“Passenger's side front seatbelt stopped working in october 2003, driver's side seatbelt stopped working about february 2004, automatic belt retractors try to move then stop. A grinding / whirring can be heard at times. Both belts are un usable. *tr”
Owner complaint, filed Jun 16, 2009 at 145,347 miles
“Tl* -the contact stated that the passenger shoulder restraint and the driver's seat belt were not working in her 1993 FORD escort and she discovered that it is not uncommon for her vehicle. She contacted FORD motor company and they told her that the dealer can service her vehicle, but it would not be covered under the warranty. The warranty is does not cover vehicles over 5 years or 50,000 mileage.”
Owner complaint, filed Jan 19, 2007 at 188,000 miles
Complaints and recalls over time
By year of filing
All complaintsAbout the seat beltsRecall (red: the seat belts)NHTSA investigation opened
Complaints about the 1993 Escort peaked in 1995, with 59 filed that year. No recall on file covers the seat belts, the subject of 28% of the complaints. In 2012 owners filed 1 so far.
Filed Mar 23, 200661,944 vehiclesPro-A Motors, Inc.
Defect. CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Risk. WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy. PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.
Defect. THE OFFSET TOE ADJUSTING PIN CAN FRACTURE UNDER CONDITIONS SUCH AS TORSIONAL LOADS, FLEXING MOTION, IMPACT LOADS, AND OVERTORQUING.
Risk. THIS CAN RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLE STEERING CONTROL ANDAN ACCIDENT.
Remedy. DANA WILL PAY FOR REPLACEMENT AND LABOR COSTS OF THE ADJUSTMENT PIN WITHOUT CHARGE TO THE INSTALLING FACILITY AND THE VEHICLE OWNER. THESE PINS SHOULD BE REPLACED BY A FORD ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT PIN ASSEMBLY. OWNER OR INSTALLER INQUIRIES CONCERNING THIS RECALL CAMPAIGN SHOULD CONTACT DANA SERVICE CENTER AT 1-800-248-9606.
Filed Mar 26, 19943,500 vehiclesFord Motor Company
Defect. THE LOCK PLATE OF THE DRIVER SIDE INBOARD SEAT TRACK ADJUSTERS WERE MANUFACTURED WITH AN UNAUTHORIZED MODIFICATION TO THE FABRICATION PROCESS WHICH CAUSES THE SEAT NOT TO FULLY ENGAGE IN CERTAIN SEATING POSITIONS NEAR THE MID-POINT OF THE SEAT TRACK TRAVEL.
Risk. IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH THE SEAT CAN MOVE, WHICH WOULD RESULT IN REDUCED OCCUPANT PROTECTION.
Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE DRIVER SIDE INBOARD SEAT TRACK.
All 3 campaigns on file, newest first.
NHTSA investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
Before a recall there is often an investigation: NHTSA opens one when complaints or manufacturer data point to a safety defect. One names the 1993 Escort.
THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES REVISED PASSIVE RESTRAINT SYSTEM INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THE WORKSHOP MANUAL AND THE ELECTRICAL AND VACCUM TROUBLESHOOTING MANUAL (EVTM). *TT
ENGINEERING IS REVIEWING PASSIVE RESTRAINT (MOTORIZED SEATBELT) SYSTEMS IN CERTAIN VEHICLES. *TT
What owners reported
Newest filings
Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly
Filed Jul 6, 2012CA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 FORD ESCORT. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE CONTACT SMELLED A STRONG ODOR OF FUEL INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, EXCESSIVE FUEL WAS LEAKING FROM THE FUEL TANK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE FUEL TANK WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THERE WAS A MANUFACTURER'S VOLUNTARY RECALL PERTAINING TO THE FUEL TANK HOWEVER THE CONTACT'S VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE CONTACT PERFORMED NUMEROUS TEMPORARY REPAIRS ON THE VEHICLE AND THE PROBLEM PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE. UPDATED 08-07-12 *BF UPDATED 08/08/2012 *JS UPDATED 2/25/13 *CN UPDATED 03/11/2013 *JS
Seat Belts
Filed Jun 16, 2009145,347 milesCA
PASSENGER'S SIDE FRONT SEATBELT STOPPED WORKING IN OCTOBER 2003, DRIVER'S SIDE SEATBELT STOPPED WORKING ABOUT FEBRUARY 2004, AUTOMATIC BELT RETRACTORS TRY TO MOVE THEN STOP. A GRINDING / WHIRRING CAN BE HEARD AT TIMES. BOTH BELTS ARE UN USABLE. *TR
