1994 FORD Escort Problems & Complaints
Real owner complaints and problems reported to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). View common issues by component.
341
Complaints Reported
Complaints by Component
SEAT BELTS
77 complaints
AUTOMATIC SEATBELT IS JAMMED AND SEATBELT NO LONGER WORKS
Oct 21, 2018
1994 FORD ESCORT. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO PASSIVE RESTRAINT SHOULDER BELT NOT WORKING FOR A COUPLE OF YEARS. *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE SEAT BELT WOULD INTERMITTENTLY STOP AT MID-TRACK AND BOUNCING THE DOOR AGAINST THE HINGE WOULD GET IT TO MOVE. TWO WEEKS AGO, IT STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE TRACK. THE CONSUMER STATED SHE COULD HEAR THE MOTOR TRYING TO MAKE IT MOVE. SHE LEFT IT ALONE AND ABOUT FOUR DAYS LATER, IT RESUMED OPERATING. A WEEK LATER, IT FROZE AGAIN, A LITTLE MORE FORWARD IN THE TRACK THAN PREVIOUSLY.
Sep 19, 2012
DRIVER SIDE AUTOMATIC SEAT BELT INOPERATIVE WHILE THE PASSENGER SIDE AUTOMATIC SEAT BELT REMAINS OPERATIVE. NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO REMEDY THIS FAULT. *TR
Oct 29, 2007
TL*- THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 FORD ESCORT. THE DRIVER SIDE SEATBELT ISN'T WORKING PROPERLY WHEN THE DOOR IS CLOSED. THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEATBELT IS JAMMED. THE CONTACT'S SEATBELT IS MOTORIZED AND WHEN YOU CLOSE THE DOOR IT RETRACTS HALF WAY AND IS STUCK, IT WONT MOVE LEFT OR RIGHT. SEATBELT WILL NOT SECURE HIM IN PLACE. YESTERDAY IS THE FIRST AND ONLY TIME OF THIS INCIDENT.
Dec 18, 2006
I HAVE A 1994 FORD ESCORT STATION WAGON, THE DRIVER SIDE RETRACTABLE SEAT BELT FAILED AND WILL NOT WORK. *NM
May 08, 2006
+ 72 more complaints for this component
AIR BAGS
52 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 FORD ESCORT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE CONTACTED AND EXPLAINED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 94V218000 (AIR BAGS:FRONTAL). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 115,404.
Jun 23, 2011
CONSUMER STATED THAT AIR BAG LIGHT ON THE DASH IS FLASHING, INDICATING THAT SOMETHING IS WRONG. IS AFRAID THAT THE AIR BAG WILL DEPLOY AFTER READING THE OWNER'S MANUAL. CONSUMER TOOK THIS VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP/MECHANIC, AND WAS TOLD THAT TO CHECK THIS PROBLEM IT WOULD COST HIM $89.00, AND TO REPAIR IT WOULD COST $100.00 PER HOUR. CONSUMER INDICATED THAT AIR BAG LIGHT APPEARING ON DASHBOARD WAS A RECALL FOR SOME FORD ESCORTS, BUT NOT FOR HIS VEHICLE. HE NEED EDHELP WITH THE REPAIR COST.*AK
Aug 13, 2003
DRIVER'S AIRBAG DID NOT FULLY EXPAND AT THE TIME OF CAR ACCIDENT. CAR WAS TOTAL PER INSURANCE COMPANY. SEAT BELT SAVED DRIVER FROM FURTHER INJURY.*AK
Dec 06, 2001
SRS LIGHT STAYS ILLUMINATED WHILE DRIVING. DEALER HAS REPAIRED AIR BAG CIRCUIT. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIOAL INFORMATION.*AK
Sep 06, 2001
WE HAD AN ACCIDENT JULY 19,2001. OUR AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY. WE HAVE BOTH FRONT AND REAR DAMAGE.*AK
Sep 05, 2001
+ 47 more complaints for this component
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
31 complaints
1994 FORD ESCORT CUSTOMER WANTS INFO ABOUT ENGINE CATCHING FIRE**CC *JB
Mar 13, 2007
ENGINE FAILURE. THE HEAD ON THE 1.9 LITRE ENGINES HAVE A BUILT IN FLAW. THE INTAKE VALVE ON NUMBER 4 CYLINDER FAILS. THE VALVE SEAT BREAKS APART CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE PISTON AND ALSO THE HEAD. 4 VEHICLES FOUND TO HAVE THIS DEFECT WHILE WE WERE LOOKING FOR A USED REPLACEMENT HEAD.*AK
Apr 06, 2005
ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS SERPENTINE BELT HAS POPPED OUT OFF PULLEY WHILE DRIVING. MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. *AK THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE LOSES ALL POWER STEERING AND BRAKES DUE TO HARMONIC BALANCER AND THE RUBBER INSULATED PULLEY ON THE ENGINE HAD FAILED TWICE. *YH
Apr 25, 2002
MAIN CRANK SHAFT PULLEY PULLED AWAY FROM RUIBBER, RESULTING IN VIBRATION DAMPER AND CAUSING THE MAIN BELT TO FALL OFF WHILD DRIVING IN A PARKING LOT. STEERING CONTROL BECAME STIFF AND BATTERY CHARGING LIGHT CAME ON. THERE HAS BEEN FIFTEEN FAILURE OF THE CRANKSHAFT.
Oct 12, 2001
WHILE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN DRIVEWAY AND CONSUMER STARTED VEHICLE IT MADE A NOISE AND STALLED OUT. ALSO, VEHICLE WAS NOT PULLING LIKE IT SHOULD. CONTACTED DEALER, AND DEALER STATED INTAKE VALVE SEAT COVER BROKE. *AK
Jun 27, 2001
+ 26 more complaints for this component
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
30 complaints
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 FORD ESCORT. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO START THE VEHICLE WHEN THE KEY WAS INSERTED INTO THE IGNITION. THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS ILLUMINATED, HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE CONTACT HAD TO DISCONNECT THE BATTERY IN ORDER TO DIM THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE CAUSE OF FAILURE WAS THE IGNITION SWITCH. AS OF JUNE 18, 2007, THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE VIN, ENGINE SIZE, POWERTRAIN, AND # OF CYLINDERS WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 94,000.
Jun 18, 2007
DRIVING INTO CULVER DRIVE THROUGH AND NOTICE SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER HOOD, DROVE CAR OUT OF DRIVE THROUGH AND PARK. CALLED 911 AND BY THE TIME THE FIRE DEPARTMENT GOT THERE MY CAR WAS HEAVY WITH FIRE AND THE CAR NEXT TO IT WAS BURNED AS WELL, TOTAL ESTIMATED DAMAGES WAS $9000. MY CAR WAS TOTALED.
Jul 09, 2005
IT WAS HARD FOR THE CONSUMER TO TURN THE KEY IN THE IGNITION SWITCH, MAKING IT DIFFICULT FOR CONSUMER TO START THE VEHICLE. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK
Apr 26, 2004
WHEN THE CONSUMER PURCHASED THE USED VEHICLE, SHE WAS INFORMED THE IGNITION AND CLUTCH PLATE HAD BEEN REPLACED AND THE PARTS WERE UNDER WARRANTY. THE IGNITION FAILED AND SUBSEQUENTLY THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS REPLACED. *AK THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS REPLACED THREE TIMES. *JB
Apr 01, 2004
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: I HAVE NO HEAD LIGHTS, TAIL LIGHTS, BRAKE LIGHTS OR TURN SIGNALS. POSSIBLE SHORT IN WIRING. DISCOVERED BURNT WIRES AT THE TOP OF THE HATCHBACK. TRIED TO DO A TEMPORARY FIX USING "BOOTS". DID NOT HELP. THE FAULTY WIRES POSSIBLY CAUSED THE MAIN AMP TO BLOW WHICH MAY HAVE CAUSED THE ALTERNATOR TO GO. *NLM
Apr 22, 2003
+ 25 more complaints for this component
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
22 complaints
WHILE APPLYING THE BRAKES PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE,IT AND HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE FROM THE DRIVER'S SIDE. NO INJURIES REPORTED. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *AK
Oct 07, 2004
WHILE DRIVING AND APPLYING THE BRAKES , THEY FAILED AND PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK
Sep 29, 1999
THIS VEHICLE HAS TOTALLY INADEQUATE BRAKES. THIS IS THE ONLY NON-ABS CAR I HAVE EVER OWNED WHERE THE BRAKES CANNOT BE LOCKED UPINTENTIONALLY AT ANY SPEED. I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR TO A DEALER ON TWO OCCASIONS AND ALL THEY DID WAS BLEED AND CLEAN THE BRAKES. I HAVE HAD BRAKE PADS AND SHOES REPLACED, THE ENTIRE HYDRAULIC SYSTEM BLED, NEW MASTER CYLINDER INSTALLED, PEDAL AND BOOSTER CLEARANCES CHECKED. NOTHING MAKES A DIFFERENCE. I HAVE SEEN FROM YOUR OTHER DEFECT REPORTS THAT THERE IS A 'REVISED POWER BOOSTER AND MASTER CYLINDER' AVAILABLE. HOWEVER, WHEN I CONTACT THE DEALERS PARTS AND SERVICE DEPARTMENTS THEY DONT KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT THIS. ANY HELP WOULD BE APPRECIATED. THANK YOU!
Nov 21, 1998
BRAKE PEDAL GOES 1/4 TO 1/2 WAY TO THE FLOOR BEFORE BRAKES ENGAGE. VERY SPONGY FEEL. TWICE HAVE ALMOST REARENDED OTHER CARS AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS DURING RUSH HOUR. HAVE TAKEN CAR TO LOCAL GOODYEAR SERVICE TO INSPECT BRAKES AND BLEED AIR FROM THE SYSTEM. THEY SAY BRAKE PADS AND SHOES ARE FINE AND THAT THEY FOUND NO AIR BUBBLES OR CONTAMINATED FLUID WHEN THEY TRIED BLEEDING THE SYSTEM. THEY SAID THAT FORD HAS A TSB OUT FOR THE ESCORT FOR THIS PROBLEM AND THAT THE HYDRAULIC MASTER CYLINDER AND BOOSTER BOTH NEED TO BE REPLACED TO SOLVE THIS PROBLEM. THIS IS TOTALLY UNSAFE AND IF FORD IS AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM WHY HASN'T THERE BEEN A RECALL. FORD SHOULD BE REPLACING THESE PARTS AT THIER EXPENCE. MY FAMILYS SAFETY AND OTHERS ON THE ROAD WITH ME ARE AT RISK. I HAVE NOT CONTACTED THE DEALER YET; THIS REPORT IS TO DOCUMENT THE PROBLEM AND IS MY FIRST STEP IN TRYING TO RESOLVE THIS PROBLEM. WOMEN SEEM TO BE TAKEN ADVANTAGE OF WHEN DEALING WITH SERVICE MANAGERS. I WOULD APPRECIATE ANY HELP YOU COULD BE WITH RESOLVING THIS PROBLEM.
