Ford Escort problems by year
3,914 owner complaints filed with NHTSA across 22 Ford Escort model years. Last verified Aug 7, 2026. Complaint totals are lifetime counts — years that have been on the road longer accumulate more reports.
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most reported problem | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 Fewer complaints | 10 | 0 | — | |
| 2002 | 33 | 0 | Engine and Engine Cooling | |
| 2001 | 68 | 0 | Power Train | |
| 2000 | 98 | 1 | Engine and Engine Cooling | |
| 1999 | 325 | 0 | Air Bags | |
| 1998 Most complained | 375 | 0 | Air Bags | |
| 1997 Most complained | 543 | 1 | Air Bags | |
| 1996 | 205 | 0 | Seat Belts | |
| 1995 Most complained | 576 | 0 | Seat Belts | |
| 1994 | 279 | 0 | Seat Belts | |
| 1993 Most complained | 379 | 0 | Seat Belts | |
| 1992 | 162 | 0 | Electrical System | |
| 1991 | 327 | 0 | Electrical System | |
| 1990 | 101 | 0 | Electrical System | |
| 1989 | 152 | 0 | Electrical System | |
| 1988 | 143 | 0 | Electrical System | |
| 1987 | 56 | 0 | Electrical System | |
| 1986 | 45 | 0 | Electrical System | |
| 1985 Fewer complaints | 26 | 0 | Electrical System | |
| 1984 Fewer complaints | 21 | 0 | Electrical System | |
| 1983 Fewer complaints | 7 | 0 | — | |
| 1982 Fewer complaints | 4 | 0 | — |
How to read this. Complaints are unverified reports owners file with NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation, counted once per case number. Raw totals are not adjusted for sales volume, and recent model years have had less time on the road. “Most complained” flags years well above the model’s median; treat it as a signal for deeper research, not a verdict. This page is not affiliated with Ford.