The 1997 Pontiac Firebird has 2 recalls, both addressing front seat belt retractors that can lock up on mild slopes, leaving occupants unable to pull out and fasten their belts until the vehicle is moved to flatter ground.
If the retractor locks up before the belt is fastened, an unbelted occupant faces greater risk of injury in a crash. The convertible is specifically noted as affected, though both filings describe the same underlying problem with retractors positioned outside design specification.
At a glance
What can fail
The front seat belt retractors lock up on gentle slopes, preventing occupants from pulling out and fastening their seat belts until the vehicle is moved to level ground.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the front seat belt retractors and reinstall any that are improperly positioned.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
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At a glance
What can fail
Seat belt retractors are positioned incorrectly, which can cause them to lock up on slopes that are less steep than federal safety standards require.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect front seat belt retractors for proper positioning and reinstall any that are incorrectly positioned.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
