general problems of the 2001 Ford Explorer Sport

---- this vehicle does not have a seat belt for a passenger riding in the middle of the rear seat. The rear seat has ample space for three full-sized adults, but there is no seat belt for a middle passenger. The Ford original shop manual indicates that there are not any secure attachment points to install a 3rd-party belt built into the body. ---- this is a safety hazard and may make it illegal to carry a third passenger in the rear seat. Nhtsa should recall these vehicles and direct Ford to provide seat belts for a center passenger in the rear seat. Thank you for your consideration.

Driver seat bolt.

On November 29th my mother was driving her 2001 Ford explorer 2dr 4x4 to work. She hit an ice patch going approx. 30 mph and lost control of her vehicle because the rear end swung sideways. Her Ford then flipped on it's passenger side and hit a tree. My mother could not get her seat belt undone so she called 911 while hanging in her vehicle. A man and woman stopped to help her out because they noticed that her Ford was on fire. They had to break into the back window and the woman climbed in to release her and pull her out. If those people would not of stopped, my mother would not be here today. There is nothing left of the interior of my mom's explorer. ( no seats. Steering wheel & column, glass, nothing) I have e-mailed Ford and spoke with them regarding this matter and they say that if my mom's insurance company settled then they claim nothing was wrong with the vehicle. I think that there is a serious problem and would like to see it rectified before someone else gets hurt. There was a article written in sherman publications because the two people who saved my mothers life is up for an award. Please look into this matter. Thank you!.