Three problems related to front seat belt have been reported for the 1997 Toyota Corolla. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
The driver seat belts did not retract after being released. When the belt did work, it would lock tight and would not allow one to lean forward when the vehicle was stopped.
Driver's seat belt will not come out of holder often, must pull repeatedly to get unit to release. Once you get the seat belt on it locks often making it impossible for me to turn to see rear traffic. ?.
Son was involved in a one vehicle collision, at approx 65 mph, loss control of vehicle and hit a tree head on. The impact was dead center in the front bumper. Upon advice from police officer at scene, I contact Toyota to inform them that air bags did not deploy. Further informed Toyota rep. That my son had only minor injuries and there would be no law suit. According to mechanic, the seat belt is what saved him (imprint of restraint was across his chest), along with the vehicle absorbing the impact and crumpling where and how it was designed to. He also believes that air bags should have deployed. Received phone call from Toyota inspector (dwayne) and he informed me that there was no air bag malfunction. Said he inspected the electrical and everything was working fine. He never inspected vehicle per body shop. I requested a written report and was informed from Toyota inspector (dwayne) that they did not do that. On initial call to Toyota headquarters I was told that I would be given a written report.