2009 rear seat buckle ineffective?

bkwtr · 07-23-2009, 05:09 PM

Our 2009 buckles are flipped from the factory but too short to accommodate a childs booster seat and also a center passenger.
According to our dealership, Wilde Toyota, it is suppose to be this way. The passenger behind the driver is forced to use the center buckle, and the center passenger is forced to use the behind the driver one. The problem lies in that the buckle straps are too short to crisscross. This creates a safety issue with children, especially using a removeable booster seat. Try getting your hands in there to buckle up or try to unbuckle in case of an emergency! Accidents and fires do happen in all makes of vehicles.
The 2010 Prius' rear buckle strap is made longer and not an issue. In touch with Toyota they will not replace nor warrant using the 2010 for our new 2009. I can they said, purchase it and install it myself. Now it arbitration time and the paperwork is on the way to our house. Should such a small issue turn into this huge hassel? Anyone else out there have this problem?

yardman 49 · 07-23-2009, 06:36 PM

I have a 2009 and have had no problem with infant seats in the back, either in the center or sides. But I have yet to try a booster seat.

2009Prius · 07-24-2009, 11:27 AM

What kind of booster do you use? Our kids have no problem with this type:

Cosco Ambassador Belt Positioning Backless Booster

Amazon.com: Cosco Ambassador Belt Positioning Backless Booster: Baby
Amazon.com: Cosco Ambassador Belt Positioning Backless Booster: Baby

bkwtr · 07-24-2009, 07:47 PM

I think my reply didn't go through. I only expected Toyota to make a seat belt buckle strap long enough that occupants cant reach the buckle with the latch. I am not trying to modify or buy anything. Just want the grandkids safe in our new Prius. Toyota obviously did not see this issue..how? I dunno?

) Thanks for help.

07-23-2009, 05:09 PM	#1
bkwtr Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 3 My Car: 2009 Prius Model: N/A Package: #6 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 0	2009 rear seat buckle ineffective? Our 2009 buckles are flipped from the factory but too short to accommodate a childs booster seat and also a center passenger. According to our dealership, Wilde Toyota, it is suppose to be this way. The passenger behind the driver is forced to use the center buckle, and the center passenger is forced to use the behind the driver one. The problem lies in that the buckle straps are too short to crisscross. This creates a safety issue with children, especially using a removeable booster seat. Try getting your hands in there to buckle up or try to unbuckle in case of an emergency! Accidents and fires do happen in all makes of vehicles. The 2010 Prius' rear buckle strap is made longer and not an issue. In touch with Toyota they will not replace nor warrant using the 2010 for our new 2009. I can they said, purchase it and install it myself. Now it arbitration time and the paperwork is on the way to our house. Should such a small issue turn into this huge hassel? Anyone else out there have this problem?

07-23-2009, 06:36 PM	#2
yardman 49 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Northern Kentucky Posts: 523 My Car: 2009 Prius Model: Package: #5 Thanks: 41 Thanked 49 Times in 35 Posts Friends: 0	Re: 2009 rear seat buckle ineffective? I have a 2009 and have had no problem with infant seats in the back, either in the center or sides. But I have yet to try a booster seat.

07-24-2009, 07:47 PM	#4
bkwtr Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 3 My Car: 2009 Prius Model: N/A Package: #6 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 0	Re: 2009 rear seat buckle ineffective? I think my reply didn't go through. I only expected Toyota to make a seat belt buckle strap long enough that occupants cant reach the buckle with the latch. I am not trying to modify or buy anything. Just want the grandkids safe in our new Prius. Toyota obviously did not see this issue..how? I dunno? ) Thanks for help.

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