I own a 2004 Toyota Sienna. Since 7,000 I have been in numerous times to fix the middle passenger seatbelt. It becomes twisted and unable to retract properly. It has been replaced twice and un-tangled several times by the dealership. They have taken the seat out to repair it numerous times. It has had the recall done in the past. Recently it was brought back for another seatbelt replacement due to it being tightly caught inside the seat. When the car was returned to me, the same seat no longer locked into place. It was brought back to the dealership and I have been told they will not fix it because it was caused by crumbs being in the track when the seat was put back in. I have never felt safe but a child in this seat because I never knew when the seatbelt would not retract properly. I have tried talking with the dealership about repairing the seat however they refuse. This seat is not safe.

- Troy, NY, USA

Our pool is two blocks from our house and with the third row seats folded down in our Toyota Sienna minivan, we often let our children (ages 5 and 7) sit in the back to ride home. When leaving the pool on May 29, there was an adult friend in the front passenger seat and four children (ages 5,5,7 and 8) in the back. When we were almost home, one child said that the 7 year old was stuck. The adult passenger turned and saw that the side seat belts for the third row were wrapped around his neck and tight. When we stopped the van and opened the tailgate, we discovered that he had pulled both sides out far enough to activate the rachet mechanism, put the belts from each side around his neck and tightened them to a point he could not get them off. When we tried to help, we found out we could not get him out. With the rachet mechanism activated, the belts have to go all the way back in before they release again. Since he had used one from each side that is fastened at both ends, this could not be down without strangling the child. The only way we could get him out was to go in the house and get scissors, then cutting the seat belt. Luckily we were home.

- Greensboro, NC, USA

Rear right seat belt repeatedly fails and has been replaced twice now. It has failed yet a third time. The seat belt gasket at the top of the seat comes apart and restricts the belt movement rendering it unusable. Its a safety hazard for passengers.

- Portland, OR, USA

The seat belt cover (bezel) on the middle row passenger-side seat comes apart, causing the seat belt to not properly retract. The dealership has replaced the cover 4 times and tried to glue it together 3 times. The dealership and the Toyota district manager claim no knowledge of it being a widespread problem, but obviously it is.

- Parkville, MO, USA

Read an article about Toyota Sienna minivans concerning seat belts in the second row passenger side jamming in the plastic molding. Had to fix it many times. Took vehicle to the dealer, and they could not fix it. The clip that they installed popped off. The seat belt will get stuck and not retract.

- Coral Springs, FL, USA

With normal use seat belt on 2004 Toyota Sienna locks and will not release without the belt being completely released back in to housing. This happens at any time, not just when breaking or when turning. We have taken twice to Toyota dealership to have it fixed but have been told it is to dealer spec.

- Fremont, CA, USA

PE0500,8 rear passenger seat belt catches in plastic housing that repeatedly comes apart.

- Corvallis, OR, USA

Rear seat belts did not lock, making it unsafe in case of an accident. Dealer was aware of the problem, and will contact manufacturer.

- Hudson, OH, USA

While driving my Toyota van (seina 2004) an eleven year old child was able to wrap the seat belt in the rear passenger side around his neck. This was done while playing in the backseat. He began to chock and required a fireman to cut the belt to save his life.

- Rensselaer, NY, USA

Mid-row passenger side seat belt guide/cover broken jamming the seat belt preventing it to retract. Failure repeated three to four times after each separate repairs. I'm concern for my 7-year old daughter who may not be properly restrainted after she leans forward and the seat belt does not retract.

- Atlanta, GA, USA

Seat belt on passenger's side got stuck, it did not retract or extend. Dealer repaired it at least 6 times. Manufacturer recommend they go to arbitration. The consumer believes the manufacturer needs to redesign the seat belt because the fix only alleviates the problem temporarily. EA05-010.pco

- Bettendorf, IA, USA

Middle seat seal belt top positioner sometimes gets jammed, causing the belt to be very loose, especially with children who may not realize that it is loose. It appears that the plastic support at the top of the seat is not very secure, and becomes loose after a while.

- Geneva, IL, USA

Every three thousand miles the second row of seats, seat belt fails. The seat belt will slip down a crack on the side of the seat and locks itself. The dealer has repaired the seat belt four times for this one problem.

- Gilbert, AZ, USA

The plastic cover/guide for the shoulder belt on the passenger side middle row captain seat came apart, causing the belt to stick and not retract properly. Dealer replaced the part, and within a day or two the new part failed in the same way. Returned to dealer; they said 2 other people had the same problem. Dealer simply removed the part, which improved operation of the belt; now it seems to work, just looks ugly. EA05-010.pco

- Altadena, CA, USA