1998 Toyota Camry: seat belt won't latch or retract

Filed Apr 25, 2016 · Seat belts · 167,000 miles · CA

Starting in 2015, three of the 5 seat belts in my 1998 camry do not remain latched, or fail to initially latch. As a (retired) mechanical engineer, I disassembled them to understand the problem. The defect is in the anchor mechanism with the "press" button on it. The "press" button has a metal spring mounted on the red plastic part, and the plastic has gradually cracked at the spring mount. This metal spring is what pushes the metal block through the rectangular hole in the shoulder belt coupler, when it is plugged into the seat belt anchor and latched properly. Eventually, the crack grows to the point that the metal spring cannot exert enough force to reliably latch to the shoulder belt. It may initially latch and feel secure, but can then come loose several minutes later when driving the car. I plan to include 3 photos of the problem part, one showing the crack in the plastic. The vehicle has not been in any accidents, so the seat belt problem has not resulted in any injuries to myself or my passengers. The local toyota service department informed me that there was no extended warranty coverage for seat belts, so I bought new toyota replacement parts for the defective belt anchors. We live in the desert, so long-term heat and cold cycles could be a contributing factor. The spring has its heaviest load on the plastic mount when the seat belt is not engaged, so the crack could possibly start, or grow, even when the seat belt is not being used.

Filed Dec 14, 2014 · Seat belts · 200,750 miles · CO

Back seat center seat belt won't retract.

Filed Aug 26, 2008 · Seat belts · 97,127 miles · OR

The rear middle seat belt suddenly will not retract. The rear side seatbelts seem to get stuck every once in awhile. My brother purchased this car from our mom (who has been the only owner) last year, and were wondering if she missed a recall.

Filed May 27, 2005 · Seat belts · TN

Rear seat belt will not retract. I noticed several other complaints about this from consumers. I believe it is time the manufacturer took note of this problem.

Filed Mar 7, 2005 · Airbags, Seat belts · 54,000 miles · MA · crash · 1 injury

While making a slight turn, the steering continued to turn right and the front wheels locked without warning. As a result the consumer lost control of the vehicle and collided into a stone wall. The dual airbags did not deploy and the consumers seat belt did not lock. The driver sustained chest and back pain due to hitting her chest on the steering wheel. The cause has yet to be determined. Please provide additional information.

Filed Jun 24, 2004 · Brakes, Seat belts · 87,844 miles · NY

When the consumer unlatched the seat belt, it did not retract. The consumer contacted the dealer about this issue. *ak both the front seat belts did not retract and there was a vibration when the vehicle was in motion and was felt more when braking. *sc

Filed Jan 19, 2004 · Seat belts · 90,000 miles · LA

In december starting on the 5th my rear side seat belt did not retract. A few weeks later a second side seat belt did not retract.

Filed Jan 13, 2004 · Seat belts · 81,250 miles · NC

Center rear seat belt does not retract. *ak the failure was unexpected and seemed to be a defect. The consumer was not able to use the center belt in the rear seat. The dealer refused to cover the repair cost.

Filed May 21, 2003 · Seat belts · 61,000 miles · NC

Back seat passenger side seat belt will not retract. Occurred just after 60,000 miles and dealer said not covered under warranty. Now 109,672.

Filed Jun 28, 2000 · Seat belts · AK

Consumer was traveling about 60mph on the highway and seatbelt retractor failed. Seat belt came apart and won't go back in place.

Filed Mar 22, 2000 · Seat belts · CT

Driver's seat belt does not retract or extend from the retracting mechanism. Cause unknown. Please give any further details.

Filed Jun 16, 1999 · Seat belts · NJ

Consumer state that when vehicle is on the incline possition consume is unable to pull the seat belt out because it's lock up and this only on that possition.