Recall - Rear Seat Belt Buckle Non-Compliance: Overview

02-015

February 26, 2002

Applies To:
2000-01 Accord - See VEHICLES AFFECTED

Noncompliance Recall:
Accord Rear Seat Belt Buckles

BACKGROUND

Seat belt buckles contain a lock bar that engages and locks the seat belt tongue to the buckle. On some 2000-01 Accords, the lock bars in the rear seat belt buckles were improperly made. This prevented the unlatching of some rear buckles during strength compliance tests performed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The affected rear seat belts work properly and provide protection in a crash, but they may be difficult to unlatch after the crash.





VEHICLES AFFECTED

Not all 2000-01 Accords within the VIN ranges are affected by this recall. Before you begin, check for vehicle eligibility by doing any of these checks:

^ Check the vehicle's VIN on your campaign responsibility report.

^ Do a VIN status inquiry on DCS.

^ Verify that the customer has a customer letter.

CUSTOMER NOTIFICATION

All owners of affected vehicles will be mailed a second notification of this recall. This second notification advises the owner that the center seat belt buckle is also affected. If an inspection of the outer buckles has already been done, a second inspection is needed for the center buckle. An example of the customer notification is shown in this service bulletin.

CORRECTIVE ACTION

Inspect the assembly number on all rear seat belt buckles. Replace any buckle that is affected by this recall.

PARTS INFORMATION

Refer to the Parts Catalog to order the correct type and color of seat belt buckle or seat belt/retractor assembly.





WARRANTY CLAIM INFORMATION

Failed Part: P/N 04823-S84-A50ZA
H/C 6560569

Defect Code: 58C

Contention Code: L48

Skill Level: Repair Technician

INSPECTION PROCEDURE

1. Push the upholstery down so you can see the number stamped on each of the rear seat belt buckles.





2. Look for the assembly number on the back of each buckle. You may need a light and a magnifying glass to see the number.

NOTE:
On 2001 Accord center buckles, a vinyl sheath around the buckle needs to be pulled down to see the number. In cold weather, it may be easier to pull down the sheath if you warm up the interior first.

^ If any of the buckles have one of the assembly numbers, go to REPAIR PROCEDURE.

^ If none of the buckles have an affected assembly number, go to step 3.





3. Center-punch a completion mark above the eighth character of the engine compartment VIN, then return the vehicle to the customer.

REPAIR PROCEDURE

NOTE:
Be careful not to scratch the interior.

1. Replace the affected rear seat belt buckle(s). Refer to page 23-16 of the 1998-02 Accord Service Manual.

NOTE:
To replace the right buckle on '01 Accords you also need to replace the seat belt/retractor assembly.





2. Center-punch a completion mark above the eighth character of the engine compartment VIN, then return the vehicle to the customer.





DISCLAIMER