1998 Chevrolet Malibu seat belts problems

Filed Jun 4, 2023 · Seat belts · NE · crash · 1 injury

Front seat belts come unbuckled while driving. My wife commuted to work in this car for about 12 months (37 miles one way) and mentioned that sometimes the seatbelt would come unbuckled. I suspected that she was not getting it latched in properly and did not think much of it as when I looked at the seatbelt it functioned properly. However our daughter started driving this car to and from school and also mentioned issues with the seatbelt occasionally coming unbuckled, unfortunately she was involved in a collision. When we learned that she did not have her seatbelt on it surprised us. When my aunt and uncle who owned the car visited in the hospital, my aunt mentioned that she also has had the seatbelt randomly come unbuckled multiple times in that car. I purchased seatbelts from cars of the same age and platform (1997-2004 GM N body) and have inspected them. I believe there is a design flaw that allows the seatbelt to latch in and feel secure when it is actually not locked in. In my pictures note the scratches on the release button. It is my feeling that normal debris (hair, lint, ect) may be causing the release button to partially stick down (1/8" or so). When the release button is stuck partially down the belt side can be inserted into the buckle and it will latch with a click sound, however the white plastic lock tab will not drop under the lock rod. In this latched but not locked situation the belt can be pulled on with a fair amount of force and still stay latched. When compared to other seat belt styles from other models of cars, I notice that the release button or cover have a smaller "slide surface area". Also on the other seat belt styles if the release button is stuck partially down the belt will not latch into the buckle.

Filed Jan 9, 2007 · Seat belts · 207,000 miles · KY

Tl* - the contact owns an evenflo discovery child safety seat. The contact saw a report on cbs today re: safety recall on the evenflo discovery. Also, the contact researched on the internet and found that there was a recall for the evenflo child safety seat. The manufacturer date for the evenflo child safety seat wasjuly 8, 2003. The contact stated the that recommendation for the child safety seat was the middle seat belt. The contact was concerned since the middle seat belt loosened and didn't secure the child in the safety seat. This incident occurreds in both of the contact's vehicle. The contact owns 1997 chevrolet silverado 1500 extended cab, and a 1998 chevrolet malibu.

Filed Dec 5, 2006 · Airbags, Seat belts · 11,900 miles · WA · crash

Dt*: the contact stated while traveling 35 MPH, the vehicle was involved in a front impact crash, and the airbags did not deploy. Additionally, the contact was wearing a seat belt, and the buckle assembly fractured upon initial impact. There were no injuries sustained. The vehicle sustained moderate damage to the front end. The police were on the scene, and a report was taken. The manufacturer was alerted.

Filed Mar 2, 2004 · Brakes, Electrical · 45,000 miles · CA

Consumer complained about an ignition problem. Consumer had to hold the key in ignition switch, turn and hold for a period of time before the engine turned over. Secondly, seat belt on the front driver side did not retract. Had to put the seat belt on manually. Also, brakes squeak when applied.

Filed Oct 12, 2001 · Airbags, Seat belts · PA · crash · 1 injury

Front fender where front sensor was located was cracked. Consumer sustained chest and knee injuries from steering and dashboard because air bags didn't go off. Also, seat belt did not lock up. Consumer has not consulted manufacturer or dealer.

Filed Sep 5, 2001 · Seat belts · MD

Plastic locking mechanism on seat belt latch plate split.

Filed Jul 5, 2001 · Brakes, Electrical · CO

Vehicle had experienced strong vibration in the steering wheel while driving due to rotors failure.

Filed Apr 10, 2001 · Brakes, Seat belts · CA

When traveling and applying brakes, they make a grinding noise when making a turn. Dealership is aware of problem.*ak transmission mounts were replaced. Safety belt fixed 2 times. Power steering hoses and lines replaced, parts were missing from steering gear assembly.

Filed Apr 6, 2001 · Seat belts · OR

Passenger's seat belt is jammed within retracting mechanism and will not release, causing seat belt to become inoperable. *ak the seat belt became inoperable at low milage and the consumer wants reimbursment of cost of repair.

Filed Feb 22, 2001 · Body, Brakes · CA

Squeaking noise came from steering, dealer replaced steering rack assembly and power steering hoses. Right front shoulder belt would not adjust up or down, seatbelt stop button was missing, left side driver's shoulder belt retracts slowly, right front shoulder belt retracts slowly and jams at times. Rear bumper cover at left side at tail light opening has poor fit. Excessive wind noise at the left front door glass opening while traveling highway speeds. Steering shimmies while braking, dealer found warped rotors. Idle quality in gear at stop is poor, transmission mounts were weak, engine runs rough at times. Front head light fogged up, delaer found inside lens cracked. Rattle noise heard under vehicle while traveling on rough roads.