The problem
Certain buckle assemblies were produced with a "buckle base" that was improperly heat treated. This can cause the "buckle base" to be brittle failing to comply to FMVSS no. 209, "seat belt assemblies."
The risk
In the event of a collision, these seat belts May not restrain an occupant increasing the risk of injury.
The fix
Dealers will inspect the buckle assemblies and replace them if necessary.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 96V-185 (96V185000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Nissan North America, Inc. |
| Component | Seat belts › Front › Buckle assembly |
| Report date | October 10, 1996 |
| Owners notified | October 28, 1996 |
| Vehicles affected | 36,000 |
| Initiated by | Manufacturer |
Vehicles covered
Owner complaints about the seat belts
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 96V-185 repair free?
Yes. Nissan dealers will fix the problem at no cost: Dealers will inspect the buckle assemblies and replace them if necessary.
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 36,000 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.