1997 Ford Econoline Seat belts Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 9%of 79 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the seat belts of the 1997 Ford Econoline, 9% of the 79 complaints for this model year. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Was traveling approximately 25mph when another vehicle suddenly rearended Econoline 250. The driver's & passenger's seat belts failed to restrain occupants, resulting in injuries. Driver was taken to emergency room for treatment.”
NHTSA complaint #828847, filed 1998-10“When putting seat belt on it is not close to body, and seat belt is loose. If consumer leans forward seat belt will not catch, and belt does not adjust to body. Please add VIN .”
NHTSA complaint #6900707, filed 2001-12“Vehicle loses of power in cold weather. Also, driver's seat belt fails to retract properly after using it. Has to pull it back and forth to get it to retract. Dealer notified.”
NHTSA complaint #859046, filed 2000-03“Belt buckle too long & can not lock properly. Buckle stock comes to middle of driver's stomach. This causes shoulder belt to pull lap belt over stomach area & not rest on lap properly.”
NHTSA complaint #825343, filed 1998-07“Seat belts do not tighten up on driver. A lot of slack in the belts. Has to hand feed them inorder for them to tighten. Dealer replaced the belts, and the problem still exists.”
NHTSA complaint #827566, filed 1998-09Seat belts: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2000 | 1 | 3% |
| 1999 | 3 | 4% |
| 1997 | 7 | 9% |
| 1996 | 1 | 1% |
| 1995 | 1 | 1% |
| 1994 | 9 | 7% |
| 1993 | 1 | 2% |
| 1992 | 1 | 1% |
| 1991 | 1 | 4% |
| 1989 | 1 | 3% |
| 1988 | 2 | 9% |
Other parts of the 1997 Ford Econoline
20 complaintsTires
13 complaintsEngine cooling
11 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
9 complaintsVehicle speed control
7 complaintsSuspension
5 complaintsSteering
4 complaintsElectrical system
3 complaintsFuel system
3 complaintsSeats
3 complaintsBody and structure
3 complaintsAir bags
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 Ford Econoline
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology