NHTSA Complaint #11677432 — 2017 CHEVROLET VOLT

Component or System Involved: The rear passenger-side seatbelt (right side from the driver’s view) on my 2017 Chevy Volt Premier malfunctioned. Specifically, the automatic locking retractor (ALR) mechanism failed and would not release tension, even after fully retracting the strap. The cut portion of the seatbelt is still in my possession and can be made available for inspection upon request. Safety Risk: This failure posed a serious safety risk. The seatbelt had been secured around a child car seat base, and once it locked, it would not release. After more than 30 minutes of troubleshooting — including fully retracting the belt and manually pressing the emergency release button inside the seat — it still would not disengage. The car seat base could not be repositioned or removed safely, which would have compromised the proper installation of a child safety seat. With no other option to ensure safe transport, I was forced to cut the seatbelt free. The problem has not yet been reproduced or officially diagnosed by a dealer or independent service center. I have not yet reported it to GM or visited a dealership, but I plan to do so soon. The component has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives at this time. However, this closely mirrors recall 18V673000, especially since that recall affected Volt models 2018-2019 and mine is a 2017. There were no warning lamps, dashboard messages, or advance symptoms before the failure occurred. The seatbelt functioned normally until it was engaged with the car seat, at which point the retractor locked and failed to release.