1996 Ford Explorer Seat belts Problems
- Complaints
- 78about this part
- Share
- 5%of 1,450 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 135,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 78 complaints about the seat belts of the 1996 Ford Explorer, 5% of the 1,450 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 135,000 miles. 7 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10359059, filed 2010-10, 160,000 miles“I can't latch the driver seat belt buckle. The red buckle release button doesn't spring when inserting the buckle nor when I push it as I would to release a buckle. This occurrence was sudden, with no prior warning of possible failure. Until I can replace (or repair) the failed equipment, I need to latch the drivers seat belt into the front passenger belt latch. This action of pulling my seat belt to the passenger belt latch results in my neck being rubbed by my upper chest belt, which is aggravating.”
NHTSA complaint #10187873, filed 2007-04, 174,302 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.”
NHTSA complaint #10808392, filed 2015-12, 182,000 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.”
NHTSA complaint #10562244, filed 2014-01, 130,000 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.”
NHTSA complaint #10361573, filed 2010-10, 96,500 milesSeat belts: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 2% |
| 2025 | 1 | 1% |
| 2024 | 1 | 5% |
| 2023 | 5 | 4% |
| 2022 | 5 | 2% |
| 2021 | 3 | 1% |
| 2020 | 18 | 1% |
| 2019 | 1 | 0% |
| 2018 | 8 | 1% |
| 2017 | 23 | 1% |
| 2016 | 40 | 2% |
| 2015 | 38 | 2% |
| 2014 | 28 | 2% |
| 2013 | 20 | 1% |
| 2012 | 14 | 2% |
| 2011 | 14 | 1% |
| 2010 | 1 | 1% |
| 2009 | 2 | 6% |
| 2008 | 4 | 3% |
| 2007 | 1 | 0% |
| 2006 | 6 | 1% |
| 2005 | 2 | 0% |
| 2004 | 7 | 1% |
| 2003 | 17 | 2% |
| 2002 | 34 | 1% |
| 2001 | 11 | 3% |
| 2000 | 16 | 2% |
| 1999 | 21 | 2% |
| 1998 | 38 | 2% |
| 1997 | 54 | 3% |
| 1996 | 78 | 5% |
| 1995 | 59 | 7% |
| 1994 | 13 | 1% |
| 1993 | 13 | 1% |
| 1992 | 24 | 4% |
| 1991 | 26 | 4% |
Other parts of the 1996 Ford Explorer
570 complaintsVehicle speed control
148 complaintsBrakes
132 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
120 complaintsSuspension
97 complaintsEngine cooling
81 complaintsBody and structure
63 complaintsElectrical system
47 complaintsSteering
47 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
47 complaintsAir bags
41 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
34 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1996 Ford Explorer
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