The problem
Vehicle description: passenger Mini vans equipped with bucket seats or a split bench seat in the second (middle) or third (back) row. The seat latch mechanisms on bucket seats and on the 40% portion of the split bench seat in the second and third rows do not have protective covers.
The risk
When activating the release mechanism to roll a bucket seat forward, a customer's finger(s) could be severely injured or severed in they are not kept clear of the mechanism.
The fix
Dealers will install protective covers on the outboard latch mechanisms on all left and right hand rear bucket seats in the second and third row, and to both inboard and outboard latch mechanisms on the center rear bucket seat and the 40% portion of the split bench seat.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 98V-145 (98V145000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | General Motors, LLC |
| Component | Seats › Front assembly › Recliner |
| Report date | June 26, 1998 |
| Owners notified | August 18, 1998 |
| Vehicles affected | 125,990 |
| Initiated by | NHTSA investigation |
Vehicles covered
Owner complaints about the seats
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 98V-145 repair free?
Yes. Chevrolet dealers will fix the problem at no cost: Dealers will install protective covers on the outboard latch mechanisms on all left and right hand rear bucket seats in the second and third row, and to both inboard and outboard latch mechanisms on the center rear bucket seat and the 40% portion of the split…
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 125,990 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.