1997 Saturn SL seat belts problems

The saturn was struck from the rear in the merge lane while preparing to merge into traffic. The seat belt failed to function resulting in driver striking the steering wheel with her face. Lacerations, stitches, broken nose resulted. Passenger seat belt functioned properly.

The front side passenger seat/shoulder belt system would not retract or release on my 1997 saturn 4-door sedan. I was told by the dealer that the retractor had "frozen" & I needed a whole new seat belt replacement. Although there has been a recall of the '97 saturn seat belts for retractor doing the same thing in the 2 dr coupe model; I was told my model was not covered in the recall. The car has never been in a major accident and rarely does the passenger front seat have an occupant.