2014 Prevost H3-45 Recall: When the button is pressed to release the seat belt, the latch plate can…

The defect

Prevost Cars, Inc. (Prevost) is recalling certain model year 2014 H3-45 coaches manufactured August 29, 2013, through November 19, 2013 and equipped with IMMI-brand L9 seat belt buckles. When the button is pressed to release the seat belt, the latch plate can become partially engaged with the buckle, making the seat belt difficult to unlatch. Thus, these vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 209, "Seat Belt Assemblies."

The risk

If the latch plate remains partially engaged after the button is pressed, egress from the vehicle could be hindered which would increase the risk of injury in the event of an emergency.

The fix — what to do

Prevost will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the seat belt buckle, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on January 22, 2014. Owners may contact Prevost at 1-877-773-8678. This is Prevost recall number SR13-93.

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.