Driver's side seat belt problems dominate these complaints. Multiple owners report the pre-tensioner cable snapping at mileages ranging from 96,000 to 230,000 miles—some disable the vehicle entirely, others trigger warning lights. Two cases referenced NHTSA recalls (21V245000 and 21V450000) that supposedly cover seat belt issues, but claimants' VINs fell outside the recall scope.
Buckle and fastening problems span the vehicle. One owner's driver's side belt severely frayed and cut into his body at 72,000 miles; a passenger buckle works intermittently and throws false "unbuckled" warnings; another buckle fails in cold weather but works fine when warm. The third row center belt has a latch that requires a key to release—a safety concern if the key is unavailable during emergency evacuation.
Design flaws appear in the anchor system: one owner's seat belt anchor is bolted to the adjustable seat rather than the frame, causing it to press on her leg when the seat is raised to full height. The middle row center belt gets caught under plastic trim pieces that route it, leaving the belt loose and ineffective.
Dealers have been unhelpful—service visits haven't resulted in repairs, and the manufacturer states no recalls exist for most failures. One owner was told simply to lower the seat.
Failure modes owners describe
Seat belt webbing wear and fraying
Driver's side seat belt webbing becomes severely worn and frayed, cutting into the occupant's body. In one case, wear was significant enough to suggest potential fracture of the webbing itself.
When: 72,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Severe cutting sensation on contact's body; Webbing significantly worn and frayed; Potential fracture visible in webbing
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer took vehicle in but did not diagnose or repair; manufacturer stated no recall exists (Case Number 8-484-580-7149)
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued; Case Number 8-484-580-7149
Seat belt anchor interference when seat raised
Seat belt anchor mounted to the adjustable seat rather than vehicle frame; when driver's seat is at maximum height, the anchor presses down on the occupant's leg, causing bruising. Dealer stated seat belt not designed to function at that seat height.
When: Unknown mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Anchor pressing down on leg when seat at highest position; Bruising to occupant's leg; Seat belt anchor interferes with occupant comfort
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer stated seat would need to be lowered for belt to work properly; no extension kit available per manufacturer
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No extension provided for seat belt anchor
Third row center seat belt latch failure
Third row center seat belt fails to unlatch. Owner's manual directs use of a key inserted into mini buckle slot to release belt, creating entrapment hazard if key unavailable in emergency.
When: Unknown mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Third row center seat belt will not unlatch; Potential occupant entrapment if key unavailable
Repairs/costs cited: No repair attempted
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Referred to owner's manual procedure requiring key insertion
Driver's side seat belt metal cable snap
Metal cable bolted to driver's side seat snaps in half, rendering lap belt loose and ineffective even when buckled. No warning light illuminates.
When: 90,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Metal cable snaps in half; Lap belt becomes loose; Driver not secured despite belt buckled; No warning light illuminated
Repairs/costs cited: No dealer or independent repair attempted
Driver's side seat belt pre-tensioner cable failure
Pre-tensioner cable for driver's side seat belt fails to operate. Seat belt warning symbol displayed on instrument panel. Multiple owners report this failure at different mileages. Some cases referenced NHTSA campaigns 21V245000 and 21V450000, but owners' VINs were not included in those recalls.
When: 96,000–230,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Pre-tensioner cable snaps or fails; Seat belt warning light illuminated (in some cases); Vehicle undrivable in one case; No warning light in some instances
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer diagnosed faulty pre-tensioner cable requiring replacement; repairs not completed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 21V245000 and 21V450000 exist but claimants' VINs not included in recall scope
Front driver's side seat belt cold-weather buckle failure
Seat belt fails to fasten securely when outdoor temperature is cold but functions properly in warm weather, suggesting thermal-related mechanical issue in buckle mechanism.
When: 60,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Failure to fasten securely in cold temperatures; Functions normally in warm temperatures
Repairs/costs cited: No diagnosis or repair performed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified
Middle row center seat belt routing entrapment
Middle row center seat belt becomes caught under plastic trim piece that the belt feeds through. Belt slides into slit and becomes trapped, rendering it loose and useless.
When: Unknown mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Seat belt slides between plastic trim slit; Gets caught under plastic piece; Belt becomes loose and limp; Belt rendered unusable
Repairs/costs cited: No repair noted
Passenger seat belt buckle intermittent engagement
Passenger seat belt buckle fails to engage reliably, requiring multiple attempts. In some cases, belt clicks in then unclicks on its own. Related false warning indicator claiming passenger unbuckled when belt is actually fastened.
When: Unknown mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Buckle fails to click in on first attempt; Requires multiple tries to secure; Buckle releases unexpectedly; False unbuckled warning indicator; Continuous warning beep when seated
Repairs/costs cited: No repair noted
Synthesized from 11 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer
allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.