1997 Ford Ranger Seats Problems

“I was leaving the parking lot of the grocery store I had been shopping at, and the drivers side reclining seat latch assembly that controls the angle of, and locks the back of the seat into position, gave way and the back of the seat collapsed backwards causing me to go backwards as well. Fortunately I was able to stop my vehicle without causing a collision or injury. The vehicle is now at home, and with internet research it seems that the reclining seat latch assembly has been a weak point with Ford Ranger trucks and Ford explorer SUV vehicles for years. …”

“My father was rear-ended at 55-65mph. As a result of the accident, my father's seat broke causing his seat to fly backwards and thus, his head to crashed through the back window of his pickup truck. My concern is that this seat should have withstood this kind of impact. Because of the seat breaking, my father has sustained numerous lacerations to his face and neck, and massive neck injuries. My father's injuries would not have been so severe if the seat withstood the impact. My father was wearing his seatbelt at the time of the accident. …”

“I entered the vehicle and sat in the drivers seat. As I was about to drive, the seatback collapsed into the rear, and would not relatched I have an extended cap so the seat fell all the way back to the rear floor and would not stay upright. I took it to the dealer and they stated the frame of the seat broke and that I need a new seat. I am waiting for an estimated cost from them. They also state this is not covered by the extnded warranty. I am unable to drive the vehicle until this is fixed. I only weight 170 lbs so I dont give the seat any unusual amount of stress.”

“The contact owns a 1997 Ford Ranger. While driving approximately 65 MPH on normal road conditions, the check engine warning indicator illuminated on the instrument panel. The indicator remained lit until the engine was turned off. When the speed was reduced, the contact heard a loud noise coming from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for diagnostic testing, but they were unable to duplicate the failure. On a separate occasion, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to a transmission shop for inspection and the transmission was re-built replaced. …”

“A metal plate/bar which helped to support head restraint on driver's seat would hit back of driver's head, and could lead to head injury if involved in a crash. Dealer notified, and informed consumer that it was a design flaw. Manufacturer informed that vehicle was out of is warranty, and unwilling to assist in this matter. Feel free to provide any further information.”