1998 Dodge RAM 1500: seat belt won't latch or retract

Filed Mar 22, 2024 · Seat belts · FL

The seatbelt timer module is failing, resulting in the seatbelts staying locked even when fully retracted. This means sometimes I as the driver as well as my front seat passenger cannot buckle up and drive the vehicle safely. I have not reproduced or confirmed this issue with a dealership or independent service center. The component has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance agency. A red seatbelt warning light will appear when the seatbelts lock up and goes away when it unlocks.

Filed Dec 24, 2014 · Seat belts · 78,000 miles · FL

Seat belt control module will not release retracted belts to allow driver or passenger to wear seat belts. This makes the vehicle unsafe and illegal to properly operate. Module is no longer manufactured or carried by any national parts warehouse. Dodge advised for me to call a dedicated supplier of parts for older vehicles and was told these were not available anywhere on a database any longer. There are several blogs with owners stating same issues with their trucks and dodge has not recalled this safety item or accommodated anyone with these problems as of date.

Filed Aug 2, 2013 · Seat belts · 70,000 miles · SC

Drivers side seat belt retractor has broken three times since 2003 (approximate date), leaving the seat belt paid-out (unable to retract) and useless. I replaced it last month for $185 plus tax. Parts salesman wasn't confident that it would be available for purchase (as some seat belts are discontinued). Safety items should have no expiration!

Filed Jul 16, 2012 · Seat belts · 35,000 miles · FL

Tl* the contact owns a 1998 dodge ram 1500. The contact stated that while parked, the neither front seat belt would extend from their retractors. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for a diagnostic test. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 35,000.

Filed Apr 22, 2007 · Seat belts · OR

1998 dodge ram 1500. Seatbelt/restraint harness failure/automatic disengagement when belts are used to secure child safety seats.

Filed Jan 17, 2007 · Seat belts · 35,000 miles · MI

Due to the seat belts assembly coming apart our baby seat became loose causing seat with infant to lung forward upon braking. Tried several times to get assistance through the chrysler 1-800 # for complaints and issues. As a matter of fact, I was treated with a complete lack of concern for such a critical. Attempted to take care of it through a local dealership who upon calling the 1-800# for chrysler service to see that it would be covered being a seat belt failure, were refused. At this point, I junk yard whole seat belts and replace them every time they fall apart which is very often. I have replaced all or part of (4) belt assemblies in the area of (9) times since the date noted.

Filed Jan 6, 2005 · Seat belts · 98,000 miles · MI · 1 injury

98 dodge ram 1500 pick-up. Seat belt failure leading to the release of infant car seat. Called chrysler customer service on more than one occasion only to be treated like a child and told there was nothing they could do.*ak while driving my pick up and stopping at a traffic light, my sons infant seat came loose and lunged forward. He was about1 year old at the time and as a result, hit his head on the back of the passenger seat. The seat belts are designed in a manner that there is a little peice of plastic that retains the belt portion, in turn, this is what retains the infant seat. Both my wife and I took classes at the local dealarship so as to be able to do the installation correctly long prior to this event. I did take the truck in to try and have the now faulty belts replaced only to be turned away. I now have to comb through the local junk yards frequently to find new belts with all the correct pieces. I still have the truck and only recently learned of your site. How can faulty seat belts be ignored. Currently, both the drivers and passengers belts do not function correctly. The date below and the following milages are approx. Guesses. I have also put (1) for numbered of persons injured, but it was nothing severe luckily.

Filed Nov 26, 2004 · Seat belts · 12,922 miles · VA

Seat belt failure in 1998 dodge ram--only 13000 miles, never in an accident. I got in vehicle one day, and seat belt was locked in retracted position--can not free. Curiously enough, passenger seatbelt would also not unreel for anyone else to use. Simultaneous failure of both seatbelts? I have never owned a vehicle where even on has done more that be a little slow on the uptake, but for both to fail overnight leads me to believe there may be a design flaw.

Filed Aug 7, 2002 · Seat belts · MI

Rear seat belt will not stay locked. It would be hard to keep child seat locked in properly. Dealer notified. *ak consumer stated that the rear right side seat belt came apart into pieces allowing strap to not retain baby seat.

Filed Jul 30, 2002 · Seat belts · TX

Seat belt retractor is defective. Passenger front belt will not retract. Driver's front belt extracts intermittently. Retractors are motorized. Consumer states motor makes strange grinding noise.

Filed Sep 6, 1998 · Seat belts · MI

Driver's seat belt failed to retract.