Beams/fmvss 209/buckle release under load
Defect Summary
Certain seat belts, buckle no. 1524 (number stamped on backside), used on some school buses, passenger and postal vehicles, fail to comply with federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 209, "seat belt assemblies." the metal frame of the seat belt buckle may fracture due to possible embrittlement of the steel.
Safety Consequence
In the event of a vehicle crash, the buckle can release,increasing the seat occupant's risk of serious injuries or death.
Corrective Action
Beams industry will notify its customers and replace the affected seat belts free of charge. owner notification began september 11, 2003. owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact patrick brown at 1-888-343-9266 or e-mail to help@beamsind.com.
Similar Recalls
Other recalls from Beams Industries, Inc. or involving Seat Belts.
FAQ: Recall 03E046000
Your rights, the repair process, and what each field on this page means.
What is recall 03E046000?
NHTSA recall 03E046000 was issued by Beams Industries, Inc. on September 29, 2003. It addresses: Beams/fmvss 209/buckle release under load. The recall affects approximately 20,000 vehicles, with the defect involving the Seat Belts component.
How do I get this recall repaired?
Contact any authorized Beams Industries, Inc. dealer and reference NHTSA recall ID 03E046000 or the manufacturer campaign number NR (Not Reported). Under federal law, the repair is completely free regardless of vehicle age or owner history.
Is my vehicle included in this recall?
The only way to confirm is to look up your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. NHTSA's tool will tell you if VIN-by-VIN this exact recall applies.
How long do I have to get a recall repair done?
There is no expiration on most federal safety recalls. Even if your vehicle is years old and you bought it used, the manufacturer is required to perform the repair at no cost.
Where does the data on this page come from?
All information on this page is sourced directly from the U.S. Department of Transportation public dataset for NHTSA recalls. Last refreshed: 2026-05-22. For the most current official notice, visit nhtsa.gov/recalls.