GM recalling 243,000 Crossovers due to seat belt latch issue

The New York Times (8/18, B7, Bunkley) reports GM announce it will recall “243,000 large crossover vehicles to check for a problem that could prevent their rear seat belts from latching safely. The recall covers the 2009 and 2010 Chevrolet Traverse, Buick Enclave, GMC Acadia and Saturn Outlook. All but a few thousand were sold in the United States.” GM said “dealers would inspect the seat belts ‘for damage that in rare cases could make an occupant think the belt is properly latched when it isn’t.’ The seat belt latch issue can occur in the second row of the three-row vehicles as the seat is returned to an upright position after being folded flat.” Jeff Boyer, G.M.’s executive director of safety, added, “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.” The &&&AP (8/17, Thomas) also covered the story.