1981 FORD ESCORT
10 recalls, 2 complaints - 6 TSBs
84V085000 Jul 18, 1984
SEATS
Defect Description
SCREW THAT CONNECTS THE SEAT BACK FRAME TO THE RECLINER MECHANISM MAY BREAK.
Remedy
THE ATTACHMENT SCREW ON THE DRIVER"S SEAT WILL BE REPLACED BY ONE OF A LARGER DIAMETER.
84V071000 Jun 15, 1984
SEATS
Defect Description
SEAT FRAME STRUCTURE COULD SEVER FRONT SEAT BELTS IF VEHICLE IS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT, DEPENDING ON FORCE OF IMPACT.
Remedy
DEALER WILL INSTALL A MOLDED SPACER BETWEEN REINFORCEMENT PLATES AND LOWER DECORATIVE PLASTIC COVER.
83V063000 Jun 22, 1983
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
Defect Description
DOOR LOCK PILLARS COULD DEVELOP FATIGUE CRACKS FROM NORMAL USAGE OF DOOR, AT THE POINT WHERE DOOR LATCH STRIKER REINFORCEMENTS ARE ATTACHED.
Remedy
ANY DAMAGED LOCK PILLARS WILL BE REPAIRED AND REINFORCEMENTS WILL BE INSTALLED BETWEEN THE DOOR LATCH STRIKER AND LOCK PILLARS.
83V013000 Feb 17, 1983
SEAT BELTS
Defect Description
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 POUN... Read more
Remedy
THE DEALER WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REINFORCE THE ROOF RAIL INNER PANEL SURROUNDING THE DRAINAGE HOLE AT NO COST TO OWNER.
81V092000 Jul 22, 1981
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP
Defect Description
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.
Remedy
A GROUNDING CONNECTION FROM THE FILLER PIPE INLET TO THE VEHICLE BODY AND A STATIC ELECTRICITY SUPPRESSION ROD INSIDE THE FILLER PIPE WILL BE INSTALLED AT NO CHARGE TO OWNER.
81V084000 Jul 7, 1981
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM
Defect Description
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.
Remedy
ALL DEFECTIVE BOOSTERS WILL BE REPLACED AT NO CHARGE TO OWNER.
81V045000 Apr 6, 1981
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Defect Description
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 THE... Read more
Remedy
THE VACUUM CHECK VALVE AND HOSE ASSEMBLY WILL BE REPLACED AND THE SPEED CONTROL SERVO WILL BE REPLACED IF IT HAS BEEN DAMAGED.
80V142000 Nov 4, 1980
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
Defect Description
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.
Remedy
DEALER WILL INSPECT VEHICLES FOR PENETRATION OF THE FUEL TANK BY CARPET FASTENERS. ANY LEAKING FUEL TANKS WILL BE REPLACED AND THE FLOOR PAN WILL BE SEALED, WITHOUT CHARGE TO OWNERS.
80V133000 Oct 15, 1980
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
Defect Description
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 CHAFIN... Read more
Remedy
DEALER WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, CORRECT THE WIRING HARNESS ROUTING AT NO CHARGE TO OWNER.
80V134000 Oct 3, 1980
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
Defect Description
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, BACKI... Read more
Remedy
DEALER WILL INSPECT AND TIGHTEN THE BOLTS TO THE PROPER SPECIFICATIONS. REAR BRAKE TUBES WILL BE REPLACED, IF NECESSARY, AT NO CHARGE TO OWNER.
Complaint Statistics
2 total complaints
Top Reported Components
| Component | Complaints |
|---|---|
| SEATS | 2 |
SEATS
Mar 25, 1997
SEAT FRAME AND SLIDE RAIL SUPPORTS FAILED.
SEATS
Mar 25, 1997
THE SPRING THAT SUPPORT THE SEAT CUSHIONS WERE CUTTING THROUGH THE MATERIAL AROUND THEIR ATTACHMENT HOLES.
