Four problems related to front seat belt anchorage have been reported for the 1996 Ford Windstar. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Stitching on passenger seatbelt completely deterioriated at floor hold down.
Owner just bought vehicle and is having seat belt problems on the passenger's side, dealers do not address the problem.
Middle seat and passenger side seat belts failed.
The safety belts located on the right front, and the rear seats, lock up while riding normally in the vehicle, actually squeezing the occupant, so the occupant has to remove the seat belt and then refasten it due to the pendilum locking up. Also if you are sitting in the seat with the seat belt on, and lean forward to pick something up, it will automatically lock up, and again you have to remove the seat belt, and then refasten it. I have contacted the freedom Ford dealer, and they advised me, that is what they are supposed to do! I am a police officer, and have attended numerous training courses, and know that this is not the proper way that the seat belt operates, and explained that to the service department personal, but they dismissed my complaint, and stated, do what ever you have to!.