Rear Seat Buckling Problems in the 2010 Prius?

[gtonnell]

I have two small child booster seats in the rear of my new 2010 Prius. I have a very difficult time fastening the seat belts because the catch recedes down into the seat making it next to impossible to connect. Our last car, a 2006 Prius, did not have that problem -- even our two grandchildren (8 and 5) could fasten their belts by themselves. Now, they can't and we spend minutes leaning over and trying to fasten the belts for them. Does anyone have a solution -- or is this just a design flaw on the 2010 Prius?

P. S. In an attempt to solve the problem, I stuffed two to three rolled up socks down under the seat belt catch in an effort to prop them up.

[Blind Guy]

VERY astute perception.

I have had this same situation in our car, often when we take friends, the gals ride in the front and us guys ride in the rear. One of our friends who rides in the back with me is heavy set (probably 265-275lbs.) and he is never able to fasten his belt, I have to fasten it for him, and often I struggle, wondering if it can be done.

It's NOT because of his girth, but rather, because the belt itself is too short and when attempting to plug the blade into the socket, the entire socket assembly pushes into the seat, there's simply NOT enough of the socket assembly to grasp and hold on to while plugging the blade into it.

I hear you, it's a bear! I'm glad you brought this up, can't believe I or no one else has mentioned this before.

THANKS!

David (aka Blind Guy)

[hnfleming]

I have the same problem with the booster seats. A lot of frustration in a child makes for a lot of stress in mommy! Did the rolled up socks solve it? If not, any other ideas?

[mr_slavi]

Same problem here,my wife complains every time when she buckles the kid in his buster seat.

[Mystic]

Same trouble here. Although I find the driver's side worse than the passenger side. That's the side with the two buckles, what a PITA it is to get one buckles when the booster seat was there. I had to move the booster to the other side so my son can get it buckled himself.

Michael

[SFguy2009]

I am glad someone made a post for this problem. My wife has been complaining about this when we first got the car. Fortunately my daughter have managed to get a hang of it, although occasionally she had a tough time when we were in a rush. When the center armrest/cupholder console is down, it is especially much harder. I am trying to find something to prop that part of the seatbelt receptor without damaging the leather seating. That socks idea is crude, but I might just try that ...lol

[MUPAUL]

My four year old had a problem at first. But she got it after a week or so and now only needs help if the center console is down. They sure are down far and soft, however.

[vxn401]

+1 on the problem.
Not only can my kids no longer buckle themselves in their bosters (like the last car), but I find it very hard to buckle them in myself when I lean back there. One booster is hard enough, but I dread putting in two bosters and an 8-year in the back. At first I though it was the angle that I was trying to insert the buckle, but the buckle just sinks into the seat no matter what angle I try.

[mgb4tim]

my 7 year-old daughter who usually gets aggravated with these types of things, has had little problem with ours. I guess I got lucky.

[Xanadu]

I just got my Prius on MOnday, and my 5 year-old cannot buckle himself in. He sits on the driver's side. When I finally give up on trying to coach him into how to do it, I too, have trouble trying to do it myself. I will try the sock thing, but really feel the solution should come from Toyota- This is a brand new car! I will write a letter, and suggest you all do the same. Maybe WE can get something done.