1998 Ford Ranger Seat belts Problems
- Complaints
- 13about this part
- Share
- 2%of 576 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 178,750miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 13 complaints about the seat belts of the 1998 Ford Ranger, 2% of the 576 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 178,750 miles. 4 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.
“The Ford Ranger lost traction and slid on the ice. The seat belt did not lock on impact and the air bags did not deploy. My child hit the steering wheel with her head. This is the second accident in our 1998 Ford Ranger that the seat belt did not lock.”
NHTSA complaint #10180604, filed 2007-01“The contact owned a 1998 Ford Ranger. While driving 35 MPH, the driver lost control of the vehicle and crashed into two other vehicles. The driver was ejected out of the rear window and was fatally injured. The vehicle was inspected by a police officer, who determined that the failure was caused by the safety belt being separated. The cause of the separation was caused by the seat hinge failing, which cut the safety belt. The contact is in the process of notifying the manufacturer. The failure mileage was 197,500. Updated 02/24/09. Updated 02/25/09.”
NHTSA complaint #10256868, filed 2009-01, 197,500 miles“The front middle seatbelt malfunctions when the occupant moves to the right and seatbelt adjuster slides down, which will not protect the occupant in accident. Also the torsion bar rubs against the brake line, causing a hole in the brake line, resulting in brake loss.”
NHTSA complaint #826324, filed 1998-08“Left front wheel became unattached from the vehicle while it was traveling on expressway resulting in loss of control and an accident. Seat belt also became disconnected at the time of impact. Nlm”
NHTSA complaint #546480, filed 1999-06“Due to a chain reaction another vehicle hit consumer's vehicle. Upon impact, driver's side airbag didn't deploy. Also, driver's shoulder seat belt didn't lock up.”
NHTSA complaint #860184, filed 2000-04Seat 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 1998 Ford Ranger
136 complaintsVehicle speed control
71 complaintsBrakes
60 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
60 complaintsSuspension
52 complaintsEngine cooling
51 complaintsBody and structure
45 complaintsAir bags
32 complaintsElectrical system
29 complaintsInterior lighting
19 complaintsOther or unknown
19 complaintsSteering
19 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1998 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