GM Recalls Cadillac, Chevrolet, and GMC Vehicles for Seat Belt Issue

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General Motors is recalling 15,800 of its 2018 and 2019 Cadillac CT6 sedans, Chevrolet Volt plug-in hybrids, and Chevrolet Suburban, GMC Yukon XL, and Cadillac Escalade ESV SUVs because a faulty seat belt component could prevent a child car seat from being properly installed.

The problem is with a component called an automatic locking retractor, which is designed to lock the seat belt so that a car seat does not move. An improperly installed car seat could increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

If this component does not work, owners of affected vehicles will notice that the rear seat belt does not lock when pulled out fully to install a car seat, GM said.

Not every seating position is affected by the recall. Depending on the vehicle, owners may be able to install a car seat in a different seating position. With the large SUVs, avoid the center position of the third-row seat. Specific guidance by model is provided below.

The issue also does not affect car seats that are installed using LATCH anchors. “If the combined weight of your child and their car seat does not exceed 65 pounds, you should use the lower LATCH anchors to install your car seat in the affected vehicle,” said Emily Thomas, auto safety engineer at Consumer Reports’ Auto Test Center. “If the combined weight is over 65 pounds, your safest option is to use a different vehicle that allows you to safely transport your child.”

GM said that it will be offering courtesy transportation for owners of recalled vehicles.

The Details

Vehicles recalled: Certain 2018 and 2019 Cadillac CT6 sedans, Chevrolet Volt plug-in hybrids, and Chevrolet Suburban, GMC Yukon XL, and Cadillac Escalade ESV SUVs. Only certain seating positions are affected.

The problem: A manufacturing defect may prevent a seat belt from automatically locking during car seat installation.

The fix: GM says that dealers will inspect the rear seat belt retractors and replace them if necessary, free of charge.

How to contact the manufacturer: GM has not yet said when owners of affected vehicles will be notified. Owners may contact Cadillac at 800-458-8006, Chevrolet at 800-222-1020, or GMC at 800-462-8782.

NHTSA campaign number: 18V673. GM’s own recall number is 18315.

Check to see whether your vehicle has an open recall:

NHTSA’s website will tell you whether your vehicle has any open recalls that need to be addressed. If you plug in the 17-digit vehicle identification number into the NHTSA’s website and this recall doesn’t appear, we recommend checking back later.

On 2018 and 2019 Chevrolet Suburban SUVs manufactured between June 1, 2018 and Sept. 5, 2018, the third-row center position may be faulty.
On 2018 and 2019 GMC Yukon XL SUVs manufactured between June 1, 2018 and Aug. 29, 2018, the third-row center position may be faulty.
On 2018 and 2019 Cadillac Escalade ESV SUVs manufactured between June 1, 2018 and Sept. 20, 2018, the third-row center position may be faulty.
On 2018 and 2019 Chevrolet Volt plug-in hybrid sedans manufactured between June 7, 2018 and Sept. 20, 2018, the rear-seat outboard positions may be faulty.
On 2018 and 2019 Cadillac CT6 sedans manufactured between June 8, 2018 and Sept. 20, 2018, the rear-seat center position may be faulty.

Consumer Reports is an independent, nonprofit organization that works side by side with consumers to create a fairer, safer, and healthier world. CR does not endorse products or services, and does not accept advertising. Copyright © 2018, Consumer Reports, Inc.

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