I purchased a 1998 Saturn SL2 in April of 2002 and discovered after purchase that it had a defective seat belt retractor. When the vehicle was taken to a local Saturn dealership I was told that even though this is a very common problem on this model I would be charged for the repair. The dealership was also unable to find the exact part number and wanted to make the repair from a similar but not identical 1996 model. The dealership told me that Saturn does not take responsibility for defective safety items such as the retractor because so many of their vehicles have this problem and it has not been officially recalled.

- Orlando, FL, USA

I was involved in a two car accident on 5/10/00. Another car pulled out infront of my Saturn, which caused a collision. I was doing 30-35 miles per hour at impact. Both air bags deployed, and the seatbelts restrained, but not completely. The passanger side completely pulled away from the vehicle casing. The part the belt loops around cracked, and the passanger did not receive any mark from the seatbelt, which makes me think the belt did not function correctly. I was the driver and received a large bruise from my shoulder to my breast bone, from the shoulder restraint, but my seatbelt system only seperated where the two casings conect. I am consered that if in another accident at a higher rate of speed, the seatbelts will not hold passengers, or myself in place. That they will seperate from the car again. I was wondering if any other Saturn owners have reported problems with their seatbelts. In speeking with the repairshop, it sounds like they will just pop the casings back into place. Is this the correct way to handle this" should I contact Saturn" any information you can provide would be greatly apreciated. Thank you for your time. Melissa.

- Henrietta, NY, USA

Seat belt failed to restrain passenger during an accident.

- Stow, OH, USA