1990 Seat Belt recall

[Fast36]

I found out in 2016 right after I purchased my ZR1 that there was a seat belt recall. The dealership Flemings Ultimate Garage in Rockville MD failed to tell me this. I'm going to make a very long story as short as possible. I've been in contact with GM Executive Customer Service since 2017. I brought my car to Paramus Chevrolet to have the new seat belts supplied by GM installed. They didn't fit. I asked both Paramus Chevrolet and GM who made them. No response. I've reminded GM numerous times that I'm driving a car that I could get injured or killed in if I were in an accident. Does anyone know who made the correct seat belts back in 1991 that satisfied the recall? Do you know if there still in business? I've suggested to GM to have the seat belts removed, sent to the manufacturer of their current supplier, determine which parts failed, have the correct parts made and installed, tested for safety and returned to the dealership and installed in my car. Sounds reasonable? Well GM said they would consider my suggestion. Now if anyone has Torch Red seat belts which will fit my ZR1 please let me know. The caveat is I need the serial number from the car they came out of so I can check to see if the recall was satisfied. Any help is greatly appreciated.:Eagle:

[Corvette95]

Soooo. did the dealer replace the seatbelts? When you say they didn't fit can you elaborate? What is the vin# on your car? Are you certain the recall was never done? I can help you with this but need that info, you can PM me if needed. How long have you owned it?

[DRM500RUBYZR-1]

If you are buying a used car from a dealer, ask for either the Carfax Report or their competitor Equifax Car Check Report, or run your own!

Either one will pick up any open recalls on a particular car.

If they do not provide it, or if you are purchasing from a private party, or even just to double check, you can use the following link to the GM Recall Database.

https://my.gm.com/recalls

Best to do this before you buy.

It seemed as if everyone who wanted to trade a high end European car to me, all had bad Takata air bags that had never been replaced. The above reports catch it everytime.

:cheers:
Marty

[Ccmano]

It appears this recall is for the right side seatbelt retractor. Mine is outstanding as well.
H
:cheers:

https://farm66.staticflickr.com/65535/49774185088_2af4096d64_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2iQnH7Y)

[Corvette95]

I have never seen it for one side only, likely your driver side has been completed so it is not showing up. Back in the day, the SOP was test for binding and replace only as needed.

[Ccmano]

Here’s the wording on the NHTSA site. It appears it was only conducted if the retractor mechanism locked up.
H
:cheers:

https://farm66.staticflickr.com/65535/49774258278_0a440536b7_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2iQo5SS)

[Mystic ZR-1]

I went thru this with GM about 9 years ago on my 90 when one of mine crapped out.
The local dealer was useless. Suprise? Got ahold of someone at GM who admitted they were still responsible because it’s a safety item. After screwing around with them for months, all they could come up with was belts of the wrong color. No go... So, after much searching, I located some NOS belts of the right color at a Chevy dealer in Missouri, but the nice folks at GM said they couldn’t use them because they weren’t in their custody. I guess a GM dealer doesn’t count?
Bottom line, do yourself a favor, don’t lose any sleep and if they crap out, just buy some used ones, they’re easy to find and cheap!
Who really cares about an open recall on a 30 year old car? Even NCRS doesn’t care.
FWIW, I went thru this recall in 1990 with my one year old 89. The dealer got the parts and replaced them. They screwed it up, no surprise! The mechanic bolted the seat back into the car on top of the belt! MORON! I removed the seat from the car and remedied the problem myself and haven’t returned since.

[Vette Guy]

Having ridden in another member's ZR-1 after the dealer installed the GM replacement belts, I have no plans to do it. The belts did not work, as 4 out of 5 times they locked while pulling them out. Such a pain that we took great care to prevent them from retracting when we got out, buckling them when not in the car. They didn't look right either. If it's not broken.....

[Fast36]

Thanks for the reply. The dealer attempted to install the new belts. The retractor was too large. They implied they'd need to move the seats then retracted that statement. I have the GM recall already states both sides aren't compliant. I purchased the car December 2016. How will the Vin assist you?

[Fast36]

I received the CarFax report from my DMV. Needless to say I was pissed. The dealership showed me a report saying it was better that CarFax (BS)

[Fast36]

Yes I saw the report from NHTSA and had a good phone call with them. No resolution sadly.

[Mystic ZR-1]

Fast 36
What are your concerns?
Originality, the Scarlet Letter of having an
open recall or just safe seatbelts?

[davidijaxson]

Just checked the VIN on my 90 and both the right and left sides have open recalls. Sounds like a waste of time to try and get it addressed 30 years later. Given that my belts are not giving me any issues I will used them and hope they don't need replacing.

[DRM500RUBYZR-1]

IF the belts have been and currently are working properly, why ever would you want to replace them?
They don't fail while in use.
The failure, if it occurs, occurs when removed and they will not come out of the re-tractor.
If that happens, yes they then would need replacement.
But if they have not failed in 30 years, there are far more important things to be worried about than working belts.
Drive and enjoy the car.
:cheers:
Marty

[Fast36]

IF the belts have been and currently are working properly, why ever would you want to replace them?
They don't fail while in use.
The failure, if it occurs, occurs when removed and they will not come out of the re-tractor.
If that happens, yes they then would need replacement.
But if they have not failed in 30 years, there are far more important things to be worried about than working belts.
Drive and enjoy the car.
:cheers:
Marty
Thanks Marty, I'll try to keep that in mind. Just don't like driving a car with a safety recall active and the seat belt light on constantly.
Rich

[Corvette95]

Seat belt light is a ground and not associated with recall.