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Oct 15, 2007190,957 milesDE
INITIALLY, THE BRAKE LIGHT CAME ON. I THEN CHECKED THE BRAKE FLUID, WHICH WAS BELOW MINIMUM REQUIRED. I HAVE NOW FILLED THE REQUIRED LEVEL. YESTERDAY, THE BRAKE PEDAL COMPLETELY FAILED TO STOP THE VEHICLE - NO COMPRESSION AT ALL. THE BRAKE PEDAL GOES DOWN ALL THE WAY WITH NO COMPRESSION. IT COULD HAVE CAUSED A SERIOUS ACCIDENT BUT LUCKILY, I WAS ABLE TO CONTROL DUE TO MANUAL GEAR. *JB
Electrical SystemFire
Filed Aug 2, 2007170,000 milesMI
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 FORD ESCORT. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN A MECHANIC'S GARAGE, IT CAUGHT FIRE. THE FIRE DESTROYED THE VEHICLE, THE OTHER VEHICLES IN THE GARAGE, AND THE GARAGE ITSELF. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT STATED THAT THE FIRE ORIGINATED UNDER THE DASHBOARD OF HIS VEHICLE, POSSIBLY THE IGNITION SWITCH. A POLICE AND FIRE REPORT WERE FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS AT THE SHOP FOR NEW BRAKES AND TIE RODS. UPDATED 02/01/08. *LJ
Structure › BodyCrash1 injured1 killed
Filed May 25, 2007OH
AS BRIEFLY AND SUCCINTLY AS I CAN; MY FATHER WAS DRIVING A 1993 FORD ESCORT STATION WAGON ON ONE OF THE LAST DAYS OF WINTER WHEN HE APPARENTLY HIT A PATCH OF BLACK ICE. HE DID GO LEFT OF CENTER AND WAS HIT BY AN ONCOMING VEHICLE (EACH VEHICLE @ 35MPH). MY QUESTION INVOLVES THE SIDE IMPACT CAPABILITY OF THIS MODEL - THE IMPACT WAS AS CLOSE TO BEING RIGHT ON THE "B'" PILLAR AS POSSIBLE AND THIS THING JUST FOLDED IN HALF. THE ROOF FOLDED, THE FLOOR BUCKLED AND THE PASSENGER SIDE WAS TOUCHING THE STEERING WHEEL. AT THIS POINT, I NEED TO EMPHASIZE THIS CAR WAS NOT A BUCKET OF RUST - HE BOUGHT IT USED BECAUSE OF THE LOW MILES AND GREAT CONDITION (MY FATHER, THE ETERNAL BARGAIN HUNTER). ALTHOUGH I'VE LOST MY FATHER TO THIS ACCIDENT, I AM CURIOUS IF THIS WAS AN ANOMOLY OR ARE THESE STATION WAGONS NOTED FOR THIS COLLAPSING FEATURE? IF THIS HASN'T BEEN NOTED BEFORE, I WILL PRESUME THIS WAS A "ONE OF" EVENT, BUT IF THERE ARE OTHERS THAT HAVE EXHIBITED THE SAME FAILURE MODE, I WOULD SAY THERE IS A PROBLEM. AS A SIDE NOTE, I HAVE SEEN WHERE THIS YEAR AND SEVERAL AFTER IT WEREN'T TESTED FOR SIDE IMPACT. ANY INFORMATION YOU MAY HAVE TO SHARE WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED. THANKS, TOM DAVIS
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump
Filed Mar 31, 20076,000 milesNC
IN 1992 I BOUGHT A BRAND NEW 1993 ESCORT GT SPARTANBURG, SC. THE 1ST PART OF THE YEAR EVERYTHING WAS FINE. AFTER, THE CAR WAS IN AND OUT OF THE SHOP TO DATE FOR HESITATION, FUEL SYSTEM PROBLEMS, ODD NOISES AND OTHER THINGS. I FILED FOR LEMON LAW IN 1993-94 IN TEXAS. WAS TOLD THEY WOULD REPLACE THE MOTOR, COULD TAKE UP TO A MONTH BEFORE I GOT THE CAR BACK. WHEN ASKED IF THEY WOULD SUPPLY A LOANER CAR I WAS TOLD NO. WITHOUT FINANCES TO RENT A CAR TO GET TO & FROM WORK (50 MLS DAILY) I COULD NOT ACCEPT THE OFFER AT THAT TIME WITHOUT THEM PROVIDING TRANSPORTATION. OVER THE YEARS, IT'S BEEN 1 PROBLEM AFTER ANOTHER. SINCE 1994, I REPLACED 3 CATALYTIC CONVERTERS, NUMEROUS DIAGNOSTIC MACHINES TO FIND WHY IT WOULD STALL IN IDLE AND NO ACCELERATION AFTER CAR WARMED UP& OTHER THINGS. IN 1995, THE FUEL TANK DEVELOPED A CRACK AT SOLDER JOINT BETWEEN THE FUEL RETURN & THE FUEL PUMP SENDING UNIT LOCATED AT TOP OF TANK RESULTING IN FUMES & GAS LEAKING WHEN FILLED. THREE FORD DEALERSHIPS SAID ONLY 1992 FORD ESCORTS WERE INCLUDED IN THE RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM AND THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO EVEN THOUGH IT WAS MANUFACTURED IN 1992. THE AUTOMATIC SEAT BELT, DRIVER SIDE QUIT WORKING. WE REPLACED IT WITH A NEW ONE BUT STILL WON'T WORK. SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE WIRING. TWO FORD DEALERSHIPS CAN'T FIX NOR TWO AUTO ELECTRICIANS. I CONTACTED FORD AGAIN UNDER LEMON LAW, THEY TOLD ME IT WAS A ONE TIME OFFER. SINCE I REFUSED THE FIRST OFFER, THