US vehicle recalls and complaint patterns, explained

Ford Escort recall history and complaint patterns

Comprehensive recall and complaint data for the Ford Escort, sourced from official National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) records.

Last updated: (NHTSA data snapshot)

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At a Glance

Total Recalls 50
Total Complaints 5050
Years Covered 1981–2003

Stats focus on model years from 1960 onwards. Earlier years appear in the detailed table below where data exists.

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Get plain-language explanations of recalls and complaints for the Ford Escort. Powered by AI, backed by NHTSA data.

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Important: This assistant provides context from aggregated NHTSA data. Always check your specific VIN on NHTSA.gov for vehicle-specific recall information.

Key Takeaways

A quick scan of where recalls and complaints concentrate for the Ford Escort, based on aggregated NHTSA counts and campaign metadata.

Recall Themes

Instead of listing long campaign narratives, this groups recall campaigns into a few recurring areas. Each theme links back to official notices as evidence.

Seats and restraints

9 campaigns · Years: 1981–1987, 1993, 2000

These campaigns relate to seats, belts, airbags restraint integration, or child restraint anchoring components.

Official notices (evidence):
+ 6 more notices in this theme

Fuel and emissions

8 campaigns · Years: 1981, 1983, 1986–1988, 1991–1992, 1995

These campaigns relate to fuel delivery or emissions components where leaks or failures can raise safety risk.

Official notices (evidence):
+ 5 more notices in this theme

Brakes

4 campaigns · Years: 1981, 1984, 1992

These campaigns relate to braking system components that can affect stopping performance or warning behavior.

Official notices (evidence):
  • 92V103000 · Exterior lighting: Switch
  • 84V123000 · Service brakes, hydraulic: Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
  • 80V134000 · Service brakes, hydraulic: Foundation components
+ 1 more notice in this theme

Other

4 campaigns · Years: 1981, 1985, 1987, 1991

These campaigns do not fit a single dominant theme, or the component taxonomy is broad.

Official notices (evidence):
+ 1 more notice in this theme

Airbags

3 campaigns · Years: 1994–1995, 1997

These campaigns relate to airbag system components and deployment/airbag readiness issues.

Official notices (evidence):

Electrical

3 campaigns · Years: 1981, 1988–1991

These campaigns relate to wiring or electrical components that can cause warning lights, loss of function, or fire risk in some cases.

Official notices (evidence):

Engine and cooling

1 campaign · Years: 1984–1985

These campaigns relate to engine or cooling components where failures can lead to stalling or overheating risk.

Official notices (evidence):

Equipment and labeling

1 campaign · Years: 1982

These campaigns relate to equipment compliance, labeling, or tires.

Official notices (evidence):

Most Reported Issues

Across all model years, the most frequently reported areas for the Ford Escort in NHTSA complaint data are Seat belts, Air bags:frontal, Electrical system:ignition:switch.

Jump to Model Year

Year-by-Year Overview

Each row shows how often this model appears in NHTSA recalls and consumer complaints for a given model year. These are counts of campaigns and complaints, not risk predictions.

Model Year Recalls Complaints Details
2003 0 13 Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Vehicle speed control, Engine and engine cooling:engine, Air bags:frontal.
2002 0 41 Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Engine and engine cooling, Engine and engine cooling:engine, Power train:automatic transmission.
2001 0 85 Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Power train:automatic transmission, Air bags:frontal, Suspension.
2000 1 128 Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Air bags:frontal, Power train:automatic transmission, Engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline.
1999 1 413 Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Air bags:frontal, Engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline, Power train:automatic transmission.
1998 0 470 Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Air bags:frontal, Engine and engine cooling:engine, Power train:automatic transmission.
1997 1 729 Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Air bags:frontal, Air bags, Electrical system.
1996 0 257 Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Seat belts, Seat belts:front:retractor, Engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline.
1995 4 725 Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly, Seat belts, Air bags:frontal.
1994 1 351 Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Seat belts, Air bags:frontal, Air bags.
1993 1 480 Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Seat belts, Vehicle speed control, Fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly.
1992 2 222 Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly, Electrical system:ignition:switch, Seat belts.
1991 3 413 Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Electrical system:ignition:switch, Seat belts, Fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump.
1990 2 128 Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Electrical system:ignition:switch, Electrical system:ignition, Electrical system:wiring:front underhood.
1989 1 199 Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Electrical system:ignition:switch, Engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline, Electrical system:alternator/generator/regulator.
1988 2 206 Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Electrical system:ignition:switch, Engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline, Electrical system:wiring:interior/under dash.
1987 3 65 Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Electrical system:ignition:switch, Engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline, Electrical system:ignition.
1986 2 53 Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Electrical system:ignition:switch, Engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline, Electrical system:ignition.
1985 3 31 Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Electrical system:ignition:switch, Engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline, Electrical system:wiring:front underhood.
1984 3 27 Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Electrical system:ignition:switch, Engine and engine cooling:engine, Electrical system:ignition.
1983 5 7 Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Electrical system:ignition:switch, Electrical system:wiring:front underhood, Service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components.
1982 5 5 Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Electrical system:ignition:switch, Electrical system:wiring:front underhood, Steering: steering wheel/handle bar.
1981 10 2 Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Seats.

