1988 FORD ESCORT

2 recalls — 50 complaints

96V071000 Apr 25, 1996
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
THE IGNITION SWITCH COULD EXPERIENCE AN INTERNAL SHORT CIRCUIT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH.
7,900,000 vehicles affected
87V139000 Sep 4, 1987
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
SPRING LOCK FUEL LINE COUPLING MAY NOT BE PROPERLY ENGAGED.
Remedy: INSTALL RETAINER CLIPS OVER THE COUPLINGS TO PREVENT COUPLING SEPARATION AND FUEL LEAKAGE.
3,600,000 vehicles affected
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE Oct 3, 2003
CAR HAS BEEN STALLING REGARDLESS OF SPEED. TOOK TO MECHANIC TO DETERMINE PROBLEM. MECHANIC HAS (SO FAR) IDENTIFIED BAD HEAD GASKET. I AM SECOND OWNER OF THIS VEHICLE AND IT HAS ONLY 67,000 MILES ON IT. VERY FEW MILES FOR AN EXPENSIVE HEAD GASKET REPAIR!! *JB
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE May 1, 2003
I BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE FROM MY UNCLE WHEN IT WAS 3 YEARS OLD WITH 40,000 MILES ON IT. IT BEGAN STALLING A YEAR OR SO AFTER I BOUGHT IT. I HAD IT IN TO BOTH A FORD AND INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP WITH A VARIETY OF REASONS GIVEN FOR IT STALLING. I REPLACED THE IGNITION MODULE THREE DIFFERENT TIMES ON MY OWN ON A HUNCH THAT IT MIGHT BE THE PROBLEM. I HAVE MOTH BALLED THE CAR FOR AT LEAST THREE YEARS BECAUSE I WAS TIRED OF DRIVING AROUND HAVING TO WORRY ABOUT IT STOPPING ON ME. I DIDN'T SELL IT BECAUSE I DIDN'T WANT TO PAWN THE PROBLEM, OFF ON SOMEONE ELSE AND BESIDES I REALLY LIKED THE CAR OTHERWISE. AFTER HEARING OF THE CALIFORNIA RECALL ORDER, EVERYTHING FELL INTO PLACE. I BELIEVE THAT THE POOR ENGINEERING ON PLACEMENT OF THE IGNITION MODULE ON THE VEHICLE IS THE PROBLEM. BUT I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO. I FEEL TRAPPED BUT I AM HOPING THAT THE RECALL WILL EVENTUALLY IMPACT ME IN MINNESOTA. THANK YOU FOR ANY HELP YOU CAN GIVE ME. SINCERELY, JOHN HELLAND. *AK *SCC **DIMSII IVOQ ENTRY POSTED AFTER 12/12/02 CUT-OVER TO ARTEMIS*734334
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION Jul 22, 2002
I BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE FROM MY UNCLE WHEN IT WAS 3 YEAR OLD WITH 40,000 MILES ON IT. IT BEGAN STALLING A YEAR OR SO AFTER I BOUGHT IT. I HAD IT IN TO BOTH A FORD AND INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP WITH A VARIETY OF REASONS GIVEN FOR ITS STALLING. I REPLACED THE IGNITION MODULE THREE DIFFERENT TIMES ON MY OWN ON A HUNCH THAT IT MIGHT BE THE PROBLEM. I HAVE MOTHBALLED THE CAR FOR AT LEAST THREE YEARS BECAUSE I WAS TIRED OF DRIVING AROUND HAVING TO WORRY ABOUT IT STOPPING ON ME. I DIDN'T SELL IT BECAUSE I DIDN'T WANT TO PAWN THE PROBLEM OFF ON SOMEONE ELSE AND BESIDES I REALLY LIKED THE CAR OTHERWISE. AFTER HEARING OF THE CALIFORNIA RECALL ORDER, EVERYTHING FELL INTO PLACE. I BELIEVE THAT THE POOR ENGINEERING ON PLACEMENT OF THE IGNITION MODULE ON THIS VEHICLE IS THE PROBLEM. BUT I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO. I GUESS I FEEL TRAPPED BUT AM HOPPING THAT THE RECALL WILL EVENTUALLY IMPACT ME IN MINNESOTA. THANK YOU FOR ANY HELP YOU CAN GIVE ME. SINCERELY, JOHN HELLAND. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION Apr 29, 2002
