The problem
Certain sport utility vehicles were built with a driver's seat belt buckle assembly that contains an energy-absorbing loop. Sustained loads of sufficient magnitude and duration on the belt in severe crashes could fully deploy the buckle energy-absorbing loop, introducing a total of 10 additional inches of webbing into the seat belt system. The free falling latch plate used in this system May allow webbing to dynamically distribute between the lap and shoulder belt as the driver's position changes during a multiple rollover event.
The risk
If the energy-absorbing loop fully deploys in a severe multiple rollover crash, it is possible that a belted driver May experience partial or even complete ejection from the vehicle.
The fix
Dealers will replace the energy-absorbing seat belt assemblies with one that does not have the energy-absorbing loop. Owner notification began on August 8, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020, GMC at 1-800-462-8782, or Oldsmobile at 1-800-442-6537.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 03V-117 (03V117000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer number | 03020 |
| Manufacturer | General Motors, LLC |
| Component | Seat belts › Front › Buckle assembly |
| Report date | March 31, 2003 |
| Owners notified | August 8, 2003 |
| Vehicles affected | 312,715 |
| Initiated by | Manufacturer |
Vehicles covered
Owner complaints about the seat belts
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 03V-117 repair free?
Yes. Chevrolet dealers will fix the problem at no cost: Dealers will replace the energy-absorbing seat belt assemblies with one that does not have the energy-absorbing loop. Owner notification began on August 8, 2003.
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 312,715 vehicles built in a certain window. Check your 17-character VIN with our VIN recall check or at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.