1998 Lexus ES300: seat belt won't latch or retract

Filed Aug 23, 2013 · Seat belts · 60,000 miles · CA

Both left and right rear seat belt buckles have failed. I am unable to insert belts into the buckle. Cleaning and lube had no affect.

Filed Mar 14, 2011 · Seat belts · MD

Seat belt retraction failure. The seat belt on my 1998 lexus had been slow to retract, sometimes not retract at all. It appears this problem is not unique to this model or year. Many other vehicles made by toyota and lexus have the exact same problem (based on searching on the internet). This is probably due to a defect in components of the seat belt assembly.

Filed Sep 22, 1999 · Airbags, Seat belts · TX · crash

Vehicle was involved in an accident; vehicle was broadsided on passenger's side at approximately 35mph or more. Passenger was forced over to driver's side because seat belt did not lock properly, and both air bags failed to deploy. Vehicle at dealer at this tim.; seeking help from the federal safety agency in this matter.

Filed May 13, 1999 · Seat belts · NJ

After unbuckling belt, seatbelt retractor fails to operate or operates so slowly that belt latch interferes with closing of door. Door closes on unretracted chrome latch device of belt, damaging seatbelt, latch, and plastic button embedded in belt. Dealer refuses to replace belt/retractor. Every es300 I have seen has this problem, and evidence of collateral damage to inner padded door panel and steel door frame. (even dealer's loaner vehicle, with only 11k miles, had the damage and belt's plastic button completely broken off. All 1997 and 1998 lexus es300 models have the problem retractors. Unsure whether problem exists in 1999 models.

Filed Feb 1, 1999 · Seat belts · CA

Seat belt does not retract when you take it off, prevents closure of door.