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
Fire 1 injured
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM Mar 28, 2002
CONSUMER STATES WHILE HAVING VEHICLES OIL CHANGED THE MECHANIC NOTICED HIM THE LOWER ARM SHAFT WAS RUSTED AND NEED TO BE REPLACED. NLM
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS:SWITCH Dec 10, 2001
WHEN HEADLIGHTS ARE ON TAILLIGHTS WILL NOT WORK. WHEN MOVING SWITCH TAIL LIGHTS WILL WORK, BUT HEADLIGHTS WII NOT. THIS IS THE THIRD SWITCH. CONTACTED DEALER, AND DEALER WILL REPLACE SWITCH AT CONSUMER'S EXPENSE.*AK
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:SWITCH Dec 10, 2001
WHEN HEADLIGHTS ARE ON TAILLIGHTS WILL NOT WORK. WHEN MOVING SWITCH TAIL LIGHTS WILL WORK, BUT HEADLIGHTS WII NOT. THIS IS THE THIRD SWITCH. CONTACTED DEALER, AND DEALER WILL REPLACE SWITCH AT CONSUMER'S EXPENSE.*AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE Oct 30, 2001
VEHICLE STALLS AT ANY SPEED, HAS STALLED 4 TIMES. INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP REPLACED IGNITION MODULE 4 TIMES.*AK *JB
TIRES Sep 28, 2001
WHILE TRAVELING, VEHICLE BOUNCED TO LEFT OR TO RIGHT DUE TO UNEVEN WEAR OF TIRES. *AK FRONT END CAN NOT BE ALIGNED PROPERLY TO SPECIFICATION PER DEALER. VEHICLE WOULD NOT START, DEALER REPLACED THE IGNITION COIL AND MODULE 4 DIFFERENT TIMES. *SLC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION Sep 28, 2001
WHILE TRAVELING, VEHICLE BOUNCED TO LEFT OR TO RIGHT DUE TO UNEVEN WEAR OF TIRES. *AK FRONT END CAN NOT BE ALIGNED PROPERLY TO SPECIFICATION PER DEALER. VEHICLE WOULD NOT START, DEALER REPLACED THE IGNITION COIL AND MODULE 4 DIFFERENT TIMES. *SLC
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR Jun 18, 2001
KNOCKING NOISE IN THE ENGINE BEGAN - DEALER CONTACTED AND STATED NOISE PROBABLY DUE TO BENT ROD. KNOCK SEEMS TO LESSEN DURING COLD WEATHER AND WHEN OIL IS SERVICED. WINDSHIELD WIPERS STOP INTERMITTENTLY DURING OPERATION. REPLACED THE WIPER MOTOR - PROBLEM STILL EXISTS.*AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE Jun 18, 2001
KNOCKING NOISE IN THE ENGINE BEGAN - DEALER CONTACTED AND STATED NOISE PROBABLY DUE TO BENT ROD. KNOCK SEEMS TO LESSEN DURING COLD WEATHER AND WHEN OIL IS SERVICED. WINDSHIELD WIPERS STOP INTERMITTENTLY DURING OPERATION. REPLACED THE WIPER MOTOR - PROBLEM STILL EXISTS.*AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE Apr 16, 2001
VEHICLE STALLS AT ANY TIME AND ANY SPEED.*AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS Mar 23, 2001
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH Dec 27, 2000
VEHICLE MAY NOT START AT TIMES. SOMETIMES FUEL PUMP WON'T WORK, IGNITION SWITCH IS FAULTY, AND SOMETIMES SWITCH STICKS IN ON POSITION INSTEAD OF RETURING TO RIGHT POSITION. *AK
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP Dec 27, 2000
VEHICLE MAY NOT START AT TIMES. SOMETIMES FUEL PUMP WON'T WORK, IGNITION SWITCH IS FAULTY, AND SOMETIMES SWITCH STICKS IN ON POSITION INSTEAD OF RETURING TO RIGHT POSITION. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION Nov 6, 2000
