This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.
So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.
My 1996 Ford Escort's driver side shoulder belt won't move to the locked position on the B-pillar. It is stuck toward the rear of the track just past the upper bend in the track. I disconnected the electrical wiring harness following the owner's manual. The shoulder belt would not move manually when I used the emergency handle turning it clockwise. Everything I tried to move this into position has not worked. I went to the dealer. They said it isn't a recall item but the person in the parts department said the should harness is a frequent problem with Escorts. He did not have all of the parts in stock. I went to several car repair facilities inclucing Suburban Ford in waterford, mi. Everyone said this is a very costly repair because the interior body would have to be dismantled to get to the source of the problem. I also spent a good deal of time online tonight researching whether this shoulder belt problem is common. Bingo. Stuck, stalled, sticking driver side shoulder retstraint complaints are common for the 1996 Ford Escort. I consider this a serious safety issue and Escorts should be recalled to repair this as soon as possible. I work for a fire department and a malfunctioning or non-functioning shoulder harness during an accident could be the cause of death or serious disability. Many of the complaints I reviewed complained that the shoulder harness was stuck in the same position mine is. This stinks of a design flaw. How do I get Ford motor to accept responsibility and make this repair at their expense?
Right before I was due for my safety inspection, my automatic safety belt mechanism stopped working, so when I went to have it inspected at dobbs auto center, of course, it did not pass because of this and I had to have a new motor installed at a cost of $363.77. Even the guy who inspected it said this should have been a recall because of safety issues and that I should be reimbursed. I can fax you a copy of the bill if necessary. Thank you for your help.
The vehicle was involved in an accident, the air bags failed to deploy and the seat belt did not restrain the consumer as designed, the consumer was injured.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- White Lake Township, MI, USA