I own a 2001 chevy malibu VIN 1g1ne52j516159xxx. I always drive with my seat belt on. I've noticed that frequently the seat belt completely locks up so tightly against my chest that I am unable to lean forward in my seat. This has caused me some near accidents since I was unable to easily turn around and look behind me as I am merging onto highways. At times, I was forced to unlatch the seat belt while driving because it becomes so tight across my chest and shoulder. This happens during acceleration, deceleration, normal driving, at any time, so I never know when this is going to lock up. Please advise if there is any similar complaint/concern from another owner. I am going to put today's date in the incident date since this occurs without warning and has occurred numerous times already. I am not really at all pleased with this car's performance. My last car was a chevy lumina and it was an excellent car. I am so sorry I traded it in against this piece of crap I have now. The malibu is horrendous in rain/and snow as it skids at the slightest hint of moisture.
2001 Chevrolet Malibu: seat belt won't latch or retract
5 of the 720 complaints about the 2001 Chevrolet Malibu describe seat belt won't latch or retract.
- owner complaints
- 5
- of this car's complaints
- 1%
- recalls
- 0
Seat belt won't latch or retract by model year
What owners say
The lightweight locking latch plate of an outboard rear seat belt broke, during or following the proper installation of a child safety seat. (I am a the federal safety agency certified child passenger safety technician, so I can say with all certainty that the installation was correct, based on the vehicle manufacturer's instructions and the car seat manufacturer's instructions.) the consequences are that the locking mechanism of the latch plate broke, and the car seat would not be properly secured if the vehicle manufacturer's instructions were followed. Also, the vehicle is not in accordance with the lock ability provision of fmvss 208 (title 49 cfr, section 571.208), when the seat belt loses its lockability though regular use.
The consumer was unable to wear the seat belt properly because the driver's seat belt would not retract back and forth. *ak the rack and pinion had a bad leak. *sc the gas gauge did not work properly.
While driving at 65 MPH consumer was involved in a head on collision, due to the passenger side seatbelt not locking the passenger went through the windsheild. Please provide more additional information. Mr
Seat belt latch will not properly fasten into the buckle housing, and at times releases, causing seat belt to become inoperable, cause unknown. Dealer has been notified. Please give any further details.
Service bulletins that may apply
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Questions about the 2001 Chevrolet Malibu seat belt
Is seat belt won't latch or retract a common problem on the 2001 Chevrolet Malibu?
5 of 720 owner complaints about the 2001 Chevrolet Malibu (1%) mention seat belt won't latch or retract. The model year with the most reports is 1998.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2001 Chevrolet Malibu?
There are 0 recalls and 2 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 2001 Chevrolet Malibu
Won't start 86Stalling 59Fuel pump 26Overheating 23No deployment 16Check engine light 15ABS 14Fuel gauge 13Engine failure 12Knocking 11Brake failure 10Power steering loss 10Grinding brakes 9Loss of power 8Adaptive cruise 7Premature wear 7Door locks 6Headlights 6Hesitation 6Ball joint 5Steering lock-up 5Tire blowout 5
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