Front Seat Belt Buckle Assembly problems of the 2001 Honda Accord

The contact owns a 2001 Honda Accord. While driving 40 mph, the passenger side air bag deployed and damaged the entire passenger seat. There was no impact to cause the deployment. The contact was uninjured, but very shaken up. The dealer advised her to call the insurance company and warned her of the $500 deductible she would have to pay because it was considered a crash. The contact stated that the failure was a manufacturer defect because the air bag deployed on its own without any other vehicle involvement. The dealer also advised her to call the manufacturer and inform them of the issue. The failure mileage was 83,424. Updated 12/15/08. The driver side sseat belt buckle was defective and had to be replaced. Updated 12/15/08.

2001 Accord has had srs light replaced and brakes. Srs light continued to illuminate after being replaced. The dealer replaced several parts on the vehicle. The air bag light has not illuminated since Feb 2006 since the front shoulder belt buckle was replaced. . The consumer was only reimbursed $248. 40 of the $835. 42 repairs made to vehicle. The consumer wanted to know how did the manufacturer come up with that figure for reimbursement. Updated 06/15/06.

Plastic "button" that keeps the seat belt buckle at shoulder level ( easy reach position) broke off. Thus when trying to put on seat belt, first have to pick the seat belt buckle off the floor. Also broke off a friends vehicle of the same make, model, and year.

Buckle assembly for drivers restraint belts failed to remain latched also, buckle assembly may appear to be latched, but while braking or going around a corner latch plate will separate, preventing proper use of restraint system. Dealership has examined vehicle twice, and has been unable to correct the problem. Please provide any additional information / attachments.