Nov 17, 1998
BRAKE ROTORS HAVE BEEN TURNED TWICE, AND PADS REPLACED TWICE. WHEN ATTEMPTING TO STOP, THE PEDAL WENT DOWN TO THE FLOOR , AND THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS USED IN ORDER TO STOP.*AK
Aug 12, 1996
+ 17 more complaints for this component
POWER TRAIN
21 complaints
AFTER WE CAME HOME OUR CAR LOCKED INTO PARK, IT WOULD NOT MOVE. WHEN MY HUSBAND REMOVED THE COVER , THE SPRING INSIDE IS TOTALLY SCREWED UP. IT WOULD BE FATAL IF THIS LOCKED UP WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY. WE HAVE TWO KIDS THIS IT A FORD SAFETY ISSUE. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED.*JB
May 06, 2006
THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND IDLING WHEN IT SUDDENLY WENT IN REVERSE. THE DRIVER HUNG ON TO THE OPEN DOOR OF HIS 1994 FORD ESCORT AND WAS DRAGGED FOR 100 FEET. *NM THE CONSUMER WAS DRAGGED 100 FEET AND HAD GOTTEN TRAPPED BETWEEN THE DOOR AND THE PAVEMENT AND WAS SUFFOCATED. *SC
Mar 28, 2005
FATAL DEATH DUE TO POSIBLE TRANSMISSION GOING INTO REVERSE FROM PARK WHILE VEHICLE IN IDLE. *JB
Jan 22, 2005
WHILE DRIVING TRANSMISSION DOES NOT SHIFT INTO HIGH OR LOW GEARS, CAUSE UNKNOWN. DEALER CANNOT IDENTIFY THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.*AK
Feb 18, 2000
CONSUMER BOUGHT CAR IN MARCH. WITH 20 MILES ON VEHICLE, TRANSMISSION HAD TO BE REPLACED FOUR TIMES. THE FIRST TIME, TRANSMISSION WAS SLIPPING AND WOULDN'T GO INTO GEAR. THE SECOND TIME, TRANSMISSION FELL APART AN HOUR AFTER SHE PICKED IT UP. THIRD TIME, TRANSMISSION WOULDN'T GO INTO REVERSE, AND FOURTH TIME, TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO ANY GEAR. IT WOULD STAY IN PARK AND MAKE GRINDING NOISE. *AK
Feb 08, 2000
+ 16 more complaints for this component
SUSPENSION
19 complaints
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THERE WAS A RATTLING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED. UPON INSPECTION BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, THE MECHANIC NOTICED THE LEFT FRONT AND BOTH REAR COIL SPRINGS WERE BROKEN. THERE WERE PIECES OF METAL FROM THE SPRINGS BROKEN OFF WHICH WAS CAUSING THE RATTLING SOUND. UPDATED 05/16/2006. *AK *NM
Apr 26, 2006
FRONT LEFT COIL SPRING WAS CRACKED. DEALER NOTIFIED.*AK THE SPRING BROKE WHEN THE CONSUMER ARRIVED HOME. THE VEHICLE MADE A "CLUNK" NOISE WHEN IN DRIVE AND REVERSE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO MIDAS AND THE MECHANIC SHOWED THE CONSUMER THE PROBLEM. WHEN THE SPRING BROKE IT RUBBED AGAINST THE TIRE AND RUINED IT. CONSUMER HAD TO REPLACE THE TIRE IN ADDITION TO BOTH SPRING. *PH
Aug 15, 2003
NO DESCRIPTION GIVEN. NLM
Sep 24, 2002
DURING ANNUAL SAFETY INSPECTION MECHANIC FOUND RIGHT AND LEFT COIL SPRINGS BROKEN-APPARENTLY DUE TO RUST AND LIGHTWEIGHT CONSTRUCTION
Jun 17, 2002
REAR SPRING BROKE OFF BECAUSE OF RUST AND CORRUSION. DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF PROBLEM.*AK
May 20, 2002
+ 14 more complaints for this component
VISIBILITY
13 complaints
ALOT OF TROUBLE WITH HEATING SYSTEM,THIS MAKES THE 4TH TIME IN A YEAR FOR REPAIRS?
