Vehicle was involved in an accident; vehicle was broadsided on passenger's side at approximately 35mph or more. Passenger was forced over to driver's side because seat belt did not lock properly, and both air bags failed to deploy. Vehicle at dealer at this tim.; seeking help from NHTSA in this matter.

- Grand Prairie, TX, USA

After unbuckling belt, seatbelt retractor fails to operate or operates so slowly that belt latch interferes with closing of door. Door closes on unretracted chrome latch device of belt, damaging seatbelt, latch, and plastic button embedded in belt. Dealer refuses to replace belt/retractor. Every ES300 I have seen has this problem, and evidence of collateral damage to inner padded door panel and steel door frame. (even dealer's loaner vehicle, with only 11K miles, had the damage and belt's plastic button completely broken off. All 1997 and 1998 Lexus ES300 models have the problem retractors. Unsure whether problem exists in 1999 models.

- Bayonne, NJ, USA