2002 Ford Excursion Seat belts Problems

“My husband was buckling our 3 year old in her car seat in our 2002 Excursion and the seat belt detached from the frame of the car. Left 2nd seat: seat belt bolt (location-retractor attached at frame) was either not properly tightened, locked tight improperly applied or nut is ill-fitting causing nut to separate from bolt, possibly related to pivoting retractor design. Seat belt detached at retractor and became unusable. Fortunately discovered while car parked and buckling child into booster seat. …”

“A child was able to release the seat belt latch plate from buckle mechanism. The buckle retracted too quickly to be grabbed by owner of vehicle, and became lost/stuck in the retractor, and was hidden.”

“Complaint received via e-mail. In our truck, the left rear seat belt retractor bolt loosened and detached of its own accord while buckling child in booster seat. Car was driven directly to dealer for inspection. Service manager verified mechanism had not been altered. Original lock-tight had not held bolt, perhaps not enough lock-tight applied. He applied more lock-tight and re-bolted seat belt retractor. Seemed to be holding up fine. How many other bolts were left not tightened on unsuspected excursions, and were vulnerable to detaching with eventual use or in an accident? …”