Jan 17, 2001
THE HEATER CORE WAS FIRST REPLACED ON 8/20/98 BECAUSE IT WAS THE ORIGINAL, WAS REPLACED AT FORD DEALER IN HOME TOWN, THEN A LITTLE OVER A YEAR LATER THE HEATER CORE HAD TO BE REPLACED AGAIN BECAUSE ONCE REPLACED THIS TIME FOUND IT HAD POSSIBLY BEEN BENT WHILE INSTALLING SO IT CRACKED, AND IT AGAIN CRACKED WITHIN A YEAR AFTER BEING REPLACED BY A DIFFERENT MECHANIC, FORD SAID THEY WOULD NOT DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT SINCE WE HAD IT REPLACED BY A DIFFERENT MECHANIC, BUT THIS MECHANIC REPLACED THE PART FOR FREE. *AK
Mar 28, 2000
WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAILED.
Mar 23, 1999
WINDSHIELD WIPER PIVOT ASSEMBLY FAILED, CAUSING INTERMITTENT FAILURES OF WIPERS.
Mar 24, 1998
WINDOW SEALENT FAILED.
Oct 09, 1997
+ 8 more complaints for this component
STEERING
11 complaints
THE LEFT REAR TIE ROD BROKE WHILE TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY. MR *NLM *DT
Oct 10, 2002
DEALER DAMAGED STEERING COLUMN DURING TURN SIGNAL ASSEMBLY REPLACEMENT. BECAUSE OF THE COST INVOLVED, DEALER ONLY AGREED TO REPLACE ASSEMBLY WITH ONE FROM A LOCAL SALVAGE YARD. (COLLAPSEABLE PINS WERE SHEARED DURING STEERING WHEEL REMOVAL). BECAUSE OF T
Aug 23, 2000
WHILE DRIVING, DRIVER FELL ASLEEP AND LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, RESULTING IN A CRASH. *AK
Jul 28, 1999
WHEN TRAVELING STEERING WHEEL SEPARATED FROM THE STEERING COLUMN MORE THAN A INCH. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED THE DEALER, DEALER HAS REPLACED THE ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN UNIT. ALSO NOTE THERE IS A RECALL LISTED FOR THE SAME TYPE OF PROBLEM, BUT THIS VEHICLE IS NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK
May 20, 1999
STEERING COLUMN SHAFT MALFUNCTION. INDIVIDUAL COMPONENT REPAIR NOT POSSIBLE DUE TO STEERING WHEEL BREAKAGE DURING ATTEMPTED REMOVAL.
Jun 05, 1998
+ 6 more complaints for this component
TIRES
10 complaints
CONSUMER COMPLAINED ABOUT A TIRE PROBLEM. THE RIGHT REAR TIRE EXPERIENCED TREAD SEPARATION. THE TIRE BEGAN TO TAKE ON OVAL SHAPE. REMINGTON, LT255/75R16, DOT#DAIL925028 . *AK
Apr 13, 2004
WHILE TRAVELING ON HIGHWAY LEFT FRONT TIRE TREAD SEPARATED FROM WHEEL. GOODYEAR, RANGLER, LT24575R16 LOW RANGE. DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF PROBLEM.*AK
Apr 24, 2002
THE LEFT REAR FIRESTONE TIRE CAME OFF CAUSING HER TO LOOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, THIS CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO LEAVE THE ROADWAY AND RE-ENTER THE ROADWAY RESULTING IN THE VEHICLE ROLLING OVER SEVERAL TIMES AND THROWING THE FRONT PASSENGER FROM THE VEHICLE CAUSING HIS DEATH, TWO OTHER OCCUPANT WERE INJURED (BRIDGESTONE/FIRESTONE, P235/75R15, RADIAL ATX M/S VDHL1M0044 LEFT REAR). NLM
Sep 30, 2001
THE LEFT REAR FIRESTONE TIRE CAME OFF CAUSING HER TO LOOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, THIS CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO LEAVE THE ROADWAY AND RE-ENTER THE ROADWAY RESULTING IN THE VEHICLE ROLLING OVER SEVERAL TIMES AND THROWING THE FRONT PASSENGER FROM THE VEHICLE CAUSING HIS DEATH, TWO OTHER OCCUPANT WERE INJURED (BRIDGESTONE/FIRESTONE, P235/75R15, RADIAL ATX M/S VDHL1M0044 LEFT REAR). NLM
Sep 30, 2001
I TOOK THEM BACK TO FIRESTONE AND THE PEOPLE WERE VERY RUDE. I HAVE NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS WITH MY TIRES. ALL I WANTED WAS TO GET MY TIRES FIXED BUT THEY WERE VERY, VERY RUDE. I WILL NEVER RETURN TO FIRESTONE.*AK (TIRESIZE: P195/60R15)( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: P195/60R15 )
Feb 23, 2001
+ 5 more complaints for this component
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
7 complaints
AT HIGH SPEEDS THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL GETS STUCK. DEALER HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO DUPLICATE OR REPAIR THE PROBLEM. *AK
Jul 17, 1998
VEHICLE EXPERIENCED SUDDEN EXCELERATION, CAUSE NOT YET DETERMINED. *AK
Apr 25, 1997
MAKING A RIGHT TURN AND CAR ACCELERATED AND HIT THE CURB . *AK *JB
Nov 20, 1996
THE CAR ACCELERATES WHEN YOU APPLY THE BRAKE. PLEASE DESCRIBE. TT
Sep 12, 1995
ENGINE RAN OUT OF CONTROL BECAUSE TRANSMISSION GOT STUCK IN PASSING GEAR. TT
Jan 25, 1995
+ 2 more complaints for this component
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
5 complaints
HEADLIGHT COVER CLOUDED FROM AGE. DRIVERS CAN'T SEE WELL AT NIGHT. I'VE NOTICED THAT ALL ESCORTS HAVE THIS PROBLEM. I ALSO NOTICED A RECALL ON REPLACEMENT LIGHTING THAT LEADS TO SUGGEST THAT MANY OTHERS ARE HAVING TO REPLACE THE HEADLIGHT COVERS. WHY ISN'T MANUFACTURE RESPONSIBLE FOR DEFECTIVE PARTS? ESPECIALLY SAFETY PARTS. PREVIOUS OWNER HIT SOMETHING SLIGHTLY. I BELIEVE THIS IS DUE TO LACK OF ADEQUATE LIGHTING. *NM
Nov 01, 2006
HEADLIGHTS HAVE BOTH FAILED, METAL DEFLECTOR HAS FALLEN OFF BOTH ASSEMBLIES (LEFT AND RIGHT). CANNOT BE RETRIEVAL FROM CLOSED HOUSING HEADLIGHT BEAM GOES UPWARD TOWARD ONCOMING DRIVERS AND AT THE SAME TIME NOTICE LOWER ILLUMINATION.
Jun 18, 2002
CONSUMER STATES HEAD LIGHT LENS IS DISCOLORING, IT IS NOT ENOUGH LIGHT TO SEE AT NIGHT. *YD
Jun 07, 2002
THIS REPORT RELATES SPECIFICALLY TO THE DETERIORATION OF THE PLASTIC ON THE HEADLIGHT UNIT. I HAD NOTED PROBLEMS WITH ROAD LIGHTING BY MY CAR FOR QUITE SOMETIME AND HAVE USED THE HIGH BEAMS IN ORDER TO ILLUNIATE THE ROADS. (I DO NOT DRIVE MUCH AT NIGHT.) RECENTLY, THE ROAD ILLUMINATION BY THE FORD ESCORT WAGON BECAME SO POOR, I AND MY FAMILY TRIED TO DETERMINE THE PROBLEM. THE LIGHTS WORKED, BUT ILLUMINATION WAS NOT GETTING PAST THE DETERIORATED PLASTIC WHICH HAS NOT HELD UP TO ENVIRONMENTAL INFLUENCES. I BELIEVE THAT THE PROBLEM CAN BE SUBTLE AND TAKES A WHILE TO DEVELOP. BECUASE OF THAT, THE CONSUMER IS UNAWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE DEALER WHERE I TAKE MY VEHICLE HAS NEVER TOLD ME THIS WAS A PROBLEM. I HAVE SAVED THE OLD HEAD LIGHT UNITS WHICH I CONSIDER NO LONGER SAFE FOR DRIVING AND HAD FORD INSTALL NEW UNITS. I HAVE NOTICED A TREMENDOUS, TREMENDOUS IMPROVEMENT IN ILLUMINATION. I NOW CONSIDER THESE PLASTIC UNITS TO BE POTENTIALLY UNSAFE FOR THE PUBLIC AS THEY DETERIORATE. I AM SURE OTHERS MAY HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. I HAVE REPORTED THE PROBLEM TO FORD. I BELIEVE THAT ACCIDENTS WILL BE CAUSED WHEN THE UNIT PLATIC BECOMES SO CLOUDED AS TO BLOCK THE LIGHT AND NO PROVIDE PROPER ROAD ILLUMINATION. ODI IS MORE THAN WALCOME TO EXAMINE MY OLD HEADLIGHT UNITS.
Nov 29, 1999
WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE THE DRIVER CANNOT SEE AT NIGHT BECAUSE THE HEADLIGHTS ARE NOT BRIGHT ENOUGH FOR THE DRIVER. DRIVER THINKS THAT THIS IS A SAFETY PROBLEM CONCERNING THE HEAD LIGHTS NOT BEING BRIGHT WHEN IT IS DARK /FOGGY OR RAINING. CONSUMER DOES NOT WISH TO HAVE HER PHONE NUMBER LISTED. PLEASE WRITE HER IF THERE IS A SOLUTION TO THIS PROBLEM. *AK
Jan 14, 1998
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
5 complaints
CONSUMER STATES THAT GAS LINE "RUBBED THROUGH" AS A RESULT OF COMING IN CONTACT WITH THE FRONT SWAY BAR ,CAUSING A FUEL LEAK.*AK
Jun 30, 2003
HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP TUBING RUSTED ALLOWING FUEL TO BE PUMPED OUT AND SPILLING ON THE TOP OF THE FUEL TANK AND PUDDLING ON THE GROUND WHEN ENGINE IS RUNNING. THIS FUEL ODOR AND LEAKAGE COULD CREAT A FIRE HAZARD.*AK
Jun 18, 2002
WHILE DRIVING SMELLED FUEL AND THE GAS WAS LEAKING FROM BEHIND METAL PLATE FROM THE GAS TANK. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER AND IT'S STILL IS THERE. *AK
Mar 05, 1997
CONSUMER THINKS THE FUEL LINE DEFECTIVE REPLACED FUEL LINE WAS CUT FUEL IS LEAKING . TT
Feb 12, 1996
FUEL PUMP FAILED.
