2001 Dodge RAM 1500 Seat belts Problems

“Last november on my way to school, I was involved in a rollover accident while getting onto the highway. The roads were bad and extremely icy. However, I lost control of the truck while getting onto the highway, put it into 4x4 and corrected myself, then the 4x4 went out (which commonly happened), lost control, hit the median sideways, and rolled the truck. The problem was during the rollover, 1. I had to push myself back into the seat to engage my seatbelt, and 2. The back two in roof roll guards broke. …”

“Tl- the contact owns a 2001 Dodge RAM 1500. While driving 25 MPH in rainy weather, the vehicle began to slide abnormally, causing the contact to crash into a tree. The air bags did not deploy. The contact sustained lacerations to the bottom of the chin and mouth, requiring 24 stitches. The contact was immediatley taken for medical attention. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer were notified of the failure. The vehicle was destroyed. The failure mileage was 171,000. Kmj updated 02/01/12 the consumer also stated the seat belts didi not perform as designed. Updated 02/10/12”

“Truck has seat belts built into the seat. The belt is in a tract with a plastic housing with smoothed sides over the mechanism's sharp edged sides. The belt has been able to become frayed from normal use and the plastic housing has not protected the belt. Did discuss with company but told that it is out of warantee and the did not offer to investigate if this is a design flaw that has allowed the belt to become prematurely frayed. This is a safety concern as the belt may not be structurely safe. Feel it needs to be investigated as a safety issue.”

“While travelling at an approximate speed of 45/50, I had reason to rapidly decrease forward and apply more than normal brake action to avert another vehicle that had overrun a stop sign. My wife, who was in the front passenger seat and properly belted, was thrust forward to a point where her right shoulder made contact with the dashoard and her head made light contact with the windshield. She was shaken but had no noticeable injury at that time.we drove home, and during that 7 mile trip we decided to recheck the belt action. …”

“The contact stated the seat belt buckle would not latch on a consistent basis. The buckle was free of dirt and other contaminants. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who determined that the seat belts needed to be replaced. The seat belts were not replaced. Updated 12/18/2006 -”