1986 Ford Escort
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Have the VIN?
Vehicles › Ford › Escort › 1986
These records cover every 1986 Ford Escort. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
2 recalls name the 1986 Ford Escort. Newest first.
The forward outboard pedestal of the seat track of driver's seat may be susceptible to fatigue fracture.
Risk and remedy
Risk
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
Spring lock fuel line coupling may not be properly engaged.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Coupling could disengage due to fuel pressure,vibration, and engine movements; this would cause loss of fuel which, inpresence of an ignition source, creates a fire risk.
Remedy
Install retainer clips over the couplings to prevent coupling separation and fuel leakage.
Owner complaints
45 complaints2 involved a crash18 involved a fire3 injuries1 deaths
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Engine and engine cooling
I am writing you today about a situation that occurred july 3RD 1986 in morton grove illinois at 11:52p.m. I am the mother of a 2 year old that was burned to death in a 1986 ford escort that was not on in the parking lot of a grocery store. Yes it has been over 20 years, but during the course of…
I am writing you today about a situation that occurred july 3RD 1986 in morton grove illinois at 11:52p.m. I am the mother of a 2 year old that was burned to death in a 1986 ford escort that was not on in the parking lot of a grocery store. Yes it has been over 20 years, but during the course of this time I have not been able to get anyone to listen to my story. well, this particular car was a rental from budget rental in glenview illinois and we were on a family outing. All was well and then we stopped off to get some fire works. I could only afford smoke bombs and sparkles. Needless to say when this horrific event occurred the fire department stated that this was the reason the car caught on fire. That IS not true. You can't start a firework without a lighter. The rental car did not have a cigarette lighter or there were no matches. I found a news article date in the virginian pilot, april 18, 1996, ten years later stating that there was an ignition problem in cars dated as far back as 1984. Please for the last 20 years I have had to live with this MINI movie playing in my head over and over again with no resolution. This IS not about money or fame. My child died before he could see what life IS like with his family. Here IS a copy of the article. I need help. This incident has crushed my family. My oldest son and I had to witness this unable to help my baby. you wonder why it took me so long to write this letter, it IS very hard for me to do this now. I need closure. Every year on this date, I sit at his grave site and wonder what went wrong. I rent cars all the time and I am in fear of anything can happen. But it was stated that there was a known fact of a problem. Although acknowledged 10 years later, better late than never. Your company has improved during trial and error, however, did my son have to die during the error part. *tr
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system
Consumer became ill from the fumes that emitted from the heater/ac system. *ph the vehicle was recalled for the heater/radiator system however the consumer remained ill. *nm
- Electrical system › Ignition › Module
Several times over the last few months while driving with the engine temperature in the normal range on the freeway traveling at between 70-75 mph the engine stalls and will not restart. when pulled to the side of the road after looking under the hood and removing the timing plug and allowing the…
Several times over the last few months while driving with the engine temperature in the normal range on the freeway traveling at between 70-75 mph the engine stalls and will not restart. when pulled to the side of the road after looking under the hood and removing the timing plug and allowing the ignition module to cool for about 5 minutes the engine restarts. the engine will not restart without removing the timing plug. I have replaced the ignition module and the ignition module pickup with original factory replacement parts. the problem goes away for a short period of time and then resurfaces after about a few weeks after replacement. a california judge has ordered a recall to repair this problem however ford motor company will not comply unless the nhtsa orders them to do so. I will continue to replace the parts as to not endanger myself or others on the freeway. thank you for your consideration. *ak *nlm **dimsii ivoq entry posted after 12/12/02 cut-over to artemis*734328
- Electrical system › Ignition
Several times over the last few months while driving with the engine temperature in the normal range on the freeway traveling at between 70-75 mph the vehicle stalls and will not restart. when pulled to the side of the road after looking under the hood and removing the timing plug and allowing the…
Several times over the last few months while driving with the engine temperature in the normal range on the freeway traveling at between 70-75 mph the vehicle stalls and will not restart. when pulled to the side of the road after looking under the hood and removing the timing plug and allowing the ignition module to cool for about 5 minutes the engine restarts. the engine will not restart without removing the timing plug. I have replaced the ignition module and the ignition module pickup with original factory replacement parts. the problem goes away for a short period of time and then resurfaces after about a few weeks after replacement. a californa judge has ordered a recall to repair this problem however ford motor company will not comply unless the nhtsa orders them to do so. I will continue to replace the parts as to not endanger myself or others on the freeway. thank you for your consideration. *ak
- Electrical system › Ignition
While driving at 45mph vehicle shuts off with no warning. Consumer IS unable to get it started. cause unknown. Dealer notified.*ak
- Unknown or other
While traveling noticed that engine indicator light would flash on and stay on through out travel .dealer has been contacted, technician cut indication light off 4 time with cost to customer. Please provide further information.*ak
- Unknown or other
No summary
- Electrical system › Ignition
Ignition module has been replaced twice in 3 years, car was stalling at low speed. The same problem seems to be returning.
- Electrical system › Ignition › Switch
When driving at any speed vehicle will stall and cut off without prior warning. Vehicle has stalled out in the middle of an intersection. consumer has contacted dealer. Dealer noted that ignition went bad which caused the vehicle to stall . ignition was replaced on a number of occasions.*ak
- Structure › Frame and members
The entire frame has prematurley rusted, cause unknown. please give any further details. *ak
- Vehicle speed control › Accelerator pedal
Vehicle was involved in an accident. When the vehicle was started the accelerator got stuck, and vehicle went downhill. Frontal impact, one injury to driver. Manufacturer was contacted and unaware of the problem, vehicle was totalled, no recall listed. *ak
- Structure › Frame and members
Quarter panel over rear passenger tire has weakened tire IS bent in slightly from hole developed right next to shock within inches.
