The Saturn Version of this Recall
05015 -- SEAT LATCH RELEASE LEVER ACTUATION2005 Saturn Relay Vehicles
ATTENTION
ALL SATURN RETAILERS AND AUTHORIZED SERVICE PROVIDERS
Condition
Saturn has decided that a defect, which relates to motor vehicle safety, exists in certain 2005 model year Saturn Relay vans. In a severe side impact test, a part of the vehicle deformed and actuated the outboard release handle of a second-row bucket seat and the rear latches became unlatched early during the crash sequence. If the rear latches of the seat are released early in a severe side impact crash, the potential for injury to the occupant of the seat is increased.
Correction
Saturn retailers will remove the seat latch release handle and install a black plastic cap over the exposed metal stud to eliminate the side impact safety concern. Please note that even though the handle is not being replaced, seat functionality is not diminished as the primary release strap remains at the rear of the seat. This service will be performed at no charge to owners.
Vehicles Involved
2005 Saturn Relay vehicles within the following VIN range will require this recall
5D122279 - 5D207963
You must verify recall involvement through your AS400 system. It is important to note that recall claims will only he paid on involved vehicles.
Owner Notification
Owners of all involved vehicles located within areas covered by the US National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act will be notified of this recall by Saturn. (Refer to the owner letter shown in this bulletin.)
Retailer Responsibility
All unsold new vehicles in Retailers' possession and subject to this recall must be held and inspected/repaired per the service procedure of this recall bulletin before customers take possession of these vehicles.
Retailers are to service all vehicles subject to this recall at no charge to customers, regardless of mileage, age of vehicle, or ownership, from this time forward.
Owners who have recently purchased vehicles sold from your vehicle inventory are to be contacted by the retailer and arrangements are to be made to make the required correction according to the procedure contained in this bulletin.
In summary, whenever a vehicle subject to this recall enters your vehicle inventory, or is in your retail facility for service in the future, you must take the steps necessary to be sure the recall correction has been made before selling or releasing the vehicle.
Transfer of Recall Responsibility
Saturn vehicles that have been sold to you, which may be closer in proximity to another Saturn Retailer, may still appear on your Facility VIN Listing. If either you or the vehicle owner determines that it is more desirable for a vehicle on your Facility VIN Listing to be serviced by another Saturn Retailer, or if the customer's address has recently changed, recall responsibility may be transferred by completing the following:
^ Submit a Recall Vehicle Action Report to your Customer Assistance Manager (CAM) at the Saturn Customer Assistance Center. - OR -
^ Submit an update in owner information to the Saturn Owner of Record system, via SERVICELINE XL, for Saturn Customer Assistance Center review and approval.
^ A copy of the Recall Vehicle Action Report is shown for your reference. Additional copies can be ordered from Saturn Publication. All changes to recall responsibility will be reflected in your next Unfixed VIN Report.
All other changes in vehicle status (e.g., scrapped, stolen, etc.) are to be made in accordance with section 4.4.3 of the Retailer Service Policies & Procedures Manual, "Notifying Saturn of Vehicle Status Change."
Parts Information
Disposition of Replaced Parts
Retailers will scrap all replaced parts in a manner that ensures that they cannot be reused, remanufactured, or otherwise entered into the stream of commerce in the future.
Suggestions for Ensuring Customer Satisfaction
As you know, Saturn's success hinges upon our ability to execute superior customer support throughout the ownership experience, especially when important corrective actions such as this are required.
It is imperative that every effort is made to accommodate the affected owners.
Additionally, priority should be given to customer vehicles over retail inventory vehicles.
If you have any questions, please coordinate with the Saturn Customer Assistance Center to help ensure customer satisfaction.
Service Procedure
1. Remove the rear seat latch handle screw (1).
2. Remove the rear seat latch handle (2) from the rear seat.
3. Install a new cap over the end of the rod.
4. Repeat steps for the rear seat on the other side of the vehicle, if applicable.
Claim Information
Disclaimer