WHEN DRIVING CAR WILL STOP WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE. DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF PROBLEM.*AK
CHILD SEAT:TETHER: STRAP/WEBBING Oct 26, 2000
WHILE CHILD IS IN CHILD SEAT SEAT BELTS BECOME UNDONE . CONSUMER CONTACTED MANUFACTURER/ DEALER. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION Oct 25, 2000
I BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE FROM MY UNCLE WHEN IT WAS 3 YEAR OLD WITH 40,000 MILES ON IT. IT BEGAN STALLING A YEAR OR SO AFTER I BOUGHT IT. I HAD IT IN TO BOTH A FORD AND INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP WITH A VARIETY OF REASONS GIVEN FOR ITS STALLING. I REPLACED THE IGNITION MODULE THREE DIFFERENT TIMES ON MY OWN ON A HUNCH THAT IT MIGHT BE THE PROBLEM. I HAVE MOTHBALLED THE CAR FOR AT LEAST THREE YEARS BECAUSE I WAS TIRED OF DRIVING AROUND HAVING TO WORRY ABOUT IT STOPPING ON ME. I DIDN'T SELL IT BECAUSE I DIDN'T WANT TO PAWN THE PROBLEM OFF ON SOMEONE ELSE AND BESIDES I REALLY LIKED THE CAR OTHERWISE. AFTER HEARING OF THE CALIFORNIA RECALL ORDER, EVERYTHING FELL INTO PLACE. I BELIEVE THAT THE POOR ENGINEERING ON PLACEMENT OF THE IGNITION MODULE ON THIS VEHICLE IS THE PROBLEM. BUT I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO. I GUESS I FEEL TRAPPED BUT AM HOPPING THAT THE RECALL WILL EVENTUALLY IMPACT ME IN MINNESOTA. THANK YOU FOR ANY HELP YOU CAN GIVE ME. SINCERELY, JOHN HELLAND
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP Oct 2, 2000
RADIATOR COOLING FAN MALFUNCTIONED WHILE DRIVING, CAUSING WIRE HARNESS TO CATCH ON FIRE, AND BLOW THE FUSEABLE LINK THAT SHUTS FUEL PUMP OFF. THIS COMPLETELY CAUSED VEHICLE TO SHUT DOWN. FORD HAS BEEN CONTACTED.*AK
Fire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN Oct 2, 2000
RADIATOR COOLING FAN MALFUNCTIONED WHILE DRIVING, CAUSING WIRE HARNESS TO CATCH ON FIRE, AND BLOW THE FUSEABLE LINK THAT SHUTS FUEL PUMP OFF. THIS COMPLETELY CAUSED VEHICLE TO SHUT DOWN. FORD HAS BEEN CONTACTED.*AK
Fire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD Oct 2, 2000
RADIATOR COOLING FAN MALFUNCTIONED WHILE DRIVING, CAUSING WIRE HARNESS TO CATCH ON FIRE, AND BLOW THE FUSEABLE LINK THAT SHUTS FUEL PUMP OFF. THIS COMPLETELY CAUSED VEHICLE TO SHUT DOWN. FORD HAS BEEN CONTACTED.*AK
Fire
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM Sep 28, 2000
FORD ADMITTED TO NEWSPAPER COLUMIST THAT BALL JOINTS ON MANY ESCORTS AND TEMPOS WERE DEFECTIVE. MISSOURI REQUIRED ANNUAL SAFETY INSPECTIONS WHICH CAUGHT MANY OF THESE DEFECTIVE BALL JOINTS BUT MANY STATES DID NOT REQUIRE INSPECTIONS. FORD COVERED THIS PROBLEM UP, SO THERE IS NO WAY OF KNOWING HOW MANY ACCIDENTS WERE CAUSED BY FAILED BALL JOINTS.*AK
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS Sep 26, 2000
RECALL PERFORMED ON IGNITION SWITCH. IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE RECALL WAS PERFORMED THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS FAILED TO COME ON. DEALER STATED THAT IT COULD NOT NOT BE RELATED. THE FORD TECH THAT DID THE REPLACEMENT DISTURBED OTHER AREAS IN THE STEERING COLUMN CAUSING THE FAILURE. HE/SHE FAILED TO CONNECT EVERYTHING IN THE COLUMN.
