The problem
Certain vehicles were manufactured with an incorrect rear center seat belt assembly buckle. The misbuild involved fitting a buckle for another market with the correct U.S. Specification seat belt.
The risk
Such installation results in a rear center seat belt assembly in which the belt tongue cannot be inserted into the buckle and a consquent inability of the system to provide proper occupant restraint during panic braking of the vehicle or an accident.
The fix
Dealers will inspect the rear center seat belt tongue and buckle and incorrect buckle assemblies will be replaced.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 96V248001 (96V248001) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Isuzu Motors Limited |
| Component | Seat belts › Rear/other |
| Report date | December 12, 1996 |
| Owners notified | January 24, 1997 |
| Vehicles affected | 2,345 |
| Initiated by | Manufacturer |
Vehicles covered
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 96V248001 repair free?
Yes. Isuzu dealers will fix the problem at no cost: Dealers will inspect the rear center seat belt tongue and buckle and incorrect buckle assemblies will be replaced.
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 2,345 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.