Feb 23, 1995
STRUCTURE
4 complaints
BUMPER ROCK AND BUMPER BROKE IN HALF. PLEASE DESCRIBE. TT
Jan 24, 1996
BUMPER ROCK AND BUMPER BROKE IN HALF. PLEASE DESCRIBE. TT
Jan 24, 1996
LIGHTWEIGHT DESIGN OF VEHICLE CAUSED VEHICLE TO DRIFT FROM STRONG WIND GUSTS, RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT. *SD
Jul 31, 1995
REAR DOOR HINGE HAD MISSING BOLT. TT
Jan 25, 1995
AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS
3 complaints
THE 1994 FORD ESCORT IS A VERY POORLY MADE CAR. MOST OF THESE VEHICLES WERE MANUFACTURED WITH AUTOMATIC SEATBELTS, THE MOTORS OF WHICH ALMOST ALWAYS FAIL. OURS WAS NO EXCEPTION. WE HAD A MANUAL SEATBELT INSTALLED-- AT OUR EXPENSE-- AND TODAY THAT MANUAL SEATBELT SAVED MY HUSBAND'S LIFE IN A ROLLOVER CRASH. IMAGINE IF HE HAD ONLY HAD A LAPBELT! FORD REPEATEDLY DENIES THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM, BUT FOR EVERY 10 ESCORTS I SEE THAT WERE MADE ABOUT THE SAME TIME, 9 OF THEM HAVE AT LEAST ONE FAILED SEATBELT. IN ADDITION, THE AIRBAG FAILED TO DEPLOY IN A ROLLOVER CRASH GOING SOME 75 MPH. I CAN'T SAY IF MY HUSBAND'S INJURIES WOULD HAVE BEEN LESS SEVERE HAD THE AIRBAG GONE OFF, BUT I DO KNOW THAT I WILL NEVER BUY A FORD AGAIN.
Jul 24, 2005
CONSUMER WAS DRIVING AT 45 MPH AND WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT, THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG DIDN'T DEPLOY. ALSO DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT FAILED TO RETRACT, CAUSING THE CONSUMER TO HIT THE STEERING WHEEL. *AK
Jan 12, 1999
VEHICLE WAS AT A COMPLETE STOP AND IMPACTED 6:00 POSITION, DRIVER'S SIDE AUTOMATIC SHOULDER BELT DID NOT RETRACT, AZLSO NO DEPLOYMENT OF DRIVER'S AIR BAG, RESULTING IN AN INJURY. *AK
Aug 30, 1996
SEATS
3 complaints
VEHICLE WAS AT A STOP WHEN IT WAS REARENDED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE THAT WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 50 MPH BEFORE SLAMMING ON BRAKES AND SKIDDING FOR 188 FEET INTO THE VEHICLE. AT IMPACT, BOTH FRONT SEATS AND REAR SEAT BROKE AND FELL BACKWARDS. WHILE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT WAS FALLING BACKWARDS, A 7 YR.OLD CHILD SITTING IN REAR PASSENGER SEAT WAS IN FOWARD MOTION WHEN HEAD RESTRAINTS OF FRONT PASSENGER SEAT HIT CHILD IN CHEST ,TEARING VALVE IN HEART AND PUNCTURING LUNGS . LATER, CHILD DIED DUE TO INJUIRES.DRIVER AND FRONT PASSENGER WERE NOT INJURED. CONSUMER CONTACTED A LAWYER WHO SENT AN PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR TO INSPECT VEHICLE, AND DETERMINED SEATBELTS WERE IN WORKING CONDITIONS, AND REAR PASSENGER SEAT WAS PUSHED BACK, AND IWAS SITTING UNEVEN. ALL SEATS IN VEHICLE WILL NOT MOVE AND WERE BROKEN. *AK
Jun 12, 2001
SEAT TRACK BROKE. THE DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK
Feb 12, 1998
ELECTIRCAL SHORT IN THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT MOTOR , CAUSING THE SEAT TO CATCH ON FIRE.*AK
Aug 20, 1996
EQUIPMENT
2 complaints
CONSUMER STATES THAT WHILE AT AN IDLE PUT VEHICLE IN NEUTRAL AND VEHICLE ENGINE RIVED UP. STEPPED ON GAS PEDAL VEHICLE IDLED FASTER. SHUT VEHICLE OFFAND RESTARTED IT. HAD VEHICLE SERVICE. THIS IS AS RESULT OF THE ENGINE COMPUTER CHIP SENDING WRONG INFORMATION. MR
Oct 11, 2002
STEREO POWER SWITCH FAILED, CAUSING POWER SURGES/CASSETTE DECK MEMORY LOSS. *SKD
Nov 08, 1994
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
2 complaints
WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH THE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR WHICH IS EQUIPPED WITH MANUAL LOCKS OPENED , CAUSING CHILDREN TO FALL FROM THE VEHICLE. CAUSE UNKNOWN. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAIL INFORMATION. *AK
Nov 19, 1998
THE LATCH ON TRUNK STICKS.