SEAT BELTS Sep 8, 2000
LEFT FRONT MOTORIZED SEAT BELT FAILED. YH
STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR Feb 8, 2000
STEERING WHEEL RETAINER BOLT WILL WORK ITS WAY OUT, CAUSING STEERING COLUMN TO BE MOVEABLE. TSB HAS BEEN ISSUED FOR REDESIGNED BOLT. CONSUMER FAILED SAFETY INSPECTION DUE TO THIS DEFECT. *AK
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:HIGH/LOW BEAM DIMMER SWITCH Jan 28, 2000
THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH HAS BEEN REPLACED ABOUT 4 TIMES IN THE LAST 3 YEARS. IT LOOKS LIKE IT IS DUE TO EXCESSIVE HEAT OR AN ELECTRICAL SHORT IN THE WIRE CONNECTORS. THE DIMMER SWITCH LOCATED INSIDE THE STEERING COLUMN HAS BEEN REPLACED TWICE IN THE LAST YEAR DUE TO THE SAME PROBLEM. THE CONNECTORS TO THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH AND THE DIMMER SWITCH HAVE TURNED BROWN DUE TO THE EXCESSIVE HEAT AND MELTING OF THE PLASTIC CONNECTORS. AFTER THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH IS REPLACED, THE HEADLIGHTS WORK FOR ABOUT 4-6 MONTHS UNTIL THEY BEGIN TO SHORT OUT, AND INTERMITTENTLY FLICKER. SOMETIMES, THE HIGH BEAMS ARE THE ONLY HEADLIGHTS THAT WORK. THE MECHANIC I HAVE TAKEN MY CAR TO FOR THE LAST 5 YEARS WHILE LIVING IN MARYLAND STATES THAT THIS KIND OF PROBLEM IS VERY TYPICAL FOR FORD ESCORTS AROUND THE TIME MY CAR WAS MANUFACTURED.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:SWITCH Jan 28, 2000
THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH HAS BEEN REPLACED ABOUT 4 TIMES IN THE LAST 3 YEARS. IT LOOKS LIKE IT IS DUE TO EXCESSIVE HEAT OR AN ELECTRICAL SHORT IN THE WIRE CONNECTORS. THE DIMMER SWITCH LOCATED INSIDE THE STEERING COLUMN HAS BEEN REPLACED TWICE IN THE LAST YEAR DUE TO THE SAME PROBLEM. THE CONNECTORS TO THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH AND THE DIMMER SWITCH HAVE TURNED BROWN DUE TO THE EXCESSIVE HEAT AND MELTING OF THE PLASTIC CONNECTORS. AFTER THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH IS REPLACED, THE HEADLIGHTS WORK FOR ABOUT 4-6 MONTHS UNTIL THEY BEGIN TO SHORT OUT, AND INTERMITTENTLY FLICKER. SOMETIMES, THE HIGH BEAMS ARE THE ONLY HEADLIGHTS THAT WORK. THE MECHANIC I HAVE TAKEN MY CAR TO FOR THE LAST 5 YEARS WHILE LIVING IN MARYLAND STATES THAT THIS KIND OF PROBLEM IS VERY TYPICAL FOR FORD ESCORTS AROUND THE TIME MY CAR WAS MANUFACTURED.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR Sep 21, 1999
ALTERNATOR BELT FAILED. NLM
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH Sep 21, 1999
CONSUMER HAD RECALL REPAIR OF THE IGNITION SWITCH (95S28) PERORMED BUT EXPERIENCED AN IGNITION SWITCH FIRE AFTER RECALL REPAIR. NLM
Fire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:GAS RECIRCULATION VALVE (EGR VALVE) Sep 21, 1999
PCV VALVE FAILED. NLM
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS Sep 21, 1999
FUEL FILTER FAILED. NLM
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:SWITCH Sep 21, 1999
HEADLIGHT SWITCH AND WIRES TO SWITCH FAILED, TAILIGHTS ALSO FAILED. NLM
