NHTSA Defect Investigation #RQ04002

DRIVER'S SEAT BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLY: Seat Belts:Front**

CLOSED

no recall issued

** This defect investigation is filed under 2 related vehicle components.
1997 GMC SONOMA -- On February 18, 2004, ODI opened this recall query (rq) based on two fatality reports involving MY 1997 GM S-10 pickup trucks. Each report alleged that the belted driver occupant was ejected in a multiple-rotation rollover crash. The MY 1997 S/T series pickups use an energy-absorbing loop in the driver seat belt that allows the webbing to elongate up to 10 inches (to mitigate driver injury in frontal crashes). GM also used this energy-absorbing loop seat belt design in MY1997 S/T series utility vehicles (Chevrolet blazer, GMC jimmy and Oldsmobile Bravada). GM conducted a safety recall campaign (03V-117) to replace the driver seat belt in these utility vehilces based on a higher fatality rate of ejected belted drivers in rollover crashes. Both fatal crashes are severe rollover crashes (multiple-rotation rollover) and both vehicles sustained damage to the roof structure. ODI reviewed the field data performance of the subject vehicles and compared them to peer vehicles using NHTSA's fatality analysis reporting system (fars) database. The fars data did not indicate a field performance trend for the subject vehicle. A safety-related defect trend has not been identified at this time and further use of Agency resources does not appear to be warranted. Accordingly, this investigation is closed. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist. The Agency will monitor this issue and take further action if warranted by the circumstances. Investigation was initiated on February 18 2004. Closed on May 27 2004. For detailed information & supporting documents, see the official NHTSA page concerning investigation #RQ04002 »

NHTSA Defect Investigation #EA94038

ABS BRAKING SYSTEM: Service Brakes, Hydraulic**

RECALL »

Recall #99I006000

** This defect investigation is filed under 2 related vehicle components.
1997 GMC SONOMA -- Consumers have alleged that the vehicles brakes intermittently fail Investigation was initiated on October 31 1994. Closed on February 28 2000. For detailed information & supporting documents, see the official NHTSA page concerning investigation #EA94038 »