2001 Ford Focus: seat belt won't latch or retract

Filed Sep 30, 2010 · Acceleration, Lights · 107,000 miles · IL

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford focus. The contact stated that she experienced numerous issues with the vehicle which included the passenger side struts which had to be replaced twice. The vehicle would sit sideways when parked. The back of the front passenger seat would not lock into place, so it slid forward while the vehicle was in motion. The headlights were too dim and did not provide adequate lighting on the road. The front driver's side seat belt alarm would ring although the seat belt was engaged and the latch would also pop open suddenly at times. The vehicle stalled while the contact was driving and would accelerate suddenly. The contact called the manufacturer who stated that the repairs would have to be performed at the contact's expense. The current and failure mileages were approximately 107,000.

Filed Aug 18, 2008 · Seat belts · 50,000 miles · TN

The rear seat center seat belt is intermittently locked in the retracted position and you never can rely on it to be used. It seems to have a mind of its own. Currently ours is locked so tight in the retracted position, it is impossible to pull it out and use it.

Filed Jan 22, 2008 · Airbags · 78,871 miles · NJ

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 ford focus. While driving 20 MPH with the brake pedal depressed, the front air bags deployed. The passenger side air bag cracked the windshield. The passenger side seat belt failed. The passenger seat was unoccupied. There was no impact or warning indicators prior to the failure. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and they stated that the air bags deployed due to a crash. No repairs were made. A police report was filed. The current and failure mileages were 78,871. Updated 3/11/08 *cn the consumer stated there was no damage done to the front end of the vehicle. Updated 03/11/08

Filed Feb 11, 2006 · Seat belts · NY

Front passenger seat belt failed to latch. Brought to garage and had to get it replaced... At a cost of over $190.00. Now, only about 2 months later, the rear passenger and middle seat belts are not latching at all. My children use these belts for their booster seats. It is extremely dangerous and a definite safety hazard. I am not wanting to have to pay another $400 or so to get these fixed as well.

Filed Dec 15, 2005 · Seat belts · 70,006 miles · AL · 1 injury

Dt: the contact stated the rear seat belt on the driver's side locked into position while securing a child safety seat. The seat belt failed to release when she tried to unlock it. The seat belt had to be cut to get the child out of the child safety seat. The child sustained minor injuries because the seat belt kept getting tighter. There had been no prior problems with the seat belt. The vehicle has not been inspected by the dealership, and the manufacturer has not been contacted.

Filed Mar 18, 2005 · Airbags, Seat belts · 42,000 miles · CA · crash

Driver's seat belt broke and did not secure the consumer. Also, the air bags deployed, breaking the windshield after consumer's vehicle was rear ended.

Filed Aug 5, 2004 · Airbags, Seat belts · SC · crash · 1 injury

While driving at 72 MPH c onsumer lost consciousness and vehicle took a nose dive off the inner state, rolling over, and landing on another road up side down. Upon impact air bags failed to deploy and the seat belt failed to retract. Driver sustained 11 staples to the back of head, stitches and cuts to the left eye and left arm and other upper, and lower bodily injuries. The vehicle is totaled.

Filed Aug 11, 2003 · Airbags, Brakes · WV

The dealer changed the front and rear brake 3 times , the rotors. Twice, however the problem continued. Consumer indicated that the vehicle was no longer under warranty. Multiple problems with vehicle. *ak *cb. The hub cap was loose and fell off, the clock spring was replaced, the turn and brake lights were inoperative, the exhaust system made a loud noise, the dealer replaced the pipe and gasket, the seat belt buckle was replaced, because the seat belt light failed to go out.

Filed Dec 2, 2002 · Electrical · IN

Seat belt would not stay locked. Ignition key would only go part way into ignition, could not start vehicle. Had vehicle towed to dealer. Dt

Filed Jul 26, 2002 · Airbags, Seat belts · MD · crash · 2 injuries

Consumer was in an automobile accident. Upon impact the passengers seatbelt did not lock, allowing passenger to move forward hitting the windshield, face first. The air bag deployed after the initial impact of the accident. Resulting in facial swellling of the passenger and 3 loose teeth. Consumers air bag opened later also, but the seat belt locked and consumer only suffered a badly burned thumb.

Filed Jul 22, 2002 · Seat belts · GA

Driver's side seat belt at times will not lock and hold consumer in place. Please provide further information.

Filed Jun 25, 2002 · Brakes, Electrical · MD

A/c tends to have smoke and very bad smell coming from vents, brakes constantly squeal and grind, vehicle doesn't always want to start, no pickup or stalling when stopped at lights, etc. Engine makes loud grinding noices, engine also makes loud reving noises like it can't get into gear. Front passanger seatbelt tightens and locks for no reason. Ford manufactor notified via certified letter twice, no contact to date. Waldorf ford refuses to fix saying, "if we can't find the problem, we can't fix it." both refuse to fix anymore. In last year in shop 10 times, for over 45 days, and no resolution.