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:PUMP Sep 21, 1999
POWER STEERING BELT FAILED. NLM
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:HORN Sep 21, 1999
HORN FAILED. NLM
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS Sep 21, 1999
HEADLIGHT SWITCH AND WIRES TO SWITCH FAILED, TAILIGHTS ALSO FAILED. NLM
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS May 26, 1999
WIRING HARNESS MALFUNCTIONED, CAUSING HEADLIGHTS TO GO ON AND OFF, CAUSING VISIBILITY PROBLEMS, AND MAY RESULT IN A CRASH. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING May 26, 1999
WIRING HARNESS MALFUNCTIONED, CAUSING HEADLIGHTS TO GO ON AND OFF, CAUSING VISIBILITY PROBLEMS, AND MAY RESULT IN A CRASH. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH May 13, 1999
IGNITION SWITCH WAS REPAIRED UNDER RECALL 96V071000, TWO YEARS LATER, IGNITION SWITCH WILL NOT TURN OFF. DEALER WILL BE NOTIFIED. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH Mar 22, 1999
IGNITION SWITCH FAILED PRIOR TO RECALL NOTICE.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE Mar 9, 1999
REPLACED THREE WATER PUMP AND TIMING BELTS BEFORE 75,000 MILES.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM Mar 9, 1999
REPLACED THREE WATER PUMP AND TIMING BELTS BEFORE 75,000 MILES.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH Mar 9, 1999
IGNITION SWITCH FAILED PRIOR TO RECALL NOTICE.
SEAT BELTS:FRONT Jan 22, 1999
SEAT BELT BUCKLE FAILURE.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE Jan 4, 1999
VEHICLE EXPERIENCED CONTINUED PROBLEMS WITH STALLING.
SEAT BELTS Dec 4, 1998
WHEN OPENING THE DOORS ON THE DRIVER'S OR PASSENGER'S SIDE THE AUTOMATIC SEAT BELTS WILL NOT RETRACT PROPERLY. ALSO, AT TIMES THE BELTS WILL COME ALL THE WAY UP, BUT WILL NOT LOCK INTO POSITON, CAUSING THE SEATBELT LIGHT TO COME ON, INDICATING THE BELTS ARE NOT BEING USED. THE DOOR LIGHT ALSO COMES ON, SAYING THAT A DOOR IS AJAR. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH Dec 1, 1998
IGNITION SWITCH WAS REPLACED UNDER RECALL #98S28 ON 05-OCT-98. ON 19-NOV-98, CONSUMER HAD PARKED THE VEHICLE AFTER TRAVELING AND THE VEHICLE BURST INTO FLAMES DUE TO AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM, ACCORDING TO THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *AK
Fire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE Dec 1, 1998
THE CONSUMER HAS EXPERIENCED PROBLEMS WITH ENGINE. VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE IT WAS PARKED OUTSIDE OF CONSUMER'S HOUSE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT CAME TO THE SCENE AND DETERMINED THAT THE FIRE WAS CAUSED BY A DEFECT IN THE ENGINE. THE MANUFACTURER HAS YET TO BE CONTACTED. *AK *ML
Fire
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS Nov 27, 1998
HEADLIGHTS CONTINUALLY SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH Oct 20, 1998
IGNITION SWITCH FAILED RESULTING IN VEHICLE FIRE PRIOR TO RECALL NOTICE.
Fire