Dodge RAM 2500 seat belt problems

Filed Jun 10, 2023 · Seat belts · MI

I want to apologize for the lengthy description but I feel this is quite possibly the most critical area to not be vague in. **This problem occurs every time, NOT an intermittent condition.** REAR SEAT/CENTER SEAT BELT RETRACTOR; will not extend out from the retractor. The belt is locked in the fully retracted (unoccupied) position. The vehicle can be on a flat surface, an incline, or a declined position when this occurs. There's nothing obstructing any part of the belt and retractor. In order to use that position/seat belt, I must repeatedly (sometimes in excess of 20 times) pull the belt in different rates of speed ie. pull the belt very slowly, pull it normally, pull it very fast by basically snatching the belt. I've even tried to help the belt further retract into the retractor by slowly feeding the belt rearward. There's no 1 action that seems to work better than the other. Furthermore, at times, the belt (once able to be used) will not hold its position to keep the occupant from moving forward in a panic stop or even by snatching the belt to check its operation. The buckle does function as designed so this problem is strictly related to the shoulder belt not keeping the occupant secure. Apon visual inspection, there are no noted frays, stains, foreign objects, or signs of attempted (prior) repairs. I also want to note that I am an ASE certified Master Mechanic so I am well versed on the operation, diagnosis and replacement of seat belts/retractors/sinchers buckets etc. I'm asking for assistance by any information you can share with me to remedy this issue. This is my "daily driver" routinely using the back seat for my children. I don't want to replace it with a used part because I believe this is a common issue for this platform vehicle. Thank you for your time and assistance!

Filed Jan 5, 2021 · Body, Electrical · 150,000 miles · CA

I was on a on-ramp getting up to hey speed. Hit a little bump where the old and new asphalt join and the rear started to fishtail to the left and started to spin out hot that k-rail then went over it roiling about 30 feet from it. The air bags did not deploy nor did the seat belt lock. It was a bit foggy and the road surface was wet.

Filed Jun 25, 2019 · Seat belts · 212,000 miles · OR

Seat belt controller failed and caused my batteries to drain. Left us stranded in the middle of nowhere. Once we recharged our batteries we had to unplug the seat belt controller that was causing the draw on the batteries. We could not use our seat belts.

Filed Dec 18, 2018 · Seat belts · OK

After relatively short life, the seat belt control timer module fails, leaving seat belts inoperable - a significant safety hazard!! Seat belts remain in a locked position, preventing use while driving. Dodge p/n 56043003ad. Dodge has received reports about the problem along with requests to purchase part, for many years but has chosen to stop production of the part. That would not be as big an issue if they had ensured an ongoing supply from third party vendors. As it stands, they have created a major safety crisis for tens of thousands of users of the late 90's to early 2000's trucks.

Filed Oct 19, 2018 · Seat belts, Steering · 10 miles · TX

Death wobble on highway after hitting a bump in the road. The truck starts shaking and unable to control the vehicle while this is going on. Seatbelts will not release once this happens, even when seat belt is retracted all the way.

Filed Aug 23, 2018 · Seat belts · 55,000 miles · WA

Tl* the contact owns a 1998 dodge ram 2500. The contact stated that the front passenger and driver seat belts would not release out of the buckles and the seat belt warning indicator illuminated. The failure occurred periodically. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic for diagnostic testing or repairs. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.

Filed Nov 20, 2017 · Airbags, Brakes · 81,110 miles · AL · crash

Driving down the interstate at approximately 70 MPH when the vehicles in front of the truck slammed on brakes. I was roughly 30 ft behind the vehicle in front of me. I slammed on my brakes and the pedal felt spongy before going to the floor. The tires did not lock up, and the truck slowed 20mph in about 30 ft. The truck made impact with a chevrolet tahoe at 50 MPH. The airbags failed to deploy and the seatbelt failed to lock, throwing my knees into the dash. The chevrolet tahoe was totaled. The current estimate to repair the ram is $5,448. The bumper, driver fender, grille, and hood were damaged. Upon removing those items the shop found almost every bracket in the front end had been broken and the frame horns bent upwards from the collision. The impact was hard enough to break a ratchet strap in the bed of the truck, sending a ladder that I was carrying into the cab corner, leaving a softball sized dent. We were able to drive away from the incident and the brakes were functional on the trip to the body shop, however any attempt to depress the pedal rapidly would result in a spongy pedal. Mileage at the time of the incident was 81,110. Ram was contacted and after a week of back and forth ram agreed to send someone to inspect the vehicle to determine if there is a fault in the truck.

Filed Jul 15, 2016 · Airbags, Brakes · 71,994 miles · TX · crash · 1 injury

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 ram 2500. While driving approximately 55 MPH, the brakes failed when the brake pedal was depressed. As a result, the contact's vehicle crashed into the other vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy. The contact stated that the seat belt failed to secure the driver. The contact sustained neck and lower back injuries that required medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot and a collision center where the vehicle was repaired for the body damage. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 71,994. ..updated 12/11/17 *bf

Filed Dec 1, 2015 · Seat belts · WI

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 dodge ram 2500. The contact stated that the driver and passenger side seat belt failed to retract. The failure recurred multiple times. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where both seat belts were replaced. The failure recurred. The VIN was unavailable. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The VIN and failure mileage were unknown.

Filed Feb 23, 2015 · Seat belts · 96,000 miles · FL

Tl*the contact owns a 2007 dodge ram 2500. The contact stated that the front passenger's side seat belt failed to unlatch. The contact stated that the seat belt had to be cut in order for the passenger to be released. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 96,000.