JK Rear Seat Belt Issue

[Willys Girl]

Have any of you had an issue with the rear seat belts in a 2008 JK locking up on your passengers?  I went to Big 4 last year when a friend of mine had an issue with the belt in my back seat and they charged me $50 to look at it just to say it was functioning just fine and then I went again just last week after being out for a couple of weeks 4X4ing for the first time topless and doorless (had an absolute blast and can't wait to go again) and had several people complain about those seat belts again but this time after the 'diagnosis' by the mechanic I wanted to talk to the service manager and request this issue be resolved.  Now he said they were fine too but he explained that if you put it on and pull it out too far it causes it to retract and lock up then proceeded to charge me for his time.  Then I went in to parts to pick up something I had ordered earlier and told the guy about this issue and what these guys had said and he said that they sell extensions by the dozen to correct this issue because apparently the rear seat belts are too short.  Well, I've researched this on the internet and have found a couple of references to this issue but by people in Ontario and they get these extensions for free.  I priced these out at the dealership and they charge $55 a piece.  I want to send an email to Chrysler and complain about this but just needed to ask  the 'jeepers' for some input and you guys really know your stuff.  I read alot of your posts to see what kind of issues you guys have and how you fix them as I know "Willy" will be needing some mods soon enough now that he's old enough (almost 4) to go out and play.

[w squared]

The seat belts are designed that way to allow car seats to be secured back there for children. Could they be longer? Sure. Would I consider it a defect in the JK design? No.

I've got an '08 as well, and none of my passengers have complained. That doesn't make your problem any less real, but I hope it sheds some light.

As far as dealers go, giving out those extensions for free as a matter of policy would be a decision the owner would have to make. I'm certain that the dealer does have to pay something for the seatbelt extension...but I'm pretty sure it's not $55. I'd wager that the only way that you can push the dealer into giving you free extensions is to show them a recall notice or TSB indicating that Chrysler has recognized this as an issue with the JK. As far as charging you to check something out and say "it's fine"...that seems par for the course for dealers in Calgary. That's part of why so many of us help each other diagnosing our jeep issues.

[jkrubi]

As well make sure they are retracting all the way. I know if mine do not and they get hanged up they will do what you described. Driver, passenger, and the rear ones in my 2 dr. It seems to be the way they are designed. When it does it again check that. It does not take much to make it stick out just a bit.
Hope that helps you