Vehicle recall 85V169000 · December 20, 1985

Chevrolet Camaro and Pontiac Firebird

Dislocation of a spring cover will not allow the shoulder belt to retract after being extended.

Source: NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026. Last refreshed Sep 23, 2026, 2:43 AM UTC.

Summary: Dislocation of a spring cover will not allow the shoulder belt to retract after being extended. Consequence of defect: although inertial feature that locks the lap belt and shoulder belt in the event of an accident are not affected, if slack is more than recommended in owners manual, injuries to upper body and head would be increased in an accident.
Remedy: Install retaining springs on spring cover of front shoulder belt retractor and, when required, retractors will be replaced.
Notes: System: shoulder seat belt retractor. Vehicle description: passenger cars.

Recall details

NHTSA campaign: 85V169000
Reported to NHTSA: December 20, 1985
Filed by: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Owner notification: April 18, 1986
Vehicles potentially affected: 738,485
Initiated by: NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation
Components: Seat belts › Front › Webbing

Recall 85V169000 on nhtsa.gov, with the manufacturer’s documents

Vehicles covered

As listed by NHTSA. A recall usually covers only some vehicles of each model and year, often a production date range.

Chevrolet Camaro (1983-1985): 1985, 1984, 1983
Pontiac Firebird (1983-1985): 1985, 1984, 1983

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