1994 Saturn SL seat belts problems

Filed Oct 30, 2008 · Seat belts · 68,322 miles · FL

I own a 1994 saturn sl1 . This model of car employs "automatic" style seat belts, that are built into the door frame. When you open the door the seat belt is supposed to open by sliding up the track. When you get in the car and close the door, the seat belt is supposed to close by sliding back on the track. This is an automatic operation driven by a mechanical motor. The track or something in the mechanism has failed, and the seat belt is no longer functional what so ever. I feel this is without a doubt a safety related issue! How am I supposed to drive around a car without a working seat belt??? Saturn is refusing to repair the issue because the car is out of warranty, but according to the federal safety agency "if a safety-related defect exists in a motor vehicle or item of motor vehicle equipment, the manufacturer must fix it at no cost to the owner." they want to charge me an exorbitant amount of money to fix the issue, and are refusing to cooperate with me. In the meantime I am driving around a car without a seat belt!!! What should I do to have this corrected? I have tried to contact saturn directly as well to no avail!

Filed Aug 19, 2006 · Seat belts · 170,000 miles · ME

Automatic shoulder belt on driver and passenger side is not working. Only the lap belt is operational.

Filed Dec 20, 2004 · Seat belts · 69,870 miles · CA

While driving consumer stopped at a stop sign, and child sitting in a child safety seat told the father that the seat belt came completely out of the back of the seat. However, all seat belts in the back seat remained unstitched. Consumer contacted the dealer.

Filed Jan 26, 2004 · Seat belts · NY

The vehicle failed new york state inspection. The technician indicated that the driver seat belt mechanism needed to be replaced. Please provide any additional information.

Filed Oct 20, 2003 · Seat belts · IL

While driving 60 MPH on the highway and without warning both seat belts failed to retract . Driver took vehicle to the dealership. The mechanic told him that motor had to be replaced.

Filed Jul 28, 2003 · Seat belts · 115,932 miles · VA

Consumer states while pulling into the driveway driver's side seatbelt retractor was making a wierd noise. Took vehicle to dealer, dealer stated that electrical seatbelt cable was broken.

Filed Jul 18, 2003 · Seat belts · 125,000 miles · NY

Automatic seat belt on driver's side has failed to work. Motorized portion does not retract over shoulder as it should. Why is this my problem to fix? It looks like a defect in the design of the car.

Filed Jul 23, 2002 · Seat belts · OH

Driver's side seatbelt will not retract into retractor. Consumer is not able to properly restrain himself. Please provide any further information.

Filed Jul 22, 2002 · Seat belts · MN

Drivers side seatbelt has been fully extended out. Consumer's vehicle doesn't restrain properly. Please provide any further information.

Filed Mar 23, 2002 · Airbags, Seat belts · CA · crash · 1 injury

Ltr was sent dated 1/29/02 w/accident rpt. Injury was fractured sternum. As I changed lanes at freeway speed the traffic in the lane I entered stopped. I braked hard but could not avoid hitting the vehicle in front of me. The airbag did not deploy and the shoulder restraint did not lock (it never has and I didn't realize it should). I was wearing the lap and shoulder belts. The lap belt held me in place, but my upper body hit the steering wheel. I had damage repairs done at a 21st century ins recommended shop. I have not had any modifications to the belts or airbag since the accident in case it needs to be analyzed by the federal safety agency, & only saturn of torrance has ever serviced my car since purchase (except for damage repair for this accident).