2013 Pierce Arrow XT, 2013 Pierce Dash CF, 2013 Pierce Impel and 1 other model Recall: When the button is pressed to release the seat belt, the latch plate can…

The defect

Pierce Manufacturing (Pierce) is recalling certain model year 2013 Arrow XT, Dash CF, Impel, and Velocity vehicles manufactured October 2013 through January 2014, 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

Pierce will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the seat belt buckle, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on June 26, 2014. Owners may contact Pierce at 1-888-974-3723. Pierce's number for this campaign is 74B246.

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.