1997 Ford Explorer seats problems

Filed Aug 30, 2017 · Acceleration, Seat belts · 285,000 miles · CA

The drivers side seatbelt will not engage to the lock position.

Filed Mar 26, 2013 · Seats · 120,000 miles · FL

Tl* the contact owns a 1997 ford explorer. The contact stated that the driver and passenger seat bolts fractured and caused the seats to separate from the frame. The bolts were replaced several times; however the failure was not corrected. The manufacturer advised that the vehicle was not included in the federal safety agency campaign id number 03v281000 (seats). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 120,000 and the current mileage as 330,000.

Filed Apr 27, 2011 · Seat belts, Seats · 100,000 miles · AK · crash · 1 injury

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*lj updated 1/19/2012 *ln

Filed Apr 3, 2007 · Seats · 103,000 miles · GA · fire

My 1997 ford explorer was parked outside a local restaurant when I was alerted that the interior of my vehicle was on fire and that the fire department had been called. Black smoke was pouring out of the slightly opened windows when I approached the SUV and ultimately put the fire out with a fire extinguisher. Closer examination indicated that the source of the fire came from under the drivers side seat. One of the firemen on the scene speculated that the motor that controls the power seat overheated and started the fire. My first call was to ford motor company. Their response was that they would send me a letter in the mail. This letter came a week later and explained that although they would really like to assist me with my loss , there was not a recall on my vehicle, so they would not be able to assist me. My insurance company took care of me and hopefully they will also "take care of ford" to recoup their loss . I am fortunate that a young child or one of our family pets were not in the car. Any thoughts I may have had about buying another ford have been replaced with thoughts about there customer dis-service and the lack of concern over a potentially deadly problem with one of their best selling SUV's.

Filed Mar 18, 2004 · Seats · 90,000 miles · GA

While vehicle was parked consumer was trying to recline/adjust the seat. The seat reclining handle snapped. Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem.

Filed Jan 6, 2004 · Engine, Locks · 85,000 miles · DE

Rear doors won't open from inside and it is not the child deterrent lever on door, heating system overrides A/C heater sometimes dosen't work. Recline lever broke off.

Filed Dec 10, 2003 · Seats · 76,000 miles · NJ

The consumer noticed the driver side seat back reclined backwards after opening the driver's side door. Prior to this incident, the consumer had informed the dealership that the seat was loose and rocked. The dealer provided no assistance. Recall 03v281000 was issued for the high back seat, however, this vehicle was not included in recall due to the vehicle identification number. *ak *scc

Filed Sep 24, 2003 · Seats · MI

While driving driver's seat back fell, causing the vehicle to veer across the road.

Filed Sep 12, 2003 · Seats · OR

The federal safety agency# 03-v-281-000 on certain sport utility vehicles equipped with high back seats, the upper bolt on the driver's side high back seat, that attaches the seat recliner mechanism to the seat back frame, could fracture. The consumer has the same problem.

Filed Jan 31, 2003 · Seats · 38,000 miles · NJ

Seat recliner levers break off. Back seat passenger(s) must climb over seat to enter or exit. If there was an emergency rear seat passengers would have difficulty exiting vehicle. The cheap metal part that fractured is attached to a $70.00 part that with labor would be $240.00 for both driver and passeenger repair. This is more than inconvenience.