The problem
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. If the driver or front passenger safety belt is pulled out much faster than normal, a number of time, the lock-up feature of the retractor will not work properly.
The risk
In a rapid deceleration or vehicle crash, the occupant would not be properly restrained increasing the risk of personal injury.
The fix
Dealers will replace the driver and front passenger safety belt retractor.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 97V-161 (97V161000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | General Motors, LLC |
| Component | Seat belts › Front › Retractor |
| Report date | September 22, 1997 |
| Owners notified | September 22, 1997 |
| Vehicles affected | 26,135 |
| Initiated by | Manufacturer |
Vehicles covered
Owner complaints about the seat belts
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 97V-161 repair free?
Yes. Saturn dealers will fix the problem at no cost: Dealers will replace the driver and front passenger safety belt retractor.
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 26,135 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.