2000–2001 Honda Accord, 2000–2001 Honda Civic Recall: CERTAIN SEDANS AND COUPES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL…

The defect

CERTAIN SEDANS AND COUPES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 209, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES." CERTAIN REAR SEAT BELT BUCKLES WERE IMPROPERLY MANUFACTURED.

The risk

THE REAR SEAT BELTS WILL WORK PROPERLY AND PROVIDE PROTECTION IN A CRASH, BUT THE OWNER MAY EXPERIENCE DIFFICULTY UNFASTENING THE BELT AFTER THE CRASH.

The fix — what to do

IN A PREVIOUS RECALL (01V-380), ONLY RIGHT AND LEFT BUCKLES WERE INSPECTED. THE REAR CENTER BUCKLE SHOULD ALSO BE INSPECTED AND CORRECTED IF NECESSARY. THIS RECALL IS BEING CONDUCTED ONLY FOR THE CENTER BUCKLE. DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLES AND REPLACE THE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES THAT WERE IMRPOPERLY MANUFACTURED. ONLY BUCKLES THAT ARE MARKED (ON THE BACK SIDE OF THE BUCKLE) WITH AN ASSEMBLY NUMBER BEGINNING WITH 00185, 00186, OR 00187, WILL BE REPLACED. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT THEIR DEALER FOR THIS REPLACEMENT. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 5, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009.

ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).