Apr 02, 1997
INTERIOR LIGHTING
2 complaints
THE DOME LIGHT IN THE CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK
Apr 29, 1996
THE DOME LIGHT IN THE CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK
Apr 29, 1996
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
2 complaints
FULE GAUGE FAILED, CAUSING GAUGE TO RISE AND FALL WHILE DRIVING.
Feb 02, 1995
FUEL GAUGE FAILED, GIVING INACCURATE FUEL READINGS.
Jan 05, 1995
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,TIRES,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
WHILE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND WITHOUT WARNING IGNITION STARTED TO CRANK, CAUSING IGNITION SWITCH TO MELT.*AK DEALER FOUND FAULTY IGNITION SWITCH CAUSED MALFUNCTION TO BURN WIRE ON STARTER SOLENOID OFF CAUSING CAR TO TURNOVER BY ITSELF. BRAKE CALIPERS, ALTERNATOR, TWO AIR CONDITIONER POWER HOSES, MASTER CYLINDER, STARTER AND TIRES (TIRE INFORMATION UNKNOWN) HAD TO BE REPLACED. *TT
Jul 05, 2002
STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
WAS DRIVING WHEN VEHICLE STARTED SMOKING. IT FAILED TO SLOW DOWN AND COME TO A COMPLETE STOP AFTER BRAKES APPLIED. HAD TO SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL AND VEHICLE SLOWED DOWN, THEN STOPPED. DRIVER LEFT VEHICLE , AND IT CAUGHT ON FIRE. WAS INFORMED THAT SENSOR WIRES TO IDLER HAD FUSED TOGETHER.*AK
Oct 01, 2001
INTERIOR LIGHTING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
THE LIGHT ON THE DASH HAS BEEN OUT FOR A NUMBER OF YEARS NOW, JUST THE PART WHERE THE METERS ARE ENCASED. THE SEATBELTS HAVE BEEN GOING BAD OVER A PERIOD OF ABOUT 3 YEARS. THE LEFT FRONT SHOULDER BELT DOES NOT ALWAYS RETRACT, NOR DOES THE RIGHT FRONT SHOULDER STRAP. IN THE BACK, THE LEFT REAR SHOULDER STRAP NO LONGER RETRACTS SO THAT IT IS NOW FOREVER LOOSE AND FLOPPY...USELESS. DEALERSHIPS HAVE INFORMED US THAT SERVICING THIS PROBLEM IS UPWARDS OF $500 . WE HAVE HEARD OF OTHER OWNERS OF ESCORTS EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEM. TO US THIS APPEARS TO BE A DEFECT AND SHOULD BE SERVICED AT NO CHARGE TO THE CONSUMER, BUT THE DEALERSHIPS INFORM US THAT THERE HAS BEEN NO RECALL.*AK
Aug 21, 2001
POWER TRAIN,SEAT BELTS
1 complaint
DRIVER AND PASSENGER AUTOMATIC SEAT BELTS WILL NOT RELEASE FROM RETRACTING MECHANISM. ALSO, GEARS WILL NOT SHIFT INTO REVERSE, CAUSE UNKNOWN. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK
Feb 12, 2001
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
Dec 05, 2000
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,SEAT BELTS
1 complaint
DRIVER'S SIDE SEATBELT IS HANGING FROM CEILING OF CAR, BELT DOES NOT RETRACT PROPERLY.*AK ENGINE FAILED AND REPLACED. CONSUMER CONCERN THE ODOMETER READING WILL NOT MATCH. *YH
Nov 09, 2000
CHILD SEAT
1 complaint
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
Apr 04, 2000
SEAT BELTS,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
MOTORIZED SEAT BELTS, BOTH ON DRIVER'S SIDE AND PASSENGER'S SIDE, FAILED. ALSO, PLASTIC BUMPER GUARDS BROKE. DEALER NOTIFIED. PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *AK
Mar 24, 2000
STEERING,SUSPENSION
1 complaint
DURING ANNUAL INSPECTION OUR MECHANIC DISCOVERED AND FAILED THE CAR FOR SAFETY REASONS, THAT THE REAR SPRINGS WERE COLLAPSING ON OUR CAR. HE HAS INFORMED US THAT HIS SHOP HAS BEEN GETTING NUMEROUS ESCORT WAGONS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM AS OURS. HE HAS ADVISED US TO CALL THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP ABOUT THE DEFECT OF THE SPRINGS. ALL THE DEALERSHIP SAID THAT THIS IS NOT A SAFETY ISSUE, BUT GET THEM FIXED ANYWAY AND SAVE THE BILL IN CASE OF A RECALL. OUR VEHICLE HAS 49,000 ODD MILES AND HAS NEVER CARRIED ANYTHING HEAVIER THAN 2 SUIT CASES, A PORT-A-CRIB AND SOME TOYS. IF IT WASN'T FOR A REPAIR SHOP SHOWING ME THE RECORDS OF REPLACEMENT COILS ON THE ESCORTS I WOULD NEVER HAVE THOUGHT OF DOING THIS. THE PROBLEM WITH THE COILS THEY ARE CRACKING AT THE BASE AT THE SUSPENSION, WHICH COULD LEAD TO LOSE OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE.
