NHTSA Complaint #10243208 — 2008 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER. THE DRIVER'S SEAT BELT IS TOO SHORT. THE DRIVER IS BARELY ABLE TO BUCKLE THE SEAT BELT, AND ONCE HE DOES, HE IS UNABLE TO MOVE. THE CONTACT FEELS THAT THIS IS A SAFETY RISK BECAUSE IT PUTS HIM IN A VERY UNCOMFORTABLE SITUATION. THE DEALER EXCHANGED THE SEAT BELT, BUT IT WAS IDENTICAL TO THE ONE THAT WAS ALREADY IN THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER REFUSES TO MAKE ANY CHANGES BECAUSE IT WOULD BE A SAFETY VIOLATION. FORD ONLY OFFERED A SEAT BELT EXTENDER, BUT THE CONTACT REFUSES TO USE AN EXTENDER. HE ALSO OWNS A 2006 MERCURY VEHICLE, IN WHICH THE SEAT BELT IS 6-9 INCHES LONGER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 23 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 600. UPDATED 11/14/08 *CN UPDATED 11/18/08. *JB