Ford Aerostar seat belt problems

Filed Dec 6, 2014 · Seat belts · 158,000 miles · IN

12/6/2014 @ 18:20 c.s.t. To whom it may concern, (hopefully a supervisor or director) the drivers side seat belt floor clasp fails. I releases the seat belt while driving. After two or three times of re-hooking the seat-belt to the hold down clasp bolted through floor board of the vehicle, it will no longer accept and hold the seat belt in place. This has happened to both of my vehicles, the 1993 occurred at appx. 190,000 miles and when I contacted ford about this safety issue and failure of the seat belt to remain clasped, they simply said, it is an older vehicle and you have to purchase the entire seat belt assembly for over $500.00...[xxx]. This is a safety issue...and ford needs to replace the hold down clasp which is bolted through the floor board free of charge. Labor and part free. If I had been attempting to avoid an accident or was in an accident and that belt let loose, I might be dead. This should never happen. My 1976 ford torino never had this problem, nor the other vehicles referenced, nor any other vehicle I have ever owned. This is a safety and driver safety which needs to be addressed, and no matter the age of the vehicle, it is a safety feature mandated by all states motor vehicle laws to be engaged at all times while driving. If the item is defective by design, and as in my case, it arbitrarily and without notice of its imminent failure, fails with no pressure on it, it needs to be a recalled item. I also suspect that ford is still purchasing from the same supplier and if this is true, then all subsequent seat belt hold down clasps will fail likewise at the 6 - 9 year range, without notice and expose ford to wrongful death suits due to mechanical defects in those seat belt hold down clasps. I am cutting and pasting a copy of this formal complaint so that I have a record of its submission today december 6, 2014 @ 18:20 c.s.t. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Jan 23, 2002 · Seat belts · WA

While driving seat belt latch which locks does not stay locked. While driving, it will come undone. Please provide any further information.

Filed Aug 16, 2001 · Seat belts · CA

Seat belt does not retract properly.

Filed Aug 22, 2000 · Seat belts · OK

Rear passenger middle seat belt will not retract/release to be used. Belt had become jammed in retractor. Taking vehicle to dealer & mechanic will try to repair problem.

Filed Jul 31, 2000 · Seat belts · CA

Front passenger's side seat belt doesn't lock. Consumer isn't able to be restrained which makes it inconvenient. Dealer said consumer was responsible. Didn't have a reason why it happened.

Filed Feb 25, 2000 · Airbags, Seat belts · FL

Front seatbelt malfunctioned, causing the seatbelt not to retract, which won't protect the occupant in event of a crash. Also, airbag light came on, indicating a problem with the air bag system. Ford/dealer have refused to cover the repair of either mechanism. *ak

Filed Oct 8, 1999 · Seat belts · WA

Driver's side seat belt latching mechanism fails to work properly. Also, whenever the brakes are applied & driver leans forward a bit, the belt buckle would become unlatched, by itself. Driver has buckle part by benedix. Have been to dealer.

Filed Aug 12, 1999 · Seat belts · PA

The release button on the seat belt buckle in the rear middle seat would not release the seat belt. Owner used pliers to pull the belt out of the buckle. Please provide any further details.

Filed Jul 21, 1999 · Seat belts · NY

Driver's seat belt does not retract back into the retracting mechanism, cause unknown. Please give any further details.

Filed Jan 28, 1999 · Seat belts · WA

Seat belt will not latch or stay latched. Sometime comes unlatched while driving. Contacted dealer's service department. Didn't seem to be interested in problem. Transfered me to parts. I feel this is a safety problem which needs to be looked into.