1) the vehicle is a 2004 Toyota Prius, 3 1/2 years old and approx 76K miles on it. It has only been used for carrying passengers. 2) both rear passenger seat belts tore within a week of each other. The right side completely and the left side is approximately 90% torn. The only person to use the rear seats, on a fairly regular basis, is my 14 year old son. Two weeks ago he got into the right side and noticed that the belt was completely broken. Last week he got into the left side and mentioned that it was also torn. As it is right now, the only seat he can now use is the middle "lap only" belt. In looking at the belts, it appears that the tear is at the place where the belt passes through the plastic shroud covering the retracting mechanism. 3) talked with the Toyota service rep yesterday. He told me that he had never seen anything like it before. But, since it was out of warranty it would cost approx $550 usd to fix.

- San Dimas, CA, USA

The child was trapped in the seat belt. The latch would not release the child. The belt had to be cut off. The child was taken to the doctor for an exam.

- Irvington, NY, USA

On the Toyota 2004 Prius the left rear and center rear seat belt buckels are interchanged. The left rear buckel is positioned in a vertical position between the left and center seats. The center rear seat belt buckel (marked center) is on a fabric strap that emerges between the left rear seat cushion and the left rear back cushion approximately two inches from the right edge of the leftrear seat cushion (if you are not careful you will sit on it when you use the left rear seat). As a result it is difficult to fasten the seat belts since they cross over and interfere with each other. It is also very difficult (compared to a normal seat belt) to open them due to the interference. I suggest that it would be extremely difficult for the average individual to open these two seat belts in an emergecy situation. As a result, I feel that this is a significant safety item that requires correction at an early date. The dealer, bill page Toyota, stated that all 2004 Prius they had received were the same configuration and they had no means to change it. They suggested contacting Toyota. I have filed an offical complaint with Toyota (#200312300834) and they indicated that there would be no feedback or correction. Note: Prius not on your list. Entered rav4 to be anle to submitthis complaint

- Mclean, VA, USA