What to Do Next

Check Your VIN on NHTSA.gov

Recall Evidence by Year

A compact evidence view of recall campaigns that include this model. The default text is an original summary line, with official notice text available on demand.

Most common areas involved: Fuel system , Seats and Seat belts

Show recall evidence by year

2000

  • Seat belts: Safety recall involving the seat belts area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (00V228001) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: Vehicle description: passenger vehicles, light duty trucks, sport utility vehicles, and mini vans equipped with trw seat belt buckle assemblies. The buckle base of these seat belt assemblies were not properly heat treated and therefore do not pass the load bearing requirement of federal motor veh

1999

  • Power train: Shift pattern indicator: Safety recall involving the power train area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (99V276000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with the s/r option. The s/r option includes, among other features, a 5-speed manual transmission. On these vehicles, the transmission shift pattern is not displayed in the occupant compartment in view of the driver. This does not comply with the r

1997

  • Air bags: Sensor/control module-inactive: Safety recall involving the air bags area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (02V323000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: On certain passenger vehicles, the integrated air bag monitor (iabm) can be contaminated with water or other liquids and could experience internal electrical shorting.

1995

  • Air bags: Frontal: Safety recall involving the air bags area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (94V197000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: Two bolts that attach the passenger side air bag supplemental restraint system module to the instrument panel are missing. In the event of a frontal impact, the module can come out of the instrument panel.
  • Air bags: Frontal: Safety recall involving the air bags area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (94V218000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: The driver side air bag module can have an inadequately welded inflator canister.
  • Fuel system, gasoline: Tank assembly: Safety recall involving the fuel system area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (97V144000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with 1.9L engines, built at the hermosillo or wayne assembly plants and originally sold or currently registered in nevada, florida, hawaii, texas, california, louisiana, georgia, south carolina, mississippi, oklahoma, alabama and arkansas. Cracks c
  • Fuel system, gasoline: Tank assembly: Safety recall involving the fuel system area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (97V145000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with 1.9L engines, built at the hermosillo assembly plant and originally sold or currently registered in arizona. Cracks can develop in the fuel tank near the heat shield attachment resulting in fuel leakage if the cracks go through the fuel tank w

1994

  • Air bags: Frontal: Safety recall involving the air bags area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (94V218000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: The driver side air bag module can have an inadequately welded inflator canister.

1993

  • Seats: Safety recall involving the seats area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (94V055000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: The lock plate of the driver side inboard seat track adjusters were manufactured with an unauthorized modification to the fabrication process which causes the seat not to fully engage in certain seating positions near the mid-point of the seat track travel.

1992

  • Exterior lighting: Switch: Safety recall involving the exterior lighting area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (92V103000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: The stop lamp switches could intermittently malfunction resulting in the stop lamps not illuminating when the brakes are applied.
  • Fuel system, gasoline: Safety recall involving the fuel system area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (92V117000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: Fatigue cracks can develop in the solder joint between the fuel return tube and the fuel pump sending unit located at the top of the fuel tank.

1991

  • Vehicle speed control: Accelerator pedal: Safety recall involving the vehicle speed control area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (90V076000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: Interference occur between bolt that secures a fuel line shield to the lower portion of the dash panel and the accelerator pedal.
  • Fuel system, gasoline: Safety recall involving the fuel system area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (92V117000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: Fatigue cracks can develop in the solder joint between the fuel return tube and the fuel pump sending unit located at the top of the fuel tank.
  • Electrical system: Control module: Safety recall involving the electrical system area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (93V057000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: The roll pins securing the ignition lock in the steering column housing can separate or move out of position.

