1997 Ford F-150 Seat belts Problems
- Complaints
- 38about this part
- Share
- 1%of 2,758 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 100,164miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 38 complaints about the seat belts of the 1997 Ford F-150, 1% of the 2,758 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 100,164 miles. 11 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I was on my way to work the morning before thanksgiving. I shifted from 2nd to 3rd gear and the back tires hit a patch of water and I started fishtailing. I went off the road and hit a patch of oak trees. One head on. On impact, the seatbelt did not retract and I hit the steering wheel, the dash broke apart and the entire steering column moved with me and I hit the windshield. After hitting the windshield, then the airbag deployed. When the dash broke apart from the steering column moving, it cut my shin which required stitches. …”
NHTSA complaint #11297409, filed 2020-01, 104,000 miles“1997 Ford f 150 pick up, 4x4 extended cab driver's seat nylon fabric is worn and frayed. I called local Ford dealership and they said this was my responsibility to replace. I have never seen a seat belt get frayed and worn out in such a manner. I have 18 years as a fire fighter and have cut dozens of people out out cars and never come across a worn out seat belt before. If this belt fails in a crash it could lead to serious injury or death. I will get it replaced but I thinks this is a manufacture defect not operator's responsibilty.”
NHTSA complaint #10120168, filed 2005-05, 198,000 miles“Hood pops unlocked while driving.seat belts on front seats do not retract fully when unbuckled, hang on floor between seat and door. Upon opening of door, the loose belt loop falls past the door seal area and upon door closure becomes lodged between door and jamb. When vehicle re-entry is made by driver or passenger, and belt is put on, a false tension is achieved by door jamb seal. This leaves up to 10 to 14 inches of loose belt that feels like it is actually tensioned as to protect the occupant. …”
NHTSA complaint #10025664, filed 2003-07, 98,000 miles“The seatbelt is not child safe. My daughter took the seatbelt and wrapped it around her neck and it locked up disabling us from removing the belt from her neck. My husband was forced to cut the belt to save our daughter's life.”
NHTSA complaint #759131, filed 2002-03“I feel that your seat belt law is a joke if I was to die because I get trapped inside my vehicle because the law makes me wear a seat belt will my wife be able to sue the goverment because they are the ones forcing us to wear seat belts.”
NHTSA complaint #736930, filed 2000-11Related recalls
- 96V256000Dec 27, 1996The seat elt anchorage attachments are missing or misinstalled on these vehicles.Covers: Ford F-150 1997
Seat belts: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 3 | 2% |
| 2023 | 2 | 0% |
| 2022 | 2 | 0% |
| 2021 | 5 | 0% |
| 2020 | 3 | 0% |
| 2019 | 4 | 0% |
| 2018 | 16 | 1% |
| 2017 | 17 | 1% |
| 2016 | 14 | 1% |
| 2015 | 26 | 1% |
| 2014 | 9 | 1% |
| 2013 | 7 | 0% |
| 2012 | 3 | 0% |
| 2011 | 8 | 0% |
| 2010 | 8 | 1% |
| 2009 | 3 | 1% |
| 2008 | 11 | 3% |
| 2007 | 6 | 1% |
| 2006 | 7 | 1% |
| 2005 | 20 | 2% |
| 2004 | 17 | 1% |
| 2003 | 16 | 4% |
| 2002 | 50 | 6% |
| 2001 | 78 | 6% |
| 2000 | 15 | 1% |
| 1999 | 25 | 2% |
| 1998 | 13 | 1% |
| 1997 | 38 | 1% |
| 1996 | 3 | 1% |
| 1995 | 6 | 1% |
| 1994 | 9 | 1% |
| 1993 | 6 | 1% |
| 1992 | 5 | 1% |
| 1991 | 3 | 1% |
| 1990 | 1 | 0% |
| 1989 | 2 | 1% |
| 1988 | 9 | 6% |
| 1987 | 3 | 3% |
| 1986 | 6 | 10% |
| 1985 | 1 | 4% |
| 1984 | 2 | 13% |
Other parts of the 1997 Ford F-150
529 complaintsTires
305 complaintsFuel system
246 complaintsBrakes
233 complaintsBody and structure
226 complaintsVehicle speed control
223 complaintsSuspension
204 complaintsSteering
202 complaintsElectrical system
198 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
151 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
148 complaintsWheels
115 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 Ford F-150
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