1985 FORD ESCORT

3 recalls, 31 complaints - 27 TSBs

SEATS

Defect Description

THE FORWARD OUTBOARD PEDESTAL OF THE SEAT TRACK OF DRIVER'S SEAT MAY BE SUSCEPTIBLE TO FATIGUE FRACTURE.

Consequence

THIS COULD RESULT IN A LIMITED DEGREE OF ROCKING MOTIONOF THE DRIVERS SEAT ASSEMBLY UPON ACCELERATION OR DECELERATION, WHICH COULDCAUSE AN ACCIDENT.

Remedy

INSTALL A REINFORCEMENT ON ALL MODELS AND A NEW SEAT TRACK AS NECESSARY

1,375,500 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

Defect Description

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.

Consequence

ENGINE OIL LEAKING ONTO A HOT EXHAUST MANIFOLD COULDRESULT IN AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE.

Remedy

REPLACE CRACKED CYLINDER HEADS (1984 MODELS); REPLACE ROCKER ARM COVER GASKETS (1985 MODELS).

481,049 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

Defect Description

THE THROTTLE LEVER MAY NOT RETURN TO IDLE POSITION DUE TO MISALIGNMENT OF THE AIR CONDITIONER SHUT OFF SWITCH TO THE THROTTLE LEVER PIN. ... Read more

Remedy

ADJUST SHUTOFF SWITCH AND ASSURE PROPER ALIGNMENT TO THROTTLE LEVER PIN.

10,000 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY

Complaint Statistics

31 total complaints 1 crashes 10 fires 4 injuries

Top Reported Components

Component	Complaints
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH	5
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE	3
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE	2
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD	2
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE	2
SEATS	2
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM	1
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD	1
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE	1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH	1

Incident date: Jul 1, 2002

WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY VEHICLE STALLED. VEHICLE CHECKED BY DEALER, WHO DETERMINED PROBLEM WITH IGNITION MODULE. CURRENTLY, VEHICLE WILL NOT START. ALSO VEHICLE EMITS FUMES THAT SMELL LIKE ACETONE. CONSUMER WAS AFRAID TO PURCHASE NEW IGNITION MODULE FOR FEAR THAT VEHICLE MAY CATCH ON FIRE.*AK ... Read more

PUT A STOP TO HIGH INTENSITY DISCHARGE HEADLIGHTS: WHEN AN SUV WITH THOSE LIGHTS COMES UP BEHINE ME, EVEN A FLIPPED DOWN REARVIEW MIRROR DOES NOT PROTECT ME. *AK

THE DISTRIBUTOR MOUNTED IGNITION MODULE FAILED CAUSING INSTANT ENGINE STOPPAGE. *JB

EMERGENCY PARKING BRAKE DOES NOT HOLD AFTER BEING SET, CONSUMER STATES PROBLEM STARTED AFTER DEARLERSHIP DID A BRAKE REPAIR ON VEHICLE. *JB

THE RUBBER BOOT SURROUNDING THE GEAR SHIFT LEVER IS SO TIGHT, THAT IN COLD WEATHER IT WILL PULL LEVER OUT OF GEAR AND INTO NEUTRAL, WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, IT PUT ITSELF INTO NEUTRAL AND ROLLED DOWN A HILL AND HIT A PARKED CAR, CONSUMER HAD VEHICLE INSPECTED AND WAS TOLD BY DEALERSHIP THEY COUL... Read more

SEAT BELT LATCH INCORPORATES A PLASTIC SPACER WHICH HOLDS METAL BAR IN POSITION, THE METAL BAR HOLDS THE SEAT BELT WEBBING IN PLACE, THE PLASTIC HAS BECOME BRITTLE AND NO LONGER HOLDS THE BAR IN POSITION, ALLOWING THE SEAT BELT NOT TO STAY FASTENED, CONSUMER STATES MANUFACTURER WILL NOT SELL PLASTIC... Read more

Incident date: Jul 15, 2000

DRIVING AT ROAD SPEED AND CAR STALLS OUT 'IT WILL ONLY START AFTER THE CAR SETS FOR ABOUT 15 MINUTES THIS HAS HAPPEND SEVERAL TIMES. *AK

CONSTANT OIL LEAK ONTO THE MANIFOLD WHICH REQUIRES ME TO USE A HEAVIER OIL SO IT WONT RUN OUT. OIL LEAKING ON MANY AREA'S OF THE ENGINE WHICH CAN POSSIBLY CAUSE A FIRE. MY CONCERN IS WHAT IS BEING DONE REGARDING THE OIL LEAK PROBLEM RECALL AND WHERE DO I GO TO GET IT CORRECTED. *AK

Incident date: Oct 15, 1999

A PLASTIC PART INSIDE OF THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE HAS BECOME BRITTLE, REDUCING THE STRENGTH OF THE SEAT BELT. EVEN THOUGH IT LATCHED NORMALLY, MY BELT BUCKLE FELL APART AS I WAS DRIVING. I EXAMINED THE SAME PLASTIC PART ON THE PASSENGER-SIDE SEATBELT, (WHICH HAS ALMOST NEVER BEEN USED), AND FOUND THAT I... Read more

Incident date: Feb 12, 1996

VEHICLE FIRE DUE TO FAULTY IGNITION SWITCH.

