Rear Seat Belt problems of the 2005 Toyota Matrix

The rear seat passenger-side and driver-side restraints are poorly designed and as such, they do not provide any lateral security near the doors for small passengers. My six year old daughter of average size usually falls below the shoulder restraint when she falls asleep. When she awakes and lifts her torso, the shoulder restraint often ends up behind her torso! this renders the shoulder restraint completely ineffective in preventing injury to the upper torso or head in any significant collision. Her head ends up resting on the door and this is potentially deadly in a side-impact crash.

Both rear seat belts lock up when in use. The individual sitting at either seat using the belt is unable to move due to a locked belt. You can not lean or move forward or in any direction. You must release the belt latch in order to be able to move or lean forward.