1997 Ford Ranger Seat belts Problems
- Complaints
- 9about this part
- Share
- 2%of 411 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 96,122miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the seat belts of the 1997 Ford Ranger, 2% of the 411 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 96,122 miles. 2 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.
“While attempting to buckle seat belt, buckle latch did not lock firmly. Further investigation revealed that the latch would disengage with a light tug. There appear to be broken parts or foreign objects in the mechanism preventing proper function. Due to the manner of construction, the actual cause of the defect is not readily visible.”
NHTSA complaint #10238501, filed 2008-08, 303,600 miles“Air bags.. Deflating, unserviceable, demand useless, only on passenger side, drivers side dislodged horn fuel/propulsion.. With fuel tank filled, first half(1/2) tank having excessive fuel consumed. Second (1/2) of fuel consumed at owners manual specifications of city and highway miles per gallon. Throttle pedal stiff, sticks, after normal daily warm up, extra foot pressure needed to dislodge pedal and cable, real sluggish as if not receiving enough fuel to injectors, even after regular maintenance completed.. Seat belts.. …”
NHTSA complaint #10725116, filed 2015-06, 106,243 miles“The contact stated the driver's seat belt buckle became disengaged on a frequent basis. The contact checked for debris and dirt in the buckle and stated there was none. The service dealer determined the contact would need to buy a new seat belt, which were not available for purchase. The consumer stated the pressure spring assemblt becomes weak over a period of time. Updated 12/28/06.”
NHTSA complaint #10174723, filed 2006-11, 72,000 miles“While driving 45 MPH consumer's vehicle hit another vehicle . Upon impact, both seatbelts failed, resulting in injuries; broken rib/ neck injury, cuts, and bruises. Driver hit steering wheel while passenger hit windshield. Front impact, vehicle was totalled.”
NHTSA complaint #896352, filed 2001-09“Was driving vehicle at 35mph and side swiped a fence near an embankment. Driver's side seat belt broke , and failed to restrain driver. This caused driver to lurch sideways. The driver side seat belt was replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #887731, filed 2001-05Seat 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 1997 Ford Ranger
67 complaintsTires
57 complaintsBrakes
44 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
42 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
36 complaintsInterior lighting
34 complaintsElectrical system
28 complaintsBody and structure
25 complaintsSuspension
25 complaintsVehicle speed control
23 complaintsAir bags
22 complaintsSteering
21 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 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