2014–2015 IC Bus CE, 2014 IC Bus Recb Recall: When the button is pressed to release the seat belt, the latch plate can…

The defect

Navistar Inc. is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 IC Bus CE and model year 2014 IC Bus RE transit buses manufactured August 12, 2013, through November 14, 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

Navistar will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the seat belt buckles, as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin by February 18, 2014. Owners may contact Navistar at 1-800-448-7825. Navistar's number for this campaign is 13521.

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.