Three problems related to seat belt have been reported for the 1998 Ford Ranger. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
The contact owned a 1998 Ford Ranger. While driving 35 mph, the driver lost control of the vehicle and crashed into two other vehicles. The driver was ejected out of the rear window and was fatally injured. The vehicle was inspected by a police officer, who determined that the failure was caused by the safety belt being separated. The cause of the separation was caused by the seat hinge failing, which cut the safety belt. The contact is in the process of notifying the manufacturer. The failure mileage was 197,500. Updated 02/24/09. Updated 02/25/09.
The front middle seatbelt malfunctions when the occupant moves to the right and seatbelt adjuster slides down, which will not protect the occupant in accident. Also the torsion bar rubs against the brake line, causing a hole in the brake line, resulting in brake loss.
Driver side seatbelt tongue will not latch or lock in because the locking device is in the locked position. This causes a loss of protection.