1998 Chevrolet Malibu: seat belt won't latch or retract

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 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 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 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 Oct 19, 2000 · Brakes, Electrical · NY

Almost as soon as I bought the car, rear lights began to go out sporadically, I've already had to replace the brake shoes twice (at 18,000 and about 44,000 miles), I had to replace the alternator at 37,000 miles, one seat belt clip plastic handle protector broke off, and I've had radiator leakage and air condition problems as well as radio reception being sporadic at best.

Filed Apr 7, 2000 · Seat belts · NY

Driver's side seat belt retracts too slowly, causing seat belt to hang on to floor or get caught in the door. Dealer notified.

Filed May 2, 1999 · Seat belts · VA

Female seatbelt part broken.

Filed Feb 1, 1999 · Seat belts · CA

Driver side seat belt latch failed.

Filed Nov 10, 1998 · Seat belts · NJ

Driver's side seat belt locked up, replacement locked up also.