Two problems related to seat belt have been reported for the 1997 Chevrolet Malibu. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Swerved to avoid a deer and struck a guard rail, head on. Air bags didn't deploy and seat belt didn't lock up. Police, fire, ambulance and tow truck driver couldn't believe the bags and seat belt failed. Daughter was driving and receive a concussion, a v shape cut in scalp requiring 17 stitches to close and severe bruising all over. Police thinks her head struck the steering wheel or possibly the rear view mirror. Slack in seat belt allowed too much body movement and the air bags failure cause the head trauma. Entire front end of car is destroyed so sensors should have activate.
Seat belt not working, all four tires are cracking all around the tread and sidewall. Lower control arm replaced and hood cable defective.