GM Recall: 660K SUVs May Have Car Seat Safety Risk

In response to a potential safety problem related to car seats, General Motors (GM) has issued a recall for more than 660,000 SUVs. According to an NHTSA notice, certain models of Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles may have rear-seat LATCH (lower anchors and tethers for children) anchorage bars with excessive powder coating, rendering them unable to securely install car seats.

The LATCH system serves as an alternative to seat belts for installing car seats and is present in almost all car seats and passenger vehicles manufactured on or after September 1, 2002, as per the Department of Transportation guidelines. The affected Equinox and Terrain vehicles included in the recall range from the 2020 to 2023 model years. As a temporary solution, the NHTSA advises owners of the impacted vehicles to use the car’s rear seat belts to install car seats until the anchorage bars are repaired.

According to the recall notice, authorized GM dealers will conduct inspections of the latch anchorage bars and, if necessary, remove and replace the finish without charge.

GM has assured the public that no accidents, injuries, or fatalities have been reported in connection with the LATCH issue in the affected Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles. The company plans to send letters to affected owners next month, providing them with further instructions and information regarding the recall.