1998 Ford Explorer Sport Seat belts Problems
- Complaints
- 2about this part
- Share
- 2%of 121 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 110,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 2 complaints about the seat belts of the 1998 Ford Explorer Sport, 2% of the 121 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 110,000 miles. 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.
“I was in an automobile accident 12/2003 my seat belt did not restrain me, I was the passenger in my 1998 Ford Explorer Sport. The car ran into a telephone pole. At the time of impact both air bags went off. At impact I flew up from my seat, didn't touch the air bag but I hit the overhead console with my face. I broke the overhead console, rear view mirror, stereo, two air vents, and the counsel between the front seats. The results from my seat belt not working was 50 plus stitches to my forehead and nose, and a closed head injury. …”
NHTSA complaint #10165782, filed 2006-08, 110,000 miles“I spoke with 3 other mothers that have 1998 explorer and on each the middle seat belt won't work, I have three little grandchildren, and because of the problem I could not take all three anywhere. They could not seat up front. Why do 4 out of 4 1998 explorers have the same problem? At first I thought I would just order a new one, but I didn't have the $80.00 for part and installation. Upon talking to these other explorer owners I really felt that inferior belt buckles were used. My dad was a Ford man and we were Ford people. Please help.”
NHTSA complaint #10190578, filed 2007-05Seat belts: other model years
Other parts of the 1998 Ford Explorer Sport
33 complaintsElectrical system
18 complaintsSeats
14 complaintsEngine cooling
12 complaintsVehicle speed control
12 complaintsTires
11 complaintsEquipment
8 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
7 complaintsBrakes
5 complaintsBody and structure
5 complaintsExterior lighting
3 complaintsFuel system
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1998 Ford Explorer Sport
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