Sep 20, 1999
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VISIBILITY,SEATS,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
Jul 17, 1999
VISIBILITY,AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS
1 complaint
SRS LIGHT COMES ON INTERMITTENTLY. (IE98074) ALSO SHOULDER BELT ON DRIVERS SIDE HESITATES WHEN RETRACTING/REAR DEFROSTER SWITCH IS INOPERABLE. DEALER IS NOT AWARE OF PROBLEMS, PROBLEMS STILL EXIST. PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK
Jun 01, 1999
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS
1 complaint
AIRBAG'S SENSOR WARNING LIGHT CAME ON WHILE DRIVING. ALSO A BUZZING NOISE AND A SMELL OF ELECTRICAL SMOKE CAME FROM THE VEHICLE. DEALER HAS REPAIRED VEHICLE.
May 27, 1999
STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
THE MANIFOLD TO THE AIR CONDITIONER BLEW OFF WHILE DRIVING. ALSO POWER STEERING WENT OUT AND, THERE WERE NO BRAKES WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH. CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER SAFELY. *AK
Mar 15, 1999
AIR BAGS,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
CONSUMER WAS DRIVING 10 MPH WHEN REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE. UPON IMPACT, FENDER WAS BENT, AND DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED. CONSUMER COULDN'T USE THE HORN DUE TO THE AIR BAG DEPLOYING, DRIVER'S AIR BAG IS LOCATED ON THE SPACE WHERE THE HORN IS, AND HORN DOESN'T WORK. *AK *ML
Feb 12, 1999
SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
1 complaint
THE CONSUMER HAS BEEN EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH REAR COIL SPRINGS. REAR COIL SPRINGS BROKE. ALSO, WHILE DRIVING, THE BRAKE LIGHTS ILLUMINATE CONSISTENTLY. IN ADDITION, THE CONSUMER HAS TO START APPLYING BRAKES AT A LONG DISTANCE FROM THE DESTINATION DESIRED TO STOP. *AK
Oct 27, 1998
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,SEATS
1 complaint
DRIVING 35MPH WHEN VEHICLE WAS REARENDED & SLAMMED INTO VEHICLE IN FRONT. DRIVER'S SEAT COLLAPSED BACKWARDS FROM EITHER BEING REARENDED OR REARENDING OTHER VEHICLE. OWNER DOES NOT REMEMBER DUE TO BEING UNCONSCIENCE AT THE TIME. AIR BAG DID DEPLOY & SEAT BELT HELD. ENGINE STILL RUNNING & FUEL CUT OFF SWITCH FAILED. DRIVER AWOKE & CUT IGNITION OFF. *AK *SLC
Aug 22, 1997
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN
1 complaint
ENGINE MOTOR MOUNTS CRACKED; ALSO, CAMSHAFT FAILED, CAUSING VEHICLE TO STALL/TRANSMISSION JUMPS OUT OF FITH GEAR. *AK
Dec 11, 1996
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,AIR BAGS
1 complaint
AIR BAG ALARM INTERMITTENTLY BLINKS AN "A CODE 53" WHICH MEANS CRASH SENSOR HAS FAILED.*AK CONSUMER STATES ON COLD DAYS THE AIR BAG WILL INTERMITTENLY SOUND AN ALARM OR 53 MEANING A CRASH SENSOR IS FAILING, CONSUMER TOK VEHICLE TO LOCAL DEALER, BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM, WHICH IS DUE TO THE IINTERMITTENT NATURE OF THE FAILURE, THE SENSOR WILL BLINK UNTIL THE VEHICLE IS TURNED OFF AND THIS ONLY HAPPENS DURING THE WINTER MONTHS CONSUMER ALSO EXPERIENCED AN ENGINE NOSIE, AND THE ENGINE BELTS WERE READJUSTED,ALSO CONSUMER STATES SHE HAD A SQUEAKY FAN AND ALSO LEFT PASSENGER SPEAKER WAS NOT WORKING.*JB
Oct 01, 1996
AIR BAGS,SEATS
1 complaint
AT A COMPLETE STOP WHEN DRIVER WAS REARENDED AND THE AIR BAG DIDN'T DEPLOY AND THE SEAT WENT BACK AND TWISTED. PLEASE EXPLAIN IN DETAIL. *AK
Jun 12, 1996
PARKING BRAKE
1 complaint
EMERGENCY BRAKE WOULD NOT ENGAGE. *AK
Jun 03, 1995
Frequently Asked Questions
How many problems does the 1994 FORD Escort have?
The 1994 FORD Escort currently has 341 owner-reported complaints according to NHTSA database. These complaints are organized by component to help identify common issues.
What are the most common problems with 1994 FORD Escort?
The most common problems reported for the 1994 FORD Escort are organized by component above. Each component section shows owner-reported issues, crash reports, and fire incidents to help identify patterns and problem areas.
Where does this 1994 FORD Escort problem data come from?
All problem and complaint data for the 1994 FORD Escort comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.
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