1999 Volkswagen Jetta: seat belt won't latch or retract

Filed Feb 19, 2012 · Seat belts · 101,000 miles · NH

The middle rear seatbelt locks up and will not release. The seatbelt locking mechanism is located in the seat in an inaccessible location and is also not available to release the seatbelt.

Filed Jul 18, 2010 · Seat belts · 95,000 miles · MD

In my 99.5 vw jetta gls the middle rear seat belt has tightened and will not release. I have taken it to a repair shop and have had them work on it and normally they can get it to release. However once it is released, it can't be used b/c the next time I go to use the seat belt and pull it out it locks again. The seat can't be used. It has also made it impossible to lay down the back seats, or once I lay it flat the seat can't be returned to the up right position.

Filed Mar 14, 2004 · Seat belts · 50,090 miles · GA

The center rear seatbelt locked up and will not release, was told by dealer and vw customer service that this is extremely common, I was advised I can either pay the $200 + to get it repaired or else cut it and not use it.

Filed Jan 6, 2004 · Seat belts · OH

Rear passenger's seat belt broke. After putting the seat in the reclining position a pin broke which controlled the releasing of the seat belt, said the dealer.

Filed Dec 15, 2003 · Seat belts · 68,000 miles · MA

I own a 1999 1/2 volkswagen jetta. The seat belt mechanism on the driver side seat broke and had to be replaced at a substantial cost of my own. The piece that broke was the buckle where the belt gets inserted into. I was curious to know if seatbelts have lifetime warranty with cars. If not, does the volkswagen jetta have a history of seat belt failures? Thank you, [xxx]. *ak information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Jun 27, 2003 · Electrical, Lights · KY

Brake light switch replaced because cel illuminated indicating a failure of same. After some testing, it became apparent that the brake lights were not illuminating approximately 9 out of 10 times that the brakes were applied. At approximately the same time, the right turn signal began arcing. Replaced the right front signal bulb due to carbon buildup on the bulb. Also replaced the turn signal relay. Right outer cv boot was found to be leaking grease on 5/22/2002 and again on 4/29/2003; in both cases it was replaced. Battery died on 3/10/2003. On 7/9/2002, the center rear seat belt became stuck in its retractor and would not release. Seat belt assembly was replaced. On 10/1/2001, the driver's front window regulator was replaced after the window fell into the door without warning.

Filed Jun 12, 2002 · Seat belts, Visibility · PA

Power windows and rear center seatbelt first failed within months of purchasing the vehicle. Dealer has made repairs but same components continue to fail in the same fashion. I never know when the driver or passebger window will fall into the door and cannot be raised until the whole assembly is replaced. The rear center seatbelt periodically retracts to the point where it will not release making it unuseable until the dealer repairs it.

Filed Aug 9, 2001 · Seat belts · OH

Center rear seatbelt locks in the retracted position making the seatbelt inoperative. The same part has now failed twice.

Filed May 10, 2001 · Seat belts · GA

Rear middle seatbelt is in locked position, consumer unable to use it. *ak consumer states the racket mechanism whis is designed to catch in an accident but be free to move under normal circumstances, has locked and the belt is tight against the seat back, this prevents the mechanism from releasing.

Filed Apr 17, 2001 · Seat belts · MA

After I put down the rear seat (to open up the 60/40 split) the center seatbelt locks. I have loosened the seatbelt to ensure slack but it still locks making the center seatbelt unusable. This has happened 3 times. Each time I have had to have it fixed in order to make it usable again.. I do plan to send this complaint to vw as well as paul ford clark.

Filed Feb 27, 2001 · Seat belts · PA

Seat belt anchor broke.

Filed Jun 22, 1999 · Airbags, Brakes · KS · crash · 1 injury

Vehicle was involved in a head-on collisi0n, impact at approximately 30 MPH. Abs brakes failed to operate,causing vehicle to slow down but not stop. Seat belt on driver's side failed to lock in place, causing consumer to sustain a head injury from hitting windshield. Also, air bags did not deploy. Dealer / manufacturer notified.