Seat Belts
If the seat belt does not retract or extend, the seat occupant may not be properly secured in the event of a crash, increasing their risk of injury.
open safety recall on record
If the seat belt does not retract or extend, the seat occupant may not be properly secured in the event of a crash, increasing their risk of injury.
Not usually. NHTSA issues a "do not drive" or "park outside" advisory when a defect is dangerous enough to keep you out of the car — those are flagged Critical above. Everything else should be repaired promptly but is not an immediate stop-driving order.
No. Federal law requires the manufacturer to fix a safety recall free of charge, including parts and labour, whether or not you are the original owner.
Complaints are unverified reports filed by owners. They can prompt an investigation, but many never become recalls — either the fault isn't safety-related or it isn't widespread.