1990

  • Visibility: Windshield: Safety recall involving the visibility area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (89V174000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: Special primer that promotes the bonding of a urethane adhesive to the glass was not applied to the windshields before installation.
  • Electrical system: Ignition: Safety recall involving the electrical system area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (96V071000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: The ignition switch could experience an internal short circuit.

1989

  • Electrical system: Ignition: Safety recall involving the electrical system area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (96V071000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: The ignition switch could experience an internal short circuit.

1988

  • Fuel system, gasoline: Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings: Safety recall involving the fuel system area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (87V139000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: Spring lock fuel line coupling may not be properly engaged.
  • Electrical system: Ignition: Safety recall involving the electrical system area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (96V071000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: The ignition switch could experience an internal short circuit.

1987

  • Wheels: Lugs/nuts/bolts/studs: Safety recall involving the wheels area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (87V060000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: Lug nuts could gall and possibly seize on the wheel studs without providing adequate clamping load on the wheels.
  • Fuel system, gasoline: Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings: Safety recall involving the fuel system area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (87V139000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: Spring lock fuel line coupling may not be properly engaged.
  • Seats: Safety recall involving the seats area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (89V170000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: The forward outboard pedestal of the seat track of driver's seat may be susceptible to fatigue fracture.

1986

  • Fuel system, gasoline: Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings: Safety recall involving the fuel system area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (87V139000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: Spring lock fuel line coupling may not be properly engaged.
  • Seats: Safety recall involving the seats area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (89V170000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: The forward outboard pedestal of the seat track of driver's seat may be susceptible to fatigue fracture.

1985

  • Vehicle speed control: Safety recall involving the vehicle speed control area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (85V054000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: The throttle lever may not return to idle position due to misalignment of the air conditioner shut off switch to the throttle lever pin. Consequence of defect: a jammed throttle could result in a loss of accelerator control, without prior warning, and an accident.
  • Engine and engine cooling: Safety recall involving the engine and engine cooling area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (89V095000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: External cracks above the number 3 cylinder (1984 models) or rocker arm cover gaskets splitting (1985 models) could allow oil to leak onto the exhaust manifold.
  • Seats: Safety recall involving the seats area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (89V170000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: The forward outboard pedestal of the seat track of driver's seat may be susceptible to fatigue fracture.

1984

  • Seat belts: Anchorage: Safety recall involving the seat belts area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (83V134000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: The bolts that attach the d-shaped ring for the shoulder belt are inadequately supported by the material in which they are mounted. The attachment does not comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 210, "Seat belt assembly anchorages".
  • Service brakes, hydraulic: Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings: Safety recall involving the service brakes area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (84V123000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: The brake line may be positioned too close to an engine bracket. Normal engine movements may cause the bracket to rub against the brake line.
  • Engine and engine cooling: Safety recall involving the engine and engine cooling area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (89V095000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: External cracks above the number 3 cylinder (1984 models) or rocker arm cover gaskets splitting (1985 models) could allow oil to leak onto the exhaust manifold.

1983

  • Fuel system, gasoline: Filler pipe and cap: Safety recall involving the fuel system area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (82V088000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: During a crash barrier test, the rubber hose connecting the fuel tank and the metal filler pipe vent tube was cut, resulting in fuel leakage. The involved vehicles fail to comply with federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 301, "Fuel system integrity".
  • Latches/locks/linkages: Safety recall involving the latches/locks/linkages area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (83V063000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: Door lock pillars could develop fatigue cracks from normal usage of door, at the point where door latch striker reinforcements are attached.
  • Seats: Safety recall involving the seats area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (84V071000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: Seat frame structure could sever front seat belts if vehicle is involved in an accident, depending on force of impact.
  • Seat belts: Rear/other: Safety recall involving the seat belts area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (85V067000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: Rear seat belt retractors may allow twisted webbing to enter the retractor housing and jam the retractor. Consequence of defect: a jammed retractor would interfere with webbing retraction and withdrawal. This will discourage seat belt usage.
  • Fuel system, gasoline: Fuel pump: Safety recall involving the fuel system area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (88V193000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: The diaphragm material of the mechanical fuel pumps may deteriorate and allow the diaphragm to rupture.

