The problem
These vehicles were manufactured with seat belt retractors out of design position which can cause the retractor to lock-up on slopes less severe than the FMVSS requirement. This does not comply with FMVSS no. 209, "seat belt assemblies."
The risk
In the event of a vehicle collision, unbelted occupants are more at risk of injury than those using seat belts.
The fix
Dealers will inspect the seat belts for proper front seat belt retractor position. Retractors found to be improperly positioned will be reinstalled correctly.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 96V-219 (96V219000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | General Motors, LLC |
| Component | Seat belts › Front › Retractor |
| Report date | November 4, 1996 |
| Owners notified | November 20, 1996 |
| Vehicles affected | 1,573 |
| Initiated by | Manufacturer |
Vehicles covered
Owner complaints about the seat belts
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 96V-219 repair free?
Yes. Chevrolet dealers will fix the problem at no cost: Dealers will inspect the seat belts for proper front seat belt retractor position. Retractors found to be improperly positioned will be reinstalled correctly.
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 1,573 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.