After a four-year investigation involving approximately 1.3 million vehicles, NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation is concluding its investigation into a number of General Motors vehicles. The office investigated the failure of flexible steel seat belt anchor cables in the front seats of several vehicle models that could cause them to become detached and increase the potential for injury.
The investigation covered the 2009-2014 GMC Acadia, Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Traverse and 2009-2010 Saturn Outlook SUVs.
This issue dates back to May 2014, when a recall of these model vehicles was issued due to concerns that the seat belt cables could weaken and separate over time and use.
GM’s solution involved inspecting for signs of damage and replacing cables as needed. However, NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation received four reports from owners that the anchor cable separated without warning after repairs.
The NHTSA investigation examined whether GM’s recall fix was effective and reviewed complaints and warranty data. It found that most seat belt cable failures occurred when vehicles were parked, with consumers often noticing the problem when they got into the car, fastened their seat belts, or checked the vehicle. However, the actual failure rate was low, at 0.141 incidents per 1,000 vehicles, and mostly involved the driver’s side cable rather than the front passenger cable.
“The safety of our customers is the highest priority for the entire GM team. GM supports NHTSA’s decision to close this investigation and will continue to work collaboratively with the agency,” a GM spokesperson said.
ODI is still receiving occasional complaints about cable failures on these and other GM models that have also been previously recalled for this issue, according to documents filed with NHTSA.
There have been no reports of accidents, injuries or fatalities related to this investigation.