Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (buckles, retractors, anchors and pretensioners).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1997 Ford Explorer owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that a vehicle crashed into the rear of his vehicle and the driver side seat belt failed to restrain. The contact received injuries to the shoulder and neck. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnosis and the failure was located at the driver seat. The dealer advised that the seat was detached from the base and caused the seat belt buckle to fail. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and the current mileage was 100,000. Updated 06/01/11 updated 1/19/2012
I own a 1997 Ford Explorer AWD 5.0 liter. The seat belt latch on the driver's side no longer holds the seat belt in place after I buckle up. In order to drive, I have to insert the seat belt into the latch on the passenger's side. When I do this the seat belt now crosses my neck, and I am very concerned. It also means I cannot safely drive the auto with a passenger because the driver's side seat belt won't work. On a normal latch, I can push down the red release button and can feel the spring action. On my driver's side, there is no spring tension on the red release button.
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 Ford Explorer . The contact stated that the driver side rear seat belt buckle failed. The contact was able to disengage the seat belt without depressing the buckle. The dealer was made aware of the failure and offered no assistance to the contact. The contact does not feel safe having his child's safety restraint seat installed in the rear seat due to the malfunction. The vehicle was neither diagnosed nor repaired. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 223,000 and the current mileage was 224,500.
I was recently in an accident, both airbags did deploy but not the full extent that an airbag should deploy to. That then caused me fall forward upon impact, which then caused my head to strike the windshield of my car. There is a mark I believe on the window proving this, and also I had a headache for 3 days following the accident. My concern is that if I would have been hit harder, my head could have possibly gone threw the window. I hope that you can be able to contact me again involving this matter!! Sincerly, holly k hendrickson
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 Ford Explorer 2 door. The contact stated that while driving various speeds, the driver's side seat belt would become unlatched without warning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnosis where they advised him that the seat belt needed replacing. The mechanic was not able to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure and current mileages were approximately 187,000. The VIN was unavailable.
Tl contact owns a 1997 Ford Explorer. The contact stated the drivers side seat belt locked and she was unable to unlock it. The highway patrol had to cut the seat belt in order for her to get out of it. The manufacturer was notified and stated that there were no related recalls. They also stated that they would not be liable for replacing the seat belt. The failure mileage was 213,000. Updated 10/21/09. Updated 10/20/09
Dt*: the contact stated all 5 seatbelt buckles failed to release properly. The front left and front right buckles failed to release and the belts had to be cut to release the occupants. An independent service dealer replaced the seatbelts. The service dealer and manufacturer were contacted. The consumer stated the seat belts do not disengage. Updated 12/01/06.
Tl*- the contact stated that while attempting to drive the 1997 Ford Explorer with 134800 failure mileage the driver's front seat belt failed. The seat beltwas difficult to buckle and would unlatch while driving . The vehicle has not been taken to a dealer ,and the vehicle had not been repaired. The current mileage was 135000.
Tl contact owns a 1997 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the seat belt on the driver side would not attach. If it did attach, it would release when the contact depressed the brakes. The vehicle had not been inspected or repaired. The current and failure mileages were approximately 160,000.
Driver side seat belt fails to stay latched, or sometimes becomes unlatched with drivers forward body motion (extend line of sight, change radio/climate settings, turn on lights, etc.). As a result, the seat belt is not a reliable safety restraint. I am having problems find a replacement part.
Seat Belt complaints in other Explorer years
Frequently asked questions
How common are seat belt problems on the 1997 Ford Explorer?
NHTSA has 54 complaints about the seat belts of the 1997 Ford Explorer, 3% of the model year's 1,731 complaints. The component named most often is front › buckle assembly (16 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Ford Explorer seat belt problems?
No. NHTSA lists no seat belts recall for the 1997 Ford Explorer, though it has 7 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1997 Ford Explorer seat belt problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 144,000 miles, and 5% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 6 crashes, 0 fires and 6 injuries and 1 death to seat belts problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.