1996 Ford Explorer seat belts problems
78 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the seat belts on the 1996 Ford Explorer — 5% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“While stationary and preparing to safely operate the vehicle, the driver's side seat belt receptacle does not retain the seat belt. It may hold for a brief moment, but then releases the belt rendering the seat belt system ineffective and unsafe.”
filed Sep 14, 2020
“Tl* the contact owns a 1996 ford explorer. The contact stated that the passenger side seat belt was jammed and would not unlatch. As a result, the contact had to cut the seat belt. Jim hudson ford (1201 w main st, lexington, sc) was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was…”
filed Feb 5, 2018
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Seat Belts problems in other Explorer years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 Explorer | 1 | 5% |
| 2025 Explorer | 1 | 1% |
| 2024 Explorer | 1 | 5% |
| 2023 Explorer | 5 | 5% |
| 2022 Explorer | 5 | 2% |
| 2021 Explorer | 3 | 1% |
| 2020 Explorer | 17 | 1% |
| 2019 Explorer | 1 | 0% |
| 2018 Explorer | 7 | 1% |
| 2017 Explorer | 21 | 1% |
| 2016 Explorer | 40 | 2% |
| 2015 Explorer | 37 | 2% |
Other reported problem areas on the 1996 Ford Explorer
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.