Technical Service Bulletins, 1981 FORD ESCORT
6 manufacturer communications from 6 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.
Most Affected Components
| Component | Bulletins |
|---|---|
| 103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION | 2 |
| 980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 2 |
| 162000 STRUCTURE:BODY | 1 |
| 110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 1 |
01157
Aug 6, 2001
980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER
INFORMATION REGARDING TRANSMISSION FLUID USAGE CHARTS. *SLC
98246
Dec 7, 1998
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
FORD MOTOR COMPANY HAS RELEASED A NEW ELECTRICAL GREASE ( F8AZ - 19G208-AA ) TO REDUCE THE POSSIBILITY OF MOISTURE CORROSION AT THE TERMINALS. *YC
9888
Apr 27, 1998
103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
INFORMATION ON A NEW TRANSMISSION FLUID USAGE CHART. *YC
97511
Mar 3, 1997
103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
FLUID- TRANSMISSION FLUID USAGE CHARTS. *JD
95161
Aug 1, 1995
162000 STRUCTURE:BODY
SHEET METAL-ROOF PANEL AND DRIP RAIL REPLACEMENT- SEAM SEALER APPLICATION PROCEDURE.*SD
RC INDEX
Feb 1, 1983
980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER
UNKNOWN
NHTSA Safety Investigations, FORD ESCORT
Investigations opened by NHTSA into potential safety defects. These are separate from recalls and may or may not result in a recall.
EA02008
Opened: Jun 10, 2002 , Closed: Dec 11, 2002
WATER INTRUSION INTO AIRBAG MONITOR
BY LETTER OF DECEMBER 6, 2002, FORD NOTIFIED THE AGENCY THAT IT WOULD CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL ON ALL 1997 FORD ESCORT AND MERCURY TRACER VEHICLES.FORD FOUND THAT ELECTRICAL SHORTING OF THE INTEGRATED AIR BAG MONITOR (IABM)DUE TO LIQUID INTRUSION OF WATER OR ENGINE COOLANT CAN OCCUR IN THE SUBJECT VE... Read more
PE02010
Opened: Jan 30, 2002 , Closed: Jun 10, 2002
INTEGRATED AIR BAG MONITOR WATER
DP01001
Opened: Apr 19, 2001 , Closed: Nov 1, 2001
AIR BAG NON-DEPLOYMENT
RQ97010
Opened: Sep 11, 1997 , Closed: May 22, 2000
FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY
There is no summary currently available
EA95002
Opened: Feb 24, 1995 , Closed: Sep 30, 1996
FIRES IN STEERING COLUMN
ELECTRICAL FIRES IN THE STEERING COLUMN.
PE94089
Opened: Nov 25, 1994 , Closed: Mar 24, 1995
FRONT BRAKE FIRES
There is no summary currently available
PE94078
Opened: Nov 4, 1994 , Closed: Feb 24, 1995
FIRES IN STEERING COLUMN
There is no summary currently available
EA94002
Opened: Jan 28, 1994 , Closed: Jan 31, 1995
FUEL PUMP WIRING SHORTAGE
There is no summary currently available
PE93076
Opened: Sep 3, 1993 , Closed: Jan 28, 1994
FUEL PUMP WIRING SHORTAGE
There is no summary currently available
EA93007
