1996 Ford Ranger Seat belts Problems
- Complaints
- 26about this part
- Share
- 6%of 413 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 126,880miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 26 complaints about the seat belts of the 1996 Ford Ranger, 6% of the 413 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 126,880 miles. 5 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.
“I bought this Ford Ranger as a used car about a month and a half ago. The seat belt will not latch into buckle. I am using the passengers side buckle for now. I am afraid I will strangle myself in case of an accident. I just want a replacement part and need to know if this part was recalled so I can go to the dealership and have them fix it.”
NHTSA complaint #10504677, filed 2013-03, 212,000 miles“When I put my driverside seat belt into the buckle it will not latch. I went to classic Ford at 7799 mentor ave, mentor, oh and they said it was out of warrenty and Ford would not cover it. They wanted to charge me to replace it. Approx. $100. I currently use the female end of the middle passenger seat belt.”
NHTSA complaint #10144124, filed 2005-12, 137,000 miles“On my 1996 Ford Ranger pickup truck the driver side seat belt buckle has failed. The seat belt latch inserts into the buckle, but does not catch. I am currently using the center seat buckle for the driver side seat belt until I get it repaired.”
NHTSA complaint #10126052, filed 2005-06, 80,000 miles“It took several attempts to get the drivers seat belt to latch. Shortly after the seat belt came unlatched as I was driving. After that the belt won't stay latched.”
NHTSA complaint #10631361, filed 2014-09, 135,760 miles“Driver side seat belt released without warning, would not reconnect. Purchased a new one and installed it myself. Notified Ford motor co., no response.”
NHTSA complaint #10161789, filed 2006-07, 91,925 milesSeat belts: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 1 | 3% |
| 2020 | 6 | 5% |
| 2019 | 7 | 3% |
| 2010 | 1 | 1% |
| 2008 | 1 | 0% |
| 2006 | 1 | 0% |
| 2005 | 1 | 0% |
| 2004 | 3 | 1% |
| 2003 | 9 | 4% |
| 2002 | 16 | 5% |
| 2001 | 45 | 9% |
| 2000 | 23 | 3% |
| 1999 | 12 | 2% |
| 1998 | 13 | 2% |
| 1997 | 9 | 2% |
| 1996 | 26 | 6% |
| 1995 | 17 | 5% |
| 1994 | 11 | 3% |
| 1993 | 7 | 3% |
| 1992 | 2 | 1% |
| 1991 | 3 | 2% |
| 1990 | 3 | 3% |
| 1989 | 3 | 4% |
| 1988 | 9 | 10% |
| 1987 | 8 | 16% |
| 1986 | 7 | 20% |
| 1984 | 1 | 8% |
| 1983 | 1 | 9% |
Other parts of the 1996 Ford Ranger
69 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
52 complaintsTires
41 complaintsElectrical system
38 complaintsFuel system
35 complaintsVehicle speed control
34 complaintsEngine cooling
31 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
28 complaintsAir bags
25 complaintsSuspension
21 complaintsExterior lighting
17 complaintsSteering
17 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1996 Ford Ranger
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