The problem
Vehicle description: extended cab pickup trucks equipped with 60/40 front bench seats and extended cab pickup trucks and 2-door utility vehicles equipped with manual locking recliner bucket seats. The outboard safety belt webbing on the driver's and/or passenger's seat can separate during a frontal impact.
The risk
If a separation occurred and there were secondary crash events or vehicle rollover, there would be no belt restraint of the occupant and increased injuries could occur.
The fix
Dealers will install a protective cover over the recliner mechanism.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 97V096001 (97V096001) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | General Motors, LLC |
| Component | Seat belts |
| Report date | June 12, 1997 |
| Owners notified | September 22, 1997 |
| Vehicles affected | 586,058 |
| Initiated by | NHTSA investigation |
Vehicles covered
Owner complaints about the seat belts
- 1996 Chevrolet Blazer seat belt problems 30
- 1997 Chevrolet Blazer seat belt problems 26
- 1995 Chevrolet S10 seat belt problems 22
- 1996 Chevrolet S10 seat belt problems 14
- 1997 Chevrolet S10 seat belt problems 11
- 1996 GMC Jimmy seat belt problems 7
- 1997 GMC Jimmy seat belt problems 6
- 1995 GMC Sonoma seat belt problems 7
- 1996 GMC Sonoma seat belt problems 2
- 1997 GMC Sonoma seat belt problems 2
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 97V096001 repair free?
Yes. Chevrolet dealers will fix the problem at no cost: Dealers will install a protective cover over the recliner mechanism.
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 586,058 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.