- Structure › Frame and members
Left rear unibody IS rusted through and IS nothing IS holding the left rear wheel on vehicle.
- Fuel system, gasoline › Carburetor system
Carburetor failed.
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline
Engine fire.
- Power train › Automatic transmission
Plastic governor in transmission failed twice, causing transmission to fail. (First vehicle on 601574)
- Structure › Body
Rust developed in suspension off the well, causing tire to fall off.
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Aluminum heads overheated/cracked, causing oil to leak onto hot exhaust manifold, which started engine fire. *Dh
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline
While driving, noticed smoke coming from vents, then suddenly vehicle interior caught on fire. *Ak
- Electrical system › Ignition › Switch
Driven on frwy, parked in parking lot, took vehicle off parking lot, about 1/4 mile later saw flames coming from hood, fire dept arrived & put flames out. *ak
- Electrical system › Ignition › Switch
Vehicle was parked, turned ignition on and vehicle completely burned, electrical short. *ak
- Electrical system › Ignition › Switch
The vehicle was parked for three minutes and then it went up in flames. Please describe. *ak
- Exterior lighting › Turn signal
Turn signals go out while driving, no accidents or injuries yet. *ak
- Electrical system
Air conditioner problems due to electrical problem which resulted in fire. *Dsh
- Electrical system › Ignition › Switch
Ignition switch failed, preventing starter from engaging. *Dsh
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Rear safety belt fit
===
- Rear seat belt compliance
Rear seat belt compliance
- 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.manufacturer information…
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.manufacturer information: ford made two significant modifications to theseat track; one incorporated a double latch system, locking both the in-board and outboard track assemblies, and the other added web depth in thefront and rear of the seat track.ford provided a total of 1,741 warranty claims concerning seat trackfailure on the subject vehicles.they believe that fracture of the seat track causes a limited rockingmotion and IS not a safety problem.proposed action: ir to ford sent 10/9/87.test request sent to etf10/21/87.
- Stalling
No safety defect trend has been detected.===
- 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.manufacturer information…
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.manufacturer information: ford made two significant modifications to theseat track; one incorporated a double latch system, locking both the in-board and outboard track assemblies, and the other added web depth in thefront and rear of the seat track.ford provided a total of 1,741 warranty claims concerning seat trackfailure on the subject vehicles.they believe that fracture of the seat track causes a limited rockingmotion and IS not a safety problem.proposed action: close this pe, open an ea, and send another ir to ford.===
- 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:several areas of fire…
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:several areas of fire origin are mentioned.engine firesallegedly caused by leakage of flammable fluids (oil, gas, trans fluid).catalytic converters frequently cited as overheating.certain modelsare reported at a greater frequency.exp turbo reported most often on aper unit basis.status: ir sent 2/19/88. Awaiting response.===
- 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/marquis, and…
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/marquis, and thunderbird/cougar.ford sold about 110,000 replacement mio bolts, mainly for 1983 and 1984models. Low clamping force appears to be a large part of the problem.ford increased the torque requirements and required the use of a manualtorque tool in march and september 1985 production changes. 1987 modelswill be produced with a longer M10 bolt and a nut to increase and main-tain clamping force. Bolts were formerly self tapping. Reports listedabove specifically state that the bolt broke. None refer simply toseat back collapse alone.status:ford reply to odi ir dated 2/2/87.ford recalled 195,7321984 tempo/topaz vehicles in june 1986 (86v-082). Analyzing reponse,monitoring canadian progress. Response to 4/6/87 letter to fordreceived 7/15/87. Will probably close after canada completes theiractions.===
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 6090087Information on identifying non-approved / alternate refrigerants which could cause safety, and performance concerns if installed in ford a/c systems.
- 6089681Subject on a wire harness terminal repair kit available for repairing electrical wiring harnesses.
- 3011600Unknown
- 623988Information regarding transmission fluid usage charts. *Slc
- 623944Some vehicles may exhibit heater core leaks. *Slc
- 618599Concerns 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.
- 612203Information regarding the new transmission cooler flusher- service tip. *Mjs
- 608431Information on the new flush and fill tool available through rotunda.
- 604059Ford motor company has released a new electrical grease ( F8AZ - 19g208-aa ) to reduce the possibility of moisture corrosion at the terminals.
- 601343A new silicone gasket and sealant.
- 601312Information on a buzzing or rattle noise from the exhaust system.
- 601290Information on tire company telephone numbers for customer assistance.
- 601238Information on a new transmission fluid usage chart.
- 601012The use of petroleum-based grease as a lubricant in servicing disc brakes IS no longer acceptable.
- 51945Fluid- transmission fluid usage charts.
- 50997Transaxle - torque converter replacement guidelines and torque converter/transaxle cooling system cleaning procedures - service tip.
- 50940Windshield and interior glass - fog/film.
- 50908Torque converter - leak test procedure - service tip.
- 50905Wiring - electrical diode identification and service replacements.
- 46478The 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 part of the disc brake system, it could cause rubber parts to swell if lubricant contacts the rubber material.
- 45947Sheet metal-roof panel and drip rail replacement- seam sealer application procedure.*sd
- 41025A revised service windshield wiper motor IS now available.
- 39900Roughness concern during brake application.
- 39820Letter to dealers informing that certain vehicles may not have had all of the recall work, from recalls 93e38 and 93e39, performed.
- 37734Rough running at steady highway cruise speeds.
Every Ford Escort model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.