Recall: front seat belt buckle release buttons can break (1989-1991)
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What causes "Recall: front seat belt buckle release buttons can break (1989-1991)" on the Nissan 240SX (S13, 1989-1994), and how is it fixed?
The plastic release buttons in the Takata front buckles can break, and pieces can fall into the buckle mechanism (NHTSA 95V-103, report received May 24, 1995). Fix: Check both front buckles: latch, tug, release.
Symptoms
A cracked or broken red PRESS button on a front buckle, or a buckle that does not latch or release properly.
Cause
The plastic release buttons in the Takata front buckles can break, and pieces can fall into the buckle mechanism (NHTSA 95V-103, report received May 24, 1995). This is a seat belt buckle campaign, not the later airbag inflator recall.
Fix (summary)
Check both front buckles: latch, tug, release. Under the campaign, dealers were to replace or repair buckles with a cracked button or that misoperate, free of charge. Run the VIN for open campaigns.
Related build entries
Other S13 problems
- KA24DE timing chain rattle from worn upper chain guide (1991-1994)
- Rust: frame rails, strut towers, spare well and under the hatch spoiler
- Heads-up display (HUD) usually no longer works
- Pop-up headlight motors fail or stick
- Soft rear subframe bushings: clunks and wheel hop
- Sun-cracked dash and leaking sunroof or hatch seals
More for this car
- All Nissan 240SX (S13, 1989-1994) fitment answers · S13 common problems
- Newsletter archive: past issues with every new and corrected entry
Sources
- NHTSA recall 95V-103: Takata seat belt buckle release buttons (incl. 1989-1991 240SX) — NHTSA (regulatory; read 2026-10-26; full page read)
Summaries are in our own words. Not repair instructions; consult the factory service manual.
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