1982

  • Equipment: Air conditioner: Safety recall involving the equipment area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (82V045000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: On the involved vehicles, a thermal limiter in the blower motor resistor circuit of the air conditioner/heater assembly may not function as intended. If the blower motor becomes jammed when the system is operating in the medium-low blower speed, the resistor coils can overheat causing melting and
  • Seat belts: Safety recall involving the seat belts area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (83V013000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: The portion of the roof above frame (rail) to which the shoulder belt is anchored may have a slot that can compromise the strength of the shoulder belt anchor under certain severe loads. (The suspect area is not visible.) Consequently, some vehicles included in this recall may not meet the 3000 p
  • Latches/locks/linkages: Safety recall involving the latches/locks/linkages area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (83V063000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: Door lock pillars could develop fatigue cracks from normal usage of door, at the point where door latch striker reinforcements are attached.
  • Seats: Safety recall involving the seats area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (84V071000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: Seat frame structure could sever front seat belts if vehicle is involved in an accident, depending on force of impact.
  • Seat belts: Rear/other: Safety recall involving the seat belts area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (85V067000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: Rear seat belt retractors may allow twisted webbing to enter the retractor housing and jam the retractor. Consequence of defect: a jammed retractor would interfere with webbing retraction and withdrawal. This will discourage seat belt usage.

1981

  • Electrical system: Front underhood: Safety recall involving the electrical system area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (80V133000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: Some of the involved vehicles were produced with an engine compartment wire assembly that may have been routed above the air conditioning suction hose. This hose may push up on the wiring harness causing it to contact the hood prop rod bracket attaching bolt. This could lead to penetration or cha
  • Service brakes, hydraulic: Foundation components: Safety recall involving the service brakes area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (80V134000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: On certain vehicles, the right and left hand rear brake backing plate attachment bolts may not have been tightened to the correct specifications. Backing plate bolts may not be able to withstand the loads experienced during truck shipment. If the bolts loosen from the spindle during operation, ba
  • Fuel system, gasoline: Tank assembly: Safety recall involving the fuel system area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (80V142000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: On certain vehicles, metal fasteners that were used to secure the carpeting to the floor pan may have accidentally penetrated the top of the fuel tank. This would result in a slight fuel leak.
  • Vehicle speed control: Safety recall involving the vehicle speed control area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (81V045000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: Fuel may possibly travel through the speed control vacuum lines and into the speed control actuation device (serv0). The fuel can damage seals in the actuator servo and allow vacuum leaks. Such a leak could activate the speed control without any action on the part of the driver. This would cause
  • Service brakes, hydraulic: Vacuum: Safety recall involving the service brakes area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (81V084000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: Some vehicles equipped with power brake boosters have front and rear shells that may have been improperly joined. Improperly joined booster shells may separate either partially or completely during brake application.
  • Fuel system, gasoline: Filler pipe and cap: Safety recall involving the fuel system area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (81V092000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: Some of the involved vehicles have an electrically ungrounded fuel inlet. These vehicles are subject to static charge accumulation at the fuel filler pipe opening, which can occur if these vehicles are refueled from an electrically ungrounded dispensing nozzle.
  • Seat belts: Safety recall involving the seat belts area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (83V013000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: The portion of the roof above frame (rail) to which the shoulder belt is anchored may have a slot that can compromise the strength of the shoulder belt anchor under certain severe loads. (The suspect area is not visible.) Consequently, some vehicles included in this recall may not meet the 3000 p
  • Latches/locks/linkages: Safety recall involving the latches/locks/linkages area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (83V063000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: Door lock pillars could develop fatigue cracks from normal usage of door, at the point where door latch striker reinforcements are attached.
  • Seats: Safety recall involving the seats area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (84V071000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: Seat frame structure could sever front seat belts if vehicle is involved in an accident, depending on force of impact.
  • Seats: Safety recall involving the seats area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (84V085000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: Screw that connects the seat back frame to the recliner mechanism may break.

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Recall Explained provides independent analysis of official NHTSA data. This site does not replace the official NHTSA VIN lookup and should not be treated as legal or safety advice for your specific vehicle.

For any safety concerns: Always check your VIN on the official NHTSA site and contact an authorized dealer.

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