Holden recalls more than 2000 cars

Holden is recalling 2600 New Zealand cars because of concerns their seatbelts may fail.

Holden New Zealand spokesman Albert van Ham said Barinas and the Combo light van were affected by the recall.

All these vehicles were built in Spain from mid-1994 onwards, said Mr van Ham, with Japanese built Holdens not affected.

A letter sent to Barina and Combo owners outlines the problem:

"Holden has been alerted to the fact that under specific conditions there is a potential risk that a number of vehicles in a specific batch could exhibit fatigue of the front seatbelt buckle anchor plate and the locking spring of the front seatbelt buckle.

"This could potentially result in the front seatbelt buckle not being properly secured and/or the seatbelt being released."

Mr van Ham played down the recall, saying it concerned the "strengthening of the front seat rails" that attached the seat to the car's floor pan.