Defect Involved

General Motors has determined that a defect which relates to motor vehicle safety exists in some 1984-90 Pontiac Firebird model vehicles. Some seat belt buckle assemblies in affected vehicles may not latch, or may not release, due to fracture of the red push button which can occur during seat belt connection or disconnection. These buckle malfunctions would prevent a person from using his seat belt system, and the risk of injury to an unbelted person in an accident would be increased.

To correct this condition, all involved vehicles will have the pushbutton assemblies replaced and have a protector shield added (except for certain 1989 and all 1990 vehicles which have revised lower cover ramps and as a result do not need protectors). Also, any buckle assemblies which are found not to function correctly, or which have fractured pushbuttons, will be replaced.