NHTSA safety investigation
NHTSA Investigation EA97023
Engineering Analysis · General Motors, LLC · SEATS
An investigation is not a finding that a defect exists.
NHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
What NHTSA is examining
The agency's own description of the inquiry, quoted as published
DRIVER'S SEAT FRAME FAILURE
THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION HAS RECEIVED 375 REPORTS ALLEGING FAILURE OF THE DRIVER'S SEAT FRAME WHICH IS PRONE TO BREAKAGE AT THE LEFT FRONT ATTACHING POINT.WHEN THIS OCCURS, THE SEAT MAY TILT AWAY FROM THE RISER DURING ACCELERATING OR BRAKING.(SEE CLOSING REPORT)
An investigation is a separate record from a recall and from a manufacturer communication. A manufacturer campaign to repair a safety defect or a failure to meet a federal safety standard.
Investigation details
Identifiers, dates and outcome as recorded by NHTSA
- Action number
- EA97023
- Investigation type
- Engineering Analysis (EA)
- Status
- Closed
- Manufacturer
- General Motors, LLC
- Component
- SEATS
- Opened
- Oct 31, 1997
- Closed
- Jun 1, 1999
- Associated recall campaign
- None recorded
Vehicles named in this investigation
12 model years across 6 models
Being named here means NHTSA included the vehicle in the scope of its inquiry. It is not a statement that these vehicles have a defect.