Fire

Incident date: Dec 23, 1998

VEHICLE JUMPS OUT OF GEAR WHILE IN PARK AND RUNNING. THIS CONDITION DAMAGES VEHICLE. DEALER/MFR. NOT NOTIFED AT THIS TIME. *AK

THE SPRING THAT SUPPORT THE SEAT CUSHIONS WERE CUTTING THROUGH THE MATERIAL AROUND THEIR ATTACHMENT HOLES.

SEAT FRAME AND SLIDE RAIL SUPPORTS CRACKED. (SECOND VEHICLE FROM 514712)

Incident date: Jan 25, 1995

ELECTRONIC FUEL INJECTOR FAILED.

Incident date: Apr 15, 1996

IGNITION SWITCH FIRE.

Incident date: Jul 6, 1996

WHILE DRIVING AT A SPEED 60MPH IMPACT 6:00 POSITION, DRIVER AND PASSENGER LAP/SHOULDER BELTS FAILED,IMPACT 12:00 POSITIONS , DUAL AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *AK

Crash 4 injured

Incident date: May 1, 1996

ENGINE LOST POWER, CAUGHT FIRE. *DH

Fire

Incident date: Jun 11, 1996

FIRE STARTED IN THE IGNITION COLUMN, TOTALLY BURNED. *AK

Fire

Incident date: Dec 1, 1987

GAS GAUGE INOPERATIVE. *SD

Incident date: Jan 1, 1991

IGNITION SWITCH SHORTED, CAUSING FIRE. *DSH

Fire

Incident date: Feb 3, 1992

EXPERIENCED FIRE UNDERHOOD. PLEASE GIVE MORE DETAILS. *AK

Fire

Incident date: Apr 12, 1996

AFTER A HEAVY RAIN THE VEHICLE WILL NOT SHIFT OR GO OVER 50MPH AND THERE IS NO POWER. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK

Incident date: Feb 12, 1996

EXPERIENCED FIRE UNDERHOOD. *TT CONSUMER STATES FIRE STARTED IN THE VEHICLE DASHBOARD AND STEERING WHEEL,VEHICLE ALSO STARTED BY ITSELF.*JB

Fire

Incident date: Feb 12, 1996

EXPERIENCED FIRE UNDERHOOD. *TT CONSUMER STATES FIRE STARTED IN THE VEHICLE DASHBOARD AND STEERING WHEEL,VEHICLE ALSO STARTED BY ITSELF.*JB

Fire

Incident date: Oct 9, 1995

FAILURE OF THE IGNITION SWITCH BAD SMELL FROM THE IGNITION. TT

THE OWNER WAS DRIVING WHEN SHE NOTICED THAT BURNING SMELL AND DRIVER PULLED OVER AND OPENED THE HOOD AND SMOKE AND FIRE WAS EVERYWHERE. TT

Fire

WHILE DRIVING AUTO, CONSUMER NOTICED SMOKE, WHILE ATTEMPTING TO GET HELP AND LOOKED BACK THE AUTO WENT IN FLAMES. TT

Fire

Incident date: Jul 1, 1995

LAP/SHOULDER BUCKLE FELL APART ON DRIVER SIDE, ALSO THE PASSENGER IS EXPERIENCE PROBLEM. TT

Incident date: Feb 6, 1995

ENGINE FIRE. *SKD

Fire

Incident date: Jan 9, 1995

DASHBOARD REFLECTS ON WINDSHIELD, IMPAIRING VISIBILITY. *AK

IMPROPER CONNECTION OF THE COOLING SYSTEM TO ENGINE BLOCK. WATER COMES OUT OF GASKET LEAKS EXTENSIVELY. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. TT

EPA Fuel Economy, 1985 FORD ESCORT

Trim / Engine	City MPG	Highway MPG	Combined MPG	Fuel Type	Annual Fuel Cost
1.6L 4-cyl, Manual 4-spd (Front-Wheel Drive)	23.0	32.0	27.0	Regular	$2,300
1.6L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd (Front-Wheel Drive)	23.0	31.0	26.0	Regular	$2,350
1.9L 4-cyl, Manual 4-spd (Front-Wheel Drive)	24.0	33.0	27.0	Regular	$2,300
1.9L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd (Front-Wheel Drive)	23.0	34.0	27.0	Regular	$2,300
1.6L 4-cyl, Automatic 3-spd (Front-Wheel Drive)	22.0	28.0	24.0	Regular	$2,550
1.6L 4-cyl, Manual 4-spd (Front-Wheel Drive)	23.0	33.0	27.0	Regular	$2,300
1.6L 4-cyl, Manual 4-spd (Front-Wheel Drive)	29.0	39.0	33.0	Regular	$1,850
1.6L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd (Front-Wheel Drive)	22.0	32.0	26.0	Regular	$2,350
1.6L 4-cyl, Automatic 3-spd (Front-Wheel Drive)	21.0	27.0	23.0	Regular	$2,650
1.6L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd (Front-Wheel Drive)	22.0	30.0	25.0	Regular	$2,450
1.6L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd (Front-Wheel Drive)	20.0	31.0	24.0	Regular	$2,550
1.9L 4-cyl, Automatic 3-spd (Front-Wheel Drive)	23.0	29.0	25.0	Regular	$2,450
1.9L 4-cyl, Manual 4-spd (Front-Wheel Drive)	28.0	39.0	32.0	Regular	$1,900
1.9L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd (Front-Wheel Drive)	23.0	33.0	27.0	Regular	$2,300
2.0L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd (Front-Wheel Drive)	31.0	39.0	34.0	Diesel	$2,350
2.0L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd (Front-Wheel Drive)	36.0	46.0	40.0	Diesel	$2,000

