Emmanuel Akosile | ConsumerConnect

Seat belts have been mandatory in vehicles in the United States (US) since 1968, and they have saved hundreds of thousands of lives during that time.

In fact, more than half of about 24,000 people killed in traffic accidents in 2020 were not wearing seat belts, according to report.

However, if a seat belt is to protect you, it has to work properly.

General Motors (GM) is currently recalling 484,155 model year 2021-2022 Cadillac Escalades & Escalade ESVs, Chevrolet Suburbans & Tahoes, and GMC Yukons & Yukon XLs with third-row seats.

The rivet that retains the buckle to the mounting bracket in the left or right side third-row seat belt buckle assembly may have been improperly formed.

The company said because a deformed rivet may not properly restrain an occupant, the risk of injury in a crash is higher.

In regard to what to do in rectifying the fault, GM says it has a fix.

The company informed the dealers would inspect the rivet head formation on both the left and right side third-row seat belt buckle assemblies and replace seat belt buckle assemblies — as necessary — free of charge.

Owners will be notified by mail starting around September 26, 2022.

For further information, affected vehicle owners may reach Chevrolet Customer Service on (800) 222-1020, Cadillac Customer Service on (800) 458-8006, and GMC Customer Service on (800) 462-8782.

GM’s number for this recall is N222372380, report said.