[Fast36]

Fast 36
What are your concerns?
Originality, the Scarlet Letter of having an
open recall or just safe seatbelts?

I've never had a car with an outstanding safety recall. Every car I've owned if there was a recall, I'd bring the car in to have it satisfied.
Rich

[Fast36]

If you are buying a used car from a dealer, ask for either the Carfax Report or their competitor Equifax Car Check Report, or run your own!

Either one will pick up any open recalls on a particular car.

If they do not provide it, or if you are purchasing from a private party, or even just to double check, you can use the following link to the GM Recall Database.

https://my.gm.com/recalls

Best to do this before you buy.

It seemed as if everyone who wanted to trade a high end European car to me, all had bad Takata air bags that had never been replaced. The above reports catch it everytime.

:cheers:
Marty
Thanks Marty, I received the CarFax report at NJ DMV. After that I did all that you suggested in your post.
Rich

[DRM500RUBYZR-1]

Seat belt light is a ground and not associated with recall.

He speaks truth.

The light can be corrected, almost always a ground, and most of the time under the seat.

Once you fix that warning light, which by the way has nothing to do with the recall issue, my guess is after a week or two of not seeing the light, the recall will become a distant memory.
Again, enjoy that car!!
:cheers:
Marty

[Fast36]

It appears this recall is for the right side seatbelt retractor. Mine is outstanding as well.
H
:cheers:

https://farm66.staticflickr.com/65535/49774185088_2af4096d64_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2iQnH7Y)
My recall has both left and right.

[Fast36]

He speaks truth.

The light can be corrected, almost always a ground, and most of the time under the seat.

Once you fix that warning light, which by the way has nothing to do with the recall issue, my guess is after a week or two of not seeing the light, the recall will become a distant memory.
Again, enjoy that car!!
:cheers:
Marty
Yes the light isn't part of the recall, it's just annoying.
Thanks for the suggestion.
Rich

[combja]

I asked about the recall a couple years ago and the dealer said they could no longer tell the cause for the recall and would no longer honor it. My drivers side belt does lockup sometimes, when trying to put it on, but after a little jiggling it eventually deploys.

[Fast36]

I asked about the recall a couple years ago and the dealer said they could no longer tell the cause for the recall and would no longer honor it. My drivers side belt does lockup sometimes, when trying to put it on, but after a little jiggling it eventually deploys.

Thank you for the information, I'll continue to battle with GM.
Rich

[Corvette95]

They cannot deny your recall.... period. What they can do is try to find gm seatbelts anywhere. Is DOES NOT HAVE TO BE THE CORRECT COLOR, they cam put brown seatbelts in your red interior car or whatever the color may be.....so be warned. What you can do is get the dealer to give you something in writing that there are NO gm units to be found. IF your car HAS NOT had the recall performed, the dealer can submit a claim for you for your PAID aftermarket seatbelts and installation. You can do it directly with GM but have never heard a success story of this being done without the help of a dealer warranty administrator. I did this about 12 years ago and check came directly so me. (they do not have to tell you they are going to install a wrong color belt in your beforehand, so don't be too heavy handed with your recall demand).

[Fast36]

They cannot deny your recall.... period. What they can do is try to find gm seatbelts anywhere. Is DOES NOT HAVE TO BE THE CORRECT COLOR, they cam put brown seatbelts in your red interior car or whatever the color may be.....so be warned. What you can do is get the dealer to give you something in writing that there are NO gm units to be found. IF your car HAS NOT had the recall performed, the dealer can submit a claim for you for your PAID aftermarket seatbelts and installation. You can do it directly with GM but have never heard a success story of this being done without the help of a dealer warranty administrator. I did this about 12 years ago and check came directly so me. (they do not have to tell you they are going to install a wrong color belt in your beforehand, so don't be too heavy handed with your recall demand).

Thank you again. GM or the dealership hasn't said they can't or won't install the seat belts, they tell me they can't find them. I've offered multiple solutions to them and they are considering all. Please keep in mind that I've been in contact with them since 2017.
Rich
Rich

[Corvette95]

If you haven't burned the bridge, they say they can't find them, have them put it in writing and ask them politely to file your paid receipt. Plenty of places that have those seatbelts in stock. Money back in 60 days

[Fast36]

If you haven't burned the bridge, they say they can't find them, have them put it in writing and ask them politely to file your paid receipt. Plenty of places that have those seatbelts in stock. Money back in 60 days

The bridge is still intact. However, even though I send emails they always call back. They probably realized anything in writing could spell doom for them. I'll soldier on.

