The problem
These vehicles were assembled with center rear seat belt anchor bolts not properly installed. This does not meet the requirements of FMVSS no. 210, "seat belt assembly anchorages."
The risk
In the event of a vehicle crash, the seat belt system would not withstand the required load and injury to the seat occupant could occur.
The fix
Dealers will tighten the center rear seat belt anchor bolts to specification.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 97V-036 (97V036000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | General Motors, LLC |
| Component | Seats › Mid/rear assembly |
| Report date | March 11, 1997 |
| Owners notified | March 26, 1997 |
| Vehicles affected | 20,959 |
| Initiated by | Manufacturer |
Vehicles covered
Owner complaints about the seats
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 97V-036 repair free?
Yes. Buick dealers will fix the problem at no cost: Dealers will tighten the center rear seat belt anchor bolts to specification.
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 20,959 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.