11.   The investigation follows complaints from consumers who say the seat-belt latch cover can slip, pinching the release button and causing the belt to unbuckle.

12.   The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said the buckle release button may separate from the spring when the button is depressed, making it impossible to refasten the harness.

13.   The suspected culprit is ultraviolet radiation, which appears to weaken the plastic release button in the seat belts after long exposure.

14.   The telescoping pistol-grip handle seems very sturdy, and I like the fact that the release button is on the handle.

15.   U.S. officials say the buckles pose a safety risk because the release button can break and release the metal insert.

16.   U.S. officials say the Takata-made buckles pose a safety risk because the release button can break and release the metal insert.

17.   U.S. officials say ultraviolet rays in sunlight could be degrading the plastic in the release buttons.

18.   Some Takata officials believe the tendency of the release buttons to crack after several years could be due to faults in the plastic.

19.   The release buttons on the Takata seat belts tend to crack and break off, jamming the buckling mechanism, sources told the News.

20.   It is investigating reports that the buckles jam when broken pieces of the release button fall into its receiving end.