my retractors don't seem to be strong enough to pull the seat belts back up. It's my first GM car, is this normal?

 

yep. every gm car I have had. My wifes honda same vintage no problems.

 

Bring it to dealer if you have warranty. Its not supossed to do that. Both my cobalts they retract very well... my integra...well it doesnt have one that i know of as its been broken forever.

 

They have to fix seat belts no matter what. Even without warranty. It's federal law that they have to fix/replace seat belts for free. I know a couple of guys that had 3rd gen Preludes (1988-1991) that had non-retracting drivers seatbelts and the dealership had to legally replace them. They waited 2 months to get one because they haven't made parts for those cars in ages.

They'll most likely try and fix it without replacing it first, like cleaning the retractor / belt and see if it helps.

 

Hmmm, gonna have to check into that when I get my steering motor recall done, kinda pisses me of when I have to "help" the belt back into the retractor but I have my doubts.
The third gen Preludes (and a few others) had a recall on the seatbelt tensioners, would expect that is what applied in the example you gave.

Sure worth asking though

 

I believe you should speak with your dealership as well. Although I can’t diagnose anything over the internet, that doesn’t appear to be normal!

Laura
Chevrolet Customer Service