Troubles continue to mount for General Motors (as it recalls almost 30,000 Saab 9-3 convertibles in the United States for a seat belt safety defect. This defect was seen in previous sedan models that were recalled between 2000 and 2010.

The automatic tensioning cable in the driver’s side seat belt retractor could break, meaning that the seat belt would not retract. This recall affects 28,789 convertibles that were manufactured between the years of 2004 and 2011 in the United States, but GM has yet to confirm whether or not European models are affected.

While no crashes have been reported because of this defect, GM had conducted two previous recalls on Saab 9-3 cars for a similar issue.

The first was in 2004, recalling 9,322 cars and again in 2010, recalling 14,126 cars. However, the convertible was not subject to either recall because after being investigated for the same defects, the cars had not shown any problems.

The Saab 9-3 sedan was also recalled in the United Kingdom in 2005 for the same seat belt retraction problem, reportedly affecting 9,322 cars made between the 2003 and 2004. Both front seat belts were replaced during the recall, but no recall has been officially announced in the U.K. for the convertibles.

GM said in the announcement that the malfunctioning front passenger seat belts will be replaced during the recall.

The seat belt part supplier at the time of the 2004 recall was a Japanese company called Takata, which has also been at the center of an ongoing airbag recall involving multiple automakers. GM alleged that Takata damaged the seat belt retractors during the manufacturing process, but was not named for any current recalls.

So far this year, GM has recalled more than 25 million vehicles in the United States, primarily for an ignition key complication. Experts expect GM to continue to face public scrutiny and GM ignition switch lawsuits even after the recall is over.

Overview of GM Ignition Switch Recall

The American car maker recalled several makes and models due to a faulty ignition switch, which was able to slip into another position and cause the engine to shut down while it was running, which in some cases caused drivers to lose control of their vehicles, leading to several car accidents and even deaths.

As of now, GM has officially identified 12 deaths in connection with the 1.6 million models recalled because of the ignition defect.

There have been numerous GM ignition switch lawsuits filed against the automaker, alleging that the company’s late action to recall the defected vehicles had caused the death of their loved ones. GM has apologized for the delay in recalling the affected vehicles, and admits that the pre-examination of the cars was not completed to the company’s standards.

GM has also promised that it will look for ways to improve safety manufacturing and will compensate any proven wrongful death damages.

Join a Free GM Recall Injury Class Action Lawsuit Investigation

If you or a loved one were severely injured or died in an automobile accident in one of the following vehicles, you may be eligible to participate in the class action lawsuit and pursue compensation. The GM recall class action lawsuit will attempt to hold the automaker accountable for manufacturing and selling defective vehicles and failing to address safety flaws that endangered hundreds of thousands of customers. See if you qualify now at the GM Ignition Switch Recall Class Action Lawsuit Investigation. Eligible vehicles include:

• 2005-2009 Buick Lacrosse
• 2006–2011 Buick Lucerne
• 2004–2005 Buick Regal LS and GS
• 2003-2014 Cadillac CTS
• 2000–2005 Cadillac Deville
• 2004–2011 Cadillac DTS
• 2004-2006 Cadillac SRX
• 2006-2014 Chevrolet Impala
• 2010-2014 Chevy Camaro
• 2005-2010 Chevy Cobalt
• 2006-2011 Chevy HHR
• 2000-2005 Chevy Impala
• 1997-2005 Chevy Malibu
• 2002–2008 Chevy Monte Carlo
• 1999-2004 Oldsmobile Alero
• 1998-2002 Oldsmobile Intrigue
• 2007-2010 Pontiac G5
• 1999-2005 Pontiac Grand Am
• 2004-2008 Pontiac Grand Prix
• 2006-2010 Pontiac Solstice
• 2003-2007 Saturn Ion
• 2007-2010 Saturn Sky