Opened: Feb 26, 1993 , Closed: Apr 26, 1993
INADVERT. STEERING LOCKUP
There is no summary currently available
PE92082
Opened: Oct 6, 1992 , Closed: Feb 26, 1993
INADVER. STEERING LOCKUP
There is no summary currently available
EA92012
Opened: Apr 15, 1992 , Closed: Sep 17, 1992
FUEL TANK LEAKAGE
There is no summary currently available
PE91150
Opened: Dec 3, 1991 , Closed: Apr 15, 1992
FUEL TANK LEAKAGE
There is no summary currently available
PE91025
Opened: Dec 17, 1990 , Closed: Apr 10, 1991
FUEL PUMP FAILURE
There is no summary currently available
DP91003
Opened: Nov 29, 1990 , Closed: Jan 31, 1991
ENGINE STALLING
ENGINE STALLING
PE90063
Opened: Mar 21, 1990 , Closed: Jul 31, 1990
SAFETY BELT D-RING
There is no summary currently available
EA90008
Opened: Dec 27, 1989 , Closed: Dec 31, 1991
FAILED PASSIVE RESTRAINT
WE HAVE RECEIVED NUMEROUS REPORTS WHICH ALLEGE A MALFUNCTION OR FAILURE OF THE PASSIVE RESTRAINT SYSTEM.ADDITIONAL REPORTS ALLEGE THAT THE PASSIVE RESTRAINT SYSTEM FAILED TO RESTRAIN/ADEQUATELY PROTECT THE OCCUPANT DURING AN ACCIDENT
PE89143
Opened: Jul 18, 1989 , Closed: Dec 27, 1989
PASSIVE BELT FAILURE
===
EA88038
Opened: Aug 29, 1988 , Closed: May 11, 1990
REAR SAFETY BELT FIT
===
PE88046
Opened: Apr 15, 1988 , Closed: Jul 11, 1988
HEADLAMP SWITCH FAILURE
SUMMARY: HEADLAMP SWITCH RETAINING BEZEL CRACKS CAUSING HEADLIGHTS TO REMAIN ON AND OCCASIONALLY FLICKER OFF. FORD HAS ISSUED A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN, ARTICLE # 87-11-8, TO REPLACE THE FAULTY BEZEL WITH AN IMPROVED PART.CONCLUSIONS: THE PE SHOULD BE CLOSED IN THE ABSENCE OF ANY SAFETY RELATED D... Read more
DP88007
Opened: Jan 11, 1988 , Closed: Aug 24, 1988
REAR SEAT BELT COMPLIANCE
REAR SEAT BELT COMPLIANCE
EA87023
Opened: Sep 24, 1987 , Closed: Nov 16, 1989
SEAT TRACKS
SUMMARY: A FRACTURED FRONT SEAT TRACK RECEIVED FROM AN ESCORT OWNER SHOWSTHAT METAL FATIGUE OCCURRED WHICH COULD CAUSE PARTIAL MOVEMENT OF THE SEAT.ANOTHER OWNER SENT PICTURES SHOWING FRACTURE AT THE SAME LOCATION. TENOF THE EIGHTEEN ODI COMPLAINTS HAVE BEEN RECEIVED IN THE PAST FOUR MONTHS.MANUFACT... Read more
DP87032
Opened: Sep 3, 1987 , Closed: Apr 27, 1988
WINDOW SHATTERING
WINDOW SHATTERING
PE87028
Opened: May 1, 1987 , Closed: Jan 21, 1988
STALLING
NO SAFETY DEFECT TREND HAS BEEN DETECTED.===
PE87026
Opened: Apr 28, 1987 , Closed: Sep 24, 1987
SEAT TRACK FAILURE
SUMMARY: A FRACTURED FRONT SEAT TRACK RECEIVED FROM AN ESCORT OWNER SHOWSTHAT METAL FATIGUE OCCURRED WHICH COULD CAUSE PARTIAL MOVEMENT OF THE SEAT.ANOTHER OWNER SENT PICTURES SHOWING FRACTURE AT THE SAME LOCATION. TENOF THE EIGHTEEN ODI COMPLAINTS HAVE BEEN RECEIVED IN THE PAST FOUR MONTHS.MANUFACT... Read more
EA87005
Opened: Dec 1, 1986 , Closed: Oct 31, 1989
FIRES
