Recalls for TRIBUTE MAZDA, MAZDA NORTH AMERICAN OPERATIONS, SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY, Dec 15, 2003

A recall was issued on Dec 15, 2003 for TRIBUTE MAZDA, manufactured by MAZDA NORTH AMERICAN OPERATIONS, in response to SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY problems. ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, A POST WITHIN THE SAFETY BELT BUCKLE COVERS COULD FRACTURE, WHICH COULD AFFECT LATCH FUNCTION, RESULTING IN EITHER A ¿NO LATCH¿ OR ¿PARTIAL LATCH¿ CONDITION. IN THE ¿PARTIAL LATCH¿ CONDITION, THE BUCKLE TONGUE CAN BE INSERTED INTO THE BUCKLE AND APPEAR TO BE ENGAGED, BUT WILL RELEASE FROM THE BUCKLE WITHOUT THE PUSH BUTTON BEING DEPRESSED WHEN A RELATIVELY LOW LOAD IS APPLIED, SUCH AS WHEN AN OCCUPANT MOVES SLIGHTLY IN THE SEAT.IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SEAT OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY.. Follwoing is the summary of corrective actions taken: DEALERS WILL HAVE THE DRIVER AND FRONT PASSENGER SAFETY BELT BUCKLE COVER REMOVED AND REPLACED WITH A NEWLY DESIGNED SERVICE BUCKLE COVER. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN FEBRUARY 5, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT MAZDA AT 1-800-222-5500.
MAZDA RECALL NO. 1503L.CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION¿S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).