DETROIT -

General Motors announced late last week that it’s recalling 322,409 Chevrolet Impalas from the 2009 and 2010 model years because of a possible defect associated with the seat belt.

The automaker is searching for what it thinks is a small number of vehicles. The reason is the front seat belt webbing may not have been properly secured to the lap belt anchor pretensioner mounted to the side of the seat nearest the door.

Officials believe vehicles with this condition may have an anchor that can separate in a crash. As a result, they assert the belt may not meet the anchor strength requirements of the U.S. and Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standard that covers seat belt assembly anchorages.

Dealers are being instructed to inspect both front seat belts for proper installation of anchors to pretensioners. If necessary, franchise service departments are being told to reinstall the anchors.

“GM knows of no injuries or deaths related to this condition,” the automaker emphasized.

The company also noted Impala owners are be notified on or around Oct. 25 by mail to bring their vehicles in free inspection. OEM officials added any repairs related to this condition are to be done free of charge.