row of the three-row vehicles when the seat is returned to the upright position after being folded down flat. According to the car company, dealers will look "for damage that in rare cases could make an occupant think the belt is properly latched when it isn?t.?

Reuters reports that according to papers that were filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the company says the problem was first found in warranty returns. The damage was cosmetic in the vast majority of cases, GM said. At this time, the company has not received any reports of the belts failing in a crash and leading to injuries.

As is common in car recalls, the GM recall will begin by notifying owners with effected vehicles by letter this month. Owners can then make appointments with dealership service departments for repairs at their convenience.

?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,? Jeff Boyer, G.M.?s executive director of safety, told the Times.

Related Resources:

• GM recalling 243,000 autos for seatbelt issue (Sacramento Business Journal)
• GM Recall Announced on Hummer and Corvette Vehicles (FindLaw's Common Law)
• Car Safety Recalls (FindLaw)
• Toyota Recall and Lawsuits (FindLaw)
• Auto Accident Injuries and Compensation (provided by Griffin & Linder, P.A.)
• Seat Belts and Automotive Products Liability (provided by Kinerk, Schmidt & Sethi, PLLC)