Spartan Gladiator, Metrostar: Seat belts

Date

Dec. 6, 2013

Filed by

Spartan Motors, Inc.

Vehicles

Spartan Gladiator (2009, 2013); Spartan Metrostar (2002)

Manufacturer of the vehicles

Shyft Group

Component

Seat Belts

Description of the defect

Spartan Motors Chassis, Inc. (Spartan Chassis) is recalling certain model year 2002 MetroStar, 2009 Gladiator, and 2013 Gladiator emergency response vehicles equipped with IMMI-brand L9 seat belt buckles. When the button is pressed to release the seat belt, the latch plate can become partially engaged with the buckle, making the seat belt difficult to unlatch. Thus, these vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 209, "Seat Belt Assemblies."

Potentially affected

3

What can happen

If the latch plate remains partially engaged after the button is pressed, egress from the vehicle could be hindered which would increase the risk of injury in the event of an emergency.

Remedy

Spartan Chassis will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the seat belt buckles, as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in January 2014. Owners may contact Spartan at 1-517-543-6400. Spartan Chassis' number for this recall is 13026.

Recall notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Owner notification date

Feb. 7, 2014

Manufacturer campaign number

13026

Recall type

V (vehicle)

Influenced by

MFR

Recall number

13V613000

What should I do? Car recall: how to check your car and get it fixed

Source: NHTSA · Vehicle record. View the agency notice. The agency notice governs; check it and the company before acting.