This issue was reported to Transport Canada by a
concerned parent. It appears that the seat belt buckles in the
above listed vehicles are forward of the seat crease (where the
seat back and seat cushion join) and have limited rotational movement.
This makes securing a child seat difficult and due to the angle of
the seat belt buckle, can induce slack into the seat belt allowing
for the excessive lateral movement.
Transport Canada, on receipt of this inquiry, opened an
investigation. Testing was performed on an exemplar vehicle, which
confirmed that excessive lateral movement was possible. Transport Canada
did determine that with the use of a locking clip, tight installation
was possible.
Further investigation found that GM has addressed this concern
with a Technical Service Bulletin (#00-09-40-001A) dated 07/19/2001.
This Bulletin describes the availability and replacement procedures
for a new buckle assembly that incorporates a longer, more flexible
stalk, which can rotate to produce a more upright angle position.
This more upright angle of the buckle could make the installation of
some child seats easier and reduce the amount of lateral movement.
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