SUMMARY OF INFORMATION FROM MANUFACTURER:THE ALLEGED FIRES RESULT FROMA VARIETY OF CAUSES.FIRE RATE REMAINS ABOUT THE SAME DESPITE MAJORCHANGES WITH 85-1/2 MODELS.IT BELIEVES THAT THE FIRE RATE IS LESS THANINDUSTRY AVERAGE.MFGR REQUEST COPIES OF SPECIFIC FIRE REPORTS FOR TRENDANALYSIS.ANALYSIS:SEVER... Read more
DP86016
Opened: Jul 24, 1986 , Closed: Aug 7, 1986
STALLING
STALLING
PE86048
Opened: Apr 23, 1986 , Closed: Dec 1, 1986
FIRES
SUMMARY OF INFORMATION FROM MANUFACTURER:THE ALLEGED FIRES RESULT FROM A WIDE VARIETY OF CAUSES, WITH THE REPORTEDRATES OF FIRES FOR 1984-85 MODELS VERSUS THE 85 1/2 MODELS REMAININGAPPROXIMATELY THE SAME.THESE RATES ARE SIGNIFIGANTLY LESS THAN THEINDUSTRY AVERAGE FOR NON-COLLISION VEHICLE FIRES AS ... Read more
EA86010
Opened: Mar 26, 1986 , Closed: Jul 28, 1989
SEATBACK FAILURE
SUMMARY OF INFORMATION FROM MANUFACTURER:FORD BELIEVES THAT THE AL-LEGED DEFECT ONLY OCCURS IN A SMALL NUMBER OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ANDRECALLED ABOUT 195,732 1984 TEMPO/TOPAZ VEHICLES IN JUNE 1986.ANALYSIS: VEHICLES POTENTIALLY INVOLVED INCLUDE TEMPO/TOPAZ, ESCORT/LYNX/EXP, MUSTANG/CAPRI, LTD/MARQ... Read more
DP85009
Opened: Jan 29, 1985 , Closed: Feb 27, 1985
FAILURE OF SEAT BACK SECURING BOLTS
FAILURE OF SEAT BACK SECURING BOLTS
DP84017
Opened: May 30, 1984 , Closed: Sep 10, 1984
STALLING AND CARBURETOR MALFUNCTIONS
STALLING AND CARBURETOR MALFUNCTIONS
DP84009
Opened: Jan 16, 1984 , Closed: Jul 17, 1984
TIMING CHAIN FAILURE
TIMING CHAIN FAILURE
EA83013
Opened: Mar 23, 1983 , Closed: Jan 26, 1989
FRONT SEATBACK FAILURE
STATUS: DISCUSSING WITH CANADA.===
DP83004
Opened: Nov 9, 1982 , Closed: Mar 10, 1983
FUMES AND DUST IN PASSENGER COMPARTMENT
FUMES AND DUST IN PASSENGER COMPARTMENT
FORD ESCORT - All Years Overview
Complete safety history for the FORD ESCORT across all model years (1981, 2003).
64
Total Recalls
5,063
Total Complaints
34
Investigations
629
Reported Crashes
613
Reported Fires
26
Reported Deaths
FORD ESCORT - Year by Year
Compare recalls and complaints across model years. Click any year to see full details.
| Year | Recalls | Complaints | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 1 | 13 | View |
| 2002 | 1 | 41 | View |
| 2001 | 1 | 85 | View |
| 2000 | 2 | 128 | View |
| 1999 | 2 | 413 | View |
| 1998 | 1 | 470 | View |
| 1997 | 2 | 729 | View |
| 1996 | 1 | 257 | View |
| 1995 | 5 | 725 | View |
| 1994 | 2 | 351 | View |
| 1993 | 3 | 480 | View |
| 1992 | 3 | 222 | View |
| 1991 | 4 | 413 | View |
| 1990 | 2 | 128 | View |
| 1989 | 1 | 199 | View |
| 1988 | 2 | 206 | View |
| 1987 | 3 | 65 | View |
| 1986 | 2 | 53 | View |
| 1985 | 3 | 31 | View |
| 1984 | 3 | 27 | View |
| 1983 | 5 | 7 | View |
| 1982 | 5 | 5 | View |
| 1981 (current) | 10 | 2 |