[Corvette95]

Info is at the bottom how to get reimbursed...
http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/tech/knowledgebase/article/1984-1991-corvette-recall-left-right-side-safety-belt-retractor-replacement-508.html

[DRM500RUBYZR-1]

Thank you again. GM or the dealership hasn't said they can't or won't install the seat belts, they tell me they can't find them. I've offered multiple solutions to them and they are considering all. Please keep in mind that I've been in contact with them since 2017.
Rich
Rich

3 YEARS?

You are going to give yourself a stroke over seat belts?

Belts that are also working fine?

OK, Your choice.

Go out and order, buy and install new seat-belts of your choosing.
Do as 95 suggests with the bill.
They likely will pay.
Case closed.

This will sap the pleasure out of your owners experience.
Put it to an end.
Or not.

Best of luck!
:cheers:
Marty

[phrogs]

You're not getting new seatbelts outta GM. Previous owner screwed you.

My car did not have the recall done.

I have swapped the belts with some different ones I had but is there even a part number for the "good ones" Vs old bad ones.

[Fast36]

Info is at the bottom how to get reimbursed...
http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/tech/knowledgebase/article/1984-1991-corvette-recall-left-right-side-safety-belt-retractor-replacement-508.html

Thank you for the great information!
Stay well!
Rich

[Fast36]

3 YEARS?

You are going to give yourself a stroke over seat belts?

Belts that are also working fine?

OK, Your choice.

Go out and order, buy and install new seat-belts of your choosing.
Do as 95 suggests with the bill.
They likely will pay.
Case closed.

This will sap the pleasure out of your owners experience.
Put it to an end.
Or not.

Best of luck!
:cheers:
Marty

No stroke here Marty i'm beyond patient and just seeking the right solution.
Rich

[Fast36]

You're not getting new seatbelts outta GM. Previous owner screwed you.

My car did not have the recall done.

I have swapped the belts with some different ones I had but is there even a part number for the "good ones" Vs old bad ones.

Thank you Johnny. I've been under the assumption that GM has suppliers who can produce safe seat belts.
Rich

[Z51JEFF]

From what I understand once a recall is issued it remains open until the issue is resolved,not sure how GM has been dealing with this but keeping people in the dark seems to be working for them.

[dredgeguy]

GM has been keeping people in the dark for a long time. I received a letter from GM over 5 years ago regarding a recall for the problem airbags on my 07 Tahoe LTZ. I would check every 6 months or so when it was in for an oil change......no parts available and no information when they would be available. I traded it in a few months ago and still no information.....now it is the dealers problem.

[DRM500RUBYZR-1]

GM has been keeping people in the dark for a long time. I received a letter from GM over 5 years ago regarding a recall for the problem airbags on my 07 Tahoe LTZ. I would check every 6 months or so when it was in for an oil change......no parts available and no information when they would be available. I traded it in a few months ago and still no information.....now it is the dealers problem.

Charlie,
It now likely will get fixed.
A franchise dealer, from what I was told, is expected to clear ALL recalls from one of their make cars, before it is re-sold.
Makes sense, particularly with the Takata Air Bag recall.
If during an accident, the bag fails, then the dealer that sold the defective car can be at fault.
Also explains where the air bags go.
Marty

[dredgeguy]

I traded it in for a XC60 Inscription at the Volvo dealer. GM would not help me, their customer, good luck helping a competing
dealer. Guess I will never know.

[Fast36]

Hi Hans! Rich Hobatuk here! Sorry my username is Fast36, not HobieZR1.

It appears this recall is for the right side seatbelt retractor. Mine is outstanding as well.
H
:cheers:

https://farm66.staticflickr.com/65535/49774185088_2af4096d64_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2iQnH7Y)

[Ccmano]

I remember this... one down one to go.
H
:cheers:

[Paul Workman]

If you are buying a used car from a dealer, ask for either the Carfax Report or their competitor Equifax Car Check Report, or run your own!

Either one will pick up any open recalls on a particular car.

If they do not provide it, or if you are purchasing from a private party, or even just to double check, you can use the following link to the GM Recall Database.

https://my.gm.com/recalls

Best to do this before you buy.

It seemed as if everyone who wanted to trade a high end European car to me, all had bad Takata air bags that had never been replaced. The above reports catch it everytime.

:cheers:
Marty

Thanks 4 the link, Marty!

[Fast36]

Thanks for the tip! My local DMV showed me the CarFax report when I was registering my ZR1. It was too late sadly.

[Fast36]

Info is at the bottom how to get reimbursed...
http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/tech/knowledgebase/article/1984-1991-corvette-recall-left-right-side-safety-belt-retractor-replacement-508.html

Good morning, the link doesn't work. Please resend if possible. Thank you. Rich Hobatuk

[carman49]

I have 90 vin 414 and the Carfax didn't show the recall, but the GM site did for both sides of the retractors. They are working sell. so after 30 years of being fine, I will keep the original ones...

[Fast36]

Ok great! Thank you for the response.

[Mystic ZR-1]

I have 90 vin 414 and the Carfax didn't show the recall, but the GM site did for both sides of the retractors. They are working sell. so after 30 years of being fine, I will keep the original ones...

You'll know immediately when they crap out.
Belt won't retract or pull out.