Rear Seat Belt problems of the 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche

Right rear seat belt does not stay latched and is difficult to latch. This has been happening since vehicle was first delivered to consumer.

Recently, I noticed that the two rear interior plastic panels that cover the metal and outer top seat belt mounts (or pivot points) in the interior rear of the vehicle have an approximately ã‚â¼ inch slot worn into them from the seatbelts; its apparent cause, the pulling of the seatbelts in an outward motion to place over the shoulder of the passenger sitting in the seat. I brought it to my dealerã‚s attention on 01/23/03 and was informed that there is no fix for the problem and that new panels would only wear out again due to constant seat belt usage and that only a re-designed or modified part would permanently correct the problem. Since this was beyond the dealerã‚s capability, they recommended that I contact gm customer assistance and notify them of the problem and attempt to resolve the issue with them. This is currently being done. Since my vehicle was one of the first on the lot, I believe that this complaint might also be one of the first of its type. I am particularly concerned because my children are primarily the rear seat passengers and I now question the seatbelt strength, particularly knowing that the edges of the belts have been constantly rubbing and abrading the hard plastic trim panels that surround them. To date, this vehicle has not been in any accidents and I am calling this problem to your attention just for informational purposes and to insure a followup by gm.

I have a 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche - the right rear seat belt will not latch without a great deal of effort, in most instances you actually have to get help to latch the seat belt - it appears the seat is in the way or the latch assembly is too short - evidently this is common with all 2002 Avalanches - I did check out other Avalanches on the dealers lot and they all had the same problem - Chevrolet says that gm has no fix for this problem - this condition is very unsafe.