The automatic seat belt on my driver side is stuck in the forward position. The passenger side belt works just fine, just not the driver side. This happened after I had my distributor replaced and when I started my car up, it wouldn't work.
1991 Honda Accord: seat belt won't latch or retract
27 of the 212 complaints about the 1991 Honda Accord describe seat belt won't latch or retract.
- owner complaints
- 27
- of this car's complaints
- 13%
- typical mileage
- 187,699
- recalls
- 2
Is there a fix? There are 2 recalls and 1 service bulletin for this area of the car. See below
Seat belt won't latch or retract by model year
What owners say
The driver side automatic retractable seat belt restraint is currently stuck in the forward position by the window and will not retract. We have taken the car for a diagnostic check to verify that it needs replaced. The part is supposed to be covered under the lifetime seatbelt warranty but we are having continued issues getting something done. They have told us they can't locate a part, that they aren't "sure" if it's covered, and have basically brushed us off.
Tl* the contact owns a 1991 honda accord. The contact stated that the driver side seat belt failed to retract and expand. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the shoulder restraint failed and the seat belt retractor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened a case on the contact's behalf. The approximate failure mileage was 229,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 1991 honda accord. The contact stated that the seat belt buckle would not latch or retract. In addition, the buckle seat belt warning light illuminated while seat belt was buckled. The failure occurred on a daily basis. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the seat belt control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 268,000.
My automatic seat belt on the drivers side stopped retracting, and now the seatbelt light flashes and warning bell keeps beeping. Even when I have the seat belt fastened. I called my local honda dealer. The service department told me it was not covered under the warranty, but I have the warranty and it says it is covered. When I told them that, I was told I could bring the car in and pay to determine if it is covered. But they say only the belt buckle is covered. My warranty states the whole system is covered. It was larry miller honda in boise idaho that I called.
Tl* the contact owns a 1991 honda accord lx. The contact stated that when the brakes were depressed, the rear seat belt restraint failed to operate. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was 216,000.
The seat belt shoulder restraint is locked in a retracted position. Honda america says that only the buckle is warranteed for life and not any other portion of the system. My owners manual states that the seat belt is warranteed for the usable life of the automobile.
The seat belt control module failed, the driver's side sliding seat belt is stuck in the forward position. The lifetime seat belt warranty covers the seat belt control module as it is a seat belt component.
Tl* the contact owns a 1991 honda accord. The contact stated that the front driver's seat belt failed. The seat belt would not retract or fasten. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the dealer stated that a diagnostic test had to be performed to diagnose the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN information was not available. The failure and current mileages were 246,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 1991 honda accord. The contact stated the front drivers side automatic seat belt did not retract. The contact spoke with the manufacturer and was told the seat belt warning system failed. The failure mileage and current mileage was 121,000.
Seat belt warning light and warning buzzer sound continuously. Passenger side shoulder seat belt remains locked in rear position and will not travel. Honda refused to honor lifetime warranty on seat belt operation stating that these problems are "electronic" and not seat belt warranty issues. Parts and labor to cure these problems estimated at in excess of $1,000. Due expense, only solution is to disconnect seat belt warning system and disable passenger side shoulder belt.
In november 2005, the driver side automatic seatbelt on my 1991 honda accord coupe (ex) started malfunctioning and would not retract to the driving position. There was an annoying beeping sound associated with this malfunction. The local honda dealer (in st. Thomas vi) informed me that they didn't know what the problem was, and quoted 4 parts costing over $1,411.62, and they couldn't guarantee me that these replacements would work. So they disconnected the seat belt motor (under the passenger seat), manually moved the seat belt into the driving position, and also disconnected some other seat belt electronic part behind the driver seat near the handle and storage compartment of the back seat, behind a sort of panel in that area. Over two years later in 2008, the driver side lap belt release button broke and fell inside the seat belt clip preventing me from locking the seat belt in place. I started researching the problem on line and found there was a voluntary honda recall for that problem. I had to fight with the dealer to get them to admit that this was a problem they should fix, and they did; but forcefully stated that the automatic seatbelt problem was not covered. In looking in their computer system, I realized that they had misrepresented that "I chose not to fix the automatic seat belt problem" in 2005. I refuted the accuracy of the statement. I was billed $26.38 and received no specific diagnosis so I demanded a quote to fix it. That's when I was told it would cost over $630 for the part and $50 or $75 for the labor. I had to insist that they give me an estimate with the part no. In checking with another dealer, I was able to buy the part for $362 (incl. S/h). I paid the labor to dealer to have it put in, and the problem was fixed. About april 2009, I started getting occasional beeps and sticking of the seatbelt again, but it would reset itself. Since last week, around dec. 2, 2009, it's sticking constantly. I can't pay for this again; honda should pay.
Service bulletins that may apply
Related recalls
Seat belts: front: buckle assembly
- What is wrong
- The front safety belt buckle release buttons can break. These red plastic release buttons are marked "press." if a button breaks, pieces can fall into the buckle assembly causing the buckle to operate improperly.
- Risk
- The safety belts would not provide adequate protection to an occupant in a vehicle crash.
- Remedy
- Owners should promptly check the condition and operation of both front safety belt buckles. Carefully inspect the red release button for any breaks or cracks. Check that both buckles are operating properly by inserting each latch plate into its buckle, tug on the belt to make sure the latch is securely locked, then press the release button. The latch plate should pop out of the buckle when the button is pressed. If either release button shows any sign of breakage or cracking, or if either buckle fails to operate properly, promptly contact your authorized honda/acura dealer to schedule an appointment to have the buckle replaced or repaired, free of charge. The manufacturer is developing a remedy designed to prevent the failure of the buttons that are not currently broken.
Recall number 95V103001 · Recall details
Seat belts: front: anchorage
- What is wrong
- The rear outside seating position safety belts may lock up at angles other than those required by fmvss 209, "seat belt assemblies". This does not conform to the motor vehicle safety standard.
- Risk
- Non-conforming safety belts cause an increased risk of injury in the event of a sudden stop or accident.
- Remedy
- Replace the sensor in the rear seat belt retractor.
Recall number 93V056000 · Recall details
Questions about the 1991 Honda Accord seat belt
Is seat belt won't latch or retract a common problem on the 1991 Honda Accord?
27 of 212 owner complaints about the 1991 Honda Accord (13%) mention seat belt won't latch or retract. The model year with the most reports is 2000.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 1991 Honda Accord?
There are 2 recalls and 1 service bulletin for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 1991 Honda Accord
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