Front Seat Belt Retractor Problems of GEO Prizm

GEO Prizm owners have reported 12 problems related to front seat belt retractor (under the seat belt category). The most recently reported issues are listed below.

1 Front Seat Belt Retractor problem of the 1997 GEO Prizm

Failure Date: 09/01/2003

The seat belts lock in the retracted position they are unable to be used. This usually starts with them sticking when you try to pull them down to buckle. I have two Geo Prizms a 1996 and a 1997 they both have had this problem for a long time.

See all problems of the 1997 GEO Prizm 🔎.

2 Front Seat Belt Retractor problem of the 1997 GEO Prizm

Failure Date: 07/13/2003

I have a 1997 Geo Prizm. The driver side seat belt will not fully extend and locks up multiple times when trying to pull it out to lock in place for safe driving. This is my second Geo Prizm that has had this problem. I feel there should be a voluntary recall by the manufacturer to get this fixed on all their cars.

3 Front Seat Belt Retractor problem of the 1996 GEO Prizm

Failure Date: 06/15/2002

The drivers seatbealt completly unwound while buckled and will not retract. The front passenger seatbelt will not pull out easily. In order to get it buckled it must be tugged continuosly moving a quarter inch at a time.

See all problems of the 1996 GEO Prizm 🔎.

4 Front Seat Belt Retractor problem of the 1996 GEO Prizm

Failure Date: 05/07/2002

Rear lap seat belt is inoperative, belt will not latch. Dealer notified. Feel free to provide any further information.

5 Front Seat Belt Retractor problem of the 1998 GEO Prizm

Failure Date: 07/22/2001

The seat belt sensor does not activate dash light when the seat belt is not in use. When the seat belt is in use by people who do not need to pull the belt out very far (I. E. Slender, tall people who leave the seat at the back of the track), the dash light mistakenly is lit.

See all problems of the 1998 GEO Prizm 🔎.

6 Front Seat Belt Retractor problem of the 1996 GEO Prizm

Failure Date: 01/12/2001

Both seatbelts were in use the drivers failed as well, by breaking free at the retractor.

7 Front Seat Belt Retractor problem of the 1997 GEO Prizm

Failure Date: 12/11/1999

Seat belt won't pull out to restrain driver .

8 Front Seat Belt Retractor problem of the 1997 GEO Prizm

Failure Date: 03/29/1999

Driver's side seat belt retractor failed at 12,611 mi (3/29/99) and again at 24,000 mi. (out of warranty time by a few months). Central Chevrolet in fremont, CA fixed both times. 2nd time cost $200+ and rental car charge. Central advised they wouldn't reduce the cost of 2nd failure because I didn't have my maintenance service work done by them. Back seat, passenger side seat belt retractor has also failed (won't retract). Can't afford to have fixed. Only have 2 useable seat belts in back seat. Isn't this a safety issue?.

9 Front Seat Belt Retractor problem of the 1996 GEO Prizm

Failure Date: 01/01/1999

The seat belts lock in the retracted position they are unable to be used. This usually starts with them sticking when you try to pull them down to buckle. I have two Geo Prizms a 1996 and a 1997 they both have had this problem for a long time.

10 Front Seat Belt Retractor problem of the 1997 GEO Prizm

Failure Date: 08/21/1998

Seat belt has locked up at the retractor. The belt will not release itself outward.

11 Front Seat Belt Retractor problem of the 1997 GEO Prizm

Driver's seat belt has gotten stuck in the retractor and had to be replaced twice since vehicle purchase. First failure at 27000 miles, and second failure at 88000 miles.

12 Front Seat Belt Retractor problem of the 1997 GEO Prizm

Driver's/ passenger's and rear seat belts have all become jammed in retracting mechanism, and will not release, causing seat belts to become inoperable. Please give any further details.


Other Common Seat Belt related problems of GEO Prizm


Fuel Economy of Prizm Vehicles
Prizm Service Bulletins
Prizm Safety Recalls
Prizm Defect Investigations