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10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
2 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
2 / 0
Average Mileage:
113,206 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

1996 Ford Explorer seat belts / air bags problems

seat belts / air bags problem

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1996 Ford Explorer Owner Comments (Page 1 of 2)

problem #26

Sep 142020

Explorer

  • 59,850 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

While stationary and preparing to safely operate the vehicle, the driver's side seat belt receptacle does not retain the seat belt. It may hold for a brief moment, but then releases the belt rendering the seat belt system ineffective and unsafe.

- Hampton, VA, USA

problem #25

Jan 222018

Explorer

  • 672,000 miles
The contact owns a 1996 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the passenger side seat belt was jammed and would not unlatch. As a result, the contact had to cut the seat belt. Jim hudson Ford (1201 w main St, lexington, SC) was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was approximately 672,000.

- Leesville, SC, USA

problem #24

Dec 032015

Explorer

  • 182,000 miles
The drivers seatbelt will not remain latched. I will be driving along when all of a sudden the seatbelt will release for no reason. It does it no matter if you are driving, sitting still or whatever. This has been happening since last month and it is getting worse.

- Huber Heights, OH, USA

problem #23

Jan 302014

Explorer

  • 151,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 1996 Ford Explorer. The contact stated the drivers seat belt failed. The vehicle was not taken for inspection or diagnosis. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 151,000.

- Moorpark, CA, USA

problem #22

Jan 012012

Explorer

  • 130,000 miles
Driver-side front seat belt will not stay connected. Door locks broken (will not lock), and lock key works in the door locks sporadically. In addition, driver-side exterior door handle recently (1/15/2114) will not open door.

- Concord, CA, USA

problem #21

Mar 012013

Explorer 6-cyl

  • 200,000 miles
Drivers side seat belt no longer latches. Release button does not return to normal position.

- Kensington, MD, USA

problem #20

Aug 312012

Explorer 8-cyl

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

My driver's side seat buckle stopped latching.

- Upland, CA, USA

problem #19

Dec 122012

Explorer

  • miles
The driver side seat belt no longer locks. The car has never been in accident and I feel that this problem needs to be addressed as I am not the only one with this problem.

- Carmichael, CA, USA

problem #18

Feb 012012

Explorer 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 140,000 miles
The contact owns a 1996 Ford Explorer Sport. The contact stated that the driver side seat belt clasp could not be secured. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who advised that the seat belt needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure who did not offer any assistance since there were no recalls related to the failure. The failure and current mileage was 140,000. Updated 6/4/12

- Greensboro, NC, USA

problem #17

Mar 012011

Explorer 6-cyl

  • miles
The seat belt just started popping out of the receiver on the drivers seat belt. And I have tried many things to fix it.. I guess im going to have to replace the part. It causes me to swerve on the road when it came off during driving.. very dangerous!!!

- Midland , TX, USA

problem #16

Sep 262011

Explorer 6-cyl

  • 222,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Drivers side seat belt receiver does not clasp seat belt. We are taking the vehicle to a local shop to replace the receiver at $100 for the part plus labor. A seat belt receiver should be built to last normal driving conditions. This vehicle has not been in any kind of accident. The driver's side seat collapsed in the recline position on 8/24/2011, fortunately this occurred when the vehicle was not in motion. The recline mechanism does not work, and the seat does not stay upright. These two items are definitely safety issues.

- Wauna, WA, USA

problem #15

Sep 102011

Explorer 4WD 6-cyl

  • miles
I had a accident on Sept 10 2011. I had my seat belt on when I crashed but it didn't catch and actually came undone. The deputy investigating also noticed that the sea tbelt would not even catch into the receiving part of the seat belt anymore. This is a real safety matter.

- Belington, WV, USA

problem #14

Aug 042011

Explorer

  • 143,000 miles
The contact owns a 1996 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the seat belt suddenly became unlatched without force or assistance and he was unable to relatch the belt. The dealer did not offer any assistance and the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic who inspected the vehicle and informed the contact that the latch assmebley needed to be replaced. No repairs were performed. The current and failure mileages were 143,000.

- Tallahasse, FL, USA

problem #13

Jun 032011

Explorer

  • 195,000 miles
The driver's seat belt has failed. The female part of the seat belt will not latch to the male section. The internal spring has broke. Dealership will not replace for free.

- Pottsboro, TX, USA

problem #12

Oct 182010

Explorer

  • 96,500 miles
While driving, driver side seatbelt buckle released seatbelt due to failure of locking mechanism. This was entirely spontaneous and potentially deadly if it occurred during a traffic accident. The repair is still pending due to costs and delays as well as response from Ford Motor Company.

- Hampton Bays, NY, USA

problem #11

Sep 102010

Explorer

  • 160,000 miles
The seat belt rather suddenly quit working on the drivers side. I think the spring is broken and I am using the passenger seat belt assembly. I did nothing to cause this failure.

- Santa Monica, CA, USA

problem #10

Apr 052010

Explorer

  • 120,000 miles
Driver seat belt broken; does not stay latched.

- Hayward, CA, USA

problem #9

Nov 032008

Explorer

  • 190,000 miles
Drivers seat belt buckle failure.

- Lakewood, CA, USA

problem #8

May 102008

Explorer

  • 162,000 miles
Drivers side seat belt latch will not engage. Very unsafe!

- Matthews, NC, USA

problem #7

Apr 302008

Explorer

  • miles
I have a '96 Ford Explorer. The driver side seat belt buckle fails to lock in the seat belt. This safety device should last longer than the vehicle itself.

- Herndon, VA, USA

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