My 1996 Ford Escort's driver side shoulder belt won't move to the locked position on the B-pillar. It is stuck toward the rear of the track just past the upper bend in the track. I disconnected the electrical wiring harness following the owner's manual. The shoulder belt would not move manually when I used the emergency handle turning it clockwise. Everything I tried to move this into position has not worked. I went to the dealer. They said it isn't a recall item but the person in the parts department said the should harness is a frequent problem with Escorts. He did not have all of the parts in stock. I went to several car repair facilities inclucing Suburban Ford in waterford, mi. Everyone said this is a very costly repair because the interior body would have to be dismantled to get to the source of the problem. I also spent a good deal of time online tonight researching whether this shoulder belt problem is common. Bingo. Stuck, stalled, sticking driver side shoulder retstraint complaints are common for the 1996 Ford Escort. I consider this a serious safety issue and Escorts should be recalled to repair this as soon as possible. I work for a fire department and a malfunctioning or non-functioning shoulder harness during an accident could be the cause of death or serious disability. Many of the complaints I reviewed complained that the shoulder harness was stuck in the same position mine is. This stinks of a design flaw. How do I get Ford motor to accept responsibility and make this repair at their expense?

- White Lake Township, MI, USA

Right before I was due for my safety inspection, my automatic safety belt mechanism stopped working, so when I went to have it inspected at dobbs auto center, of course, it did not pass because of this and I had to have a new motor installed at a cost of $363.77. Even the guy who inspected it said this should have been a recall because of safety issues and that I should be reimbursed. I can fax you a copy of the bill if necessary. Thank you for your help.

- St. Louis, MO, USA

The vehicle was involved in an accident, the air bags failed to deploy and the seat belt did not restrain the consumer as designed, the consumer was injured.

- Mount Vernon, IL, USA

Consumer called complaining about the front seat belts do not hold the driver neither the passenger in the seat. Dealer has been notified.

- Jamul, CA, USA