Front Seat Belt Retractor problems of the 1998 Lexus ES300

After unbuckling belt, seatbelt retractor fails to operate or operates so slowly that belt latch interferes with closing of door. Door closes on unretracted chrome latch device of belt, damaging seatbelt, latch, and plastic button embedded in belt. Dealer refuses to replace belt/retractor. Every Es300 I have seen has this problem, and evidence of collateral damage to inner padded door panel and steel door frame. (even dealer's loaner vehicle, with only 11k miles, had the damage and belt's plastic button completely broken off. All 1997 and 1998 Lexus Es300 models have the problem retractors. Unsure whether problem exists in 1999 models.

Seat belt does not retract when you take it off, prevents closure of door.