CO2 Emissions: -1.0 g/mile (Compact Cars)

Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Actual fuel economy may vary based on driving conditions.

Technical Service Bulletins, 1985 FORD ESCORT

27 manufacturer communications from 22 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.

Most Affected Components

Component	Bulletins
103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION	4
034500 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC	3
114000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING	2
103700 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:TORQUE CONVERTER	2
063000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM	2
162000 STRUCTURE:BODY	1
036000 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP	1
131000 VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD	1

980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER

INFORMATION REGARDING TRANSMISSION FLUID USAGE CHARTS. *SLC

138600 VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:HEATER CORE

SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT HEATER CORE LEAKS. *SLC

061100 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE

CONCERNS WITH PREMATURE FAILURE OCCURING ON THE 1.9L MOTORCRAFT REMANUFACTURED LONGBLOCK ASSEMBLY AND SHORTBLOCK ASSEMBLY DUE TO INGESTION OF FOREIGN OBJECTS REMAINING IN THE TRANSFERRED INTAKE SYSTEM FROM THE ORIGINAL FAILED ENGINE.

103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

INFORMATION REGARDING THE NEW TRANSMISSION COOLER FLUSHER- SERVICE TIP. *MJS

114000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

SUBJECT ON A WIRE HARNESS TERMINAL REPAIR KIT AVAILABLE FOR REPAIRING ELECTRICAL WIRING HARNESSES. *TT

357100 EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER

INFORMATION ON IDENTIFYING NON-APPROVED / ALTERNATE REFRIGERANTS WHICH COULD CAUSE SAFETY, AND PERFORMANCE CONCERNS IF INSTALLED IN FORD A/C SYSTEMS. *TT

103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

INFORMATION ON THE NEW FLUSH AND FILL TOOL AVAILABLE THROUGH ROTUNDA. *TT

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

103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

INFORMATION ON A NEW TRANSMISSION FLUID USAGE CHART. *YC

190000 TIRES

INFORMATION ON TIRE COMPANY TELEPHONE NUMBERS FOR CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE. *YC

061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

A NEW SILICONE GASKET AND SEALANT. *YC

063000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM

INFORMATION ON A BUZZING OR RATTLE NOISE FROM THE EXHAUST SYSTEM. *TT

034500 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC

THE USE OF PETROLEUM-BASED GREASE AS A LUBRICANT IN SERVICING DISC BRAKES IS NO LONGER ACCEPTABLE. *YC

103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

FLUID- TRANSMISSION FLUID USAGE CHARTS. *JD

103700 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:TORQUE CONVERTER

TRANSAXLE - TORQUE CONVERTER REPLACEMENT GUIDELINES AND TORQUE CONVERTER/TRANSAXLE COOLING SYSTEM CLEANING PROCEDURES - SERVICE TIP. *TW

103700 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:TORQUE CONVERTER

TORQUE CONVERTER - LEAK TEST PROCEDURE - SERVICE TIP. *TW

114000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

WIRING - ELECTRICAL DIODE IDENTIFICATION AND SERVICE REPLACEMENTS. *TW

131000 VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD

WINDSHIELD AND INTERIOR GLASS - FOG/FILM. *TW

036000 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP

THE USE OF PETROLEUM-BASED GREASE AS A LUBRICANT IN SERVICING DISC BRAKES IS NO LONGER ACCEPTABLE BECAUSE IT MAY BE INCOMPATIBLE WITH THE RUBBER MATERIAL USED IN THE DISC BRAKE SYSTEM. IF PETROLEUM-BASED GREASE IS USED TO LUBRICATE ANY PAR

162000 STRUCTURE:BODY

SHEET METAL-ROOF PANEL AND DRIP RAIL REPLACEMENT- SEAM SEALER APPLICATION PROCEDURE.*SD

034500 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC

ROUGHNESS CONCERN DURING BRAKE APPLICATION. *TW

011000 STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR

UNKNOWN

034500 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC

UNKNOWN

063000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM

UNKNOWN

116000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

UNKNOWN

138800 VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:FAN/MOTOR

UNKNOWN

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

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.

EA, Closed , Model Year: 1997

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

PE, Closed , Model Year: 1997

INTEGRATED AIR BAG MONITOR WATER

DP, Closed , Model Year: 1998

AIR BAG NON-DEPLOYMENT

RQ, Closed , Model Year: 1995

FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY