1999 Volkswagen Passat Seat Belts Problems
4 owner-reported seat belts complaints from NHTSA data
Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.
Owner Complaints (4)
Just as I parked, the explosive seatbelt retractor for the rear passenger seat activated. There was a loud pop from the charge and the plastic seatbelt alignment clip flew off, and smoke came out from around the seatbelt. Had the vehicle been in motion there would have been a very serious safety hazard from the distraction, and if someone was in the back, there was the clip that flew off that could have struck them. No one was in the seat at the time of the incident. The seatbelt is now stuck in the retracted position. The component has not been inspected. There were no warning lamps before or after the failure. The climate control system does have an error and is not cooling. The error is for the A/C pressure sensor, so it does not seem related. I do have an appointment for the climate control system, so I can have the component inspected by the service center. Ambient temperature was approx 85F at the time of the incident. The sunroof was set to vent position while driving, and the climate control system fan was operating so interior temp should have been around 85F as well.
THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A COLLISION, AND THE DRIVER'S SEAT BELT TENSIONER FAILED, WHICH CAUSED THE SEAT BELT NOT TO LOCK, CONSUMER SUFFERED INJURIES.*JB
SEAT BELT HEIGHT ADJUSTER FAILS TO MOVE OR SUDDENLY RELEASES DURING VEHICLE OPERATION. *AK
AFTER FOLDING REAR SEAT FORWARD THEN RETURNING TO UPRIGHT, REAR CENTER SEATBELT LOCKS IN RETRACTED POSITION; SEATBELT ASSY. REPLACED ONCE BY DEALER, REPAIRED BY DEALER FOLLOWING RECURRENCE APPROX. 1 MONTH LATER. SVC. ADVISOR AT DEALER SAID THAT THIS IS A FREQUENT PROBLEM WITH LATE MODEL PASSAT WAGONS, DUE TO APPARENT DESIGN FLAW.