The problem
These vehicles were assembled with one or more incorrect safety belt and/or safety belt buckle ends. This does not conform with the requirements of FMVSS no. 209, "seat belt assemblies."
The risk
Consequence of non-compliance: if an incorrect part is used, the belt May not latch properly, increasing the risk of injury to the occupant should a vehicle crash occur.
The fix
Dealers will inspect all front and rear safety belt latch ends and safety belt buckles for correct parts and replace any incorrect parts.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 96V-044 (96V044000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | General Motors, LLC |
| Component | Seat belts › Front › Buckle assembly |
| Report date | March 5, 1996 |
| Owners notified | March 4, 1996 |
| Vehicles affected | 15,122 |
| Initiated by | Manufacturer |
Vehicles covered
Owner complaints about the seat belts
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 96V-044 repair free?
Yes. Buick dealers will fix the problem at no cost: Dealers will inspect all front and rear safety belt latch ends and safety belt buckles for correct parts and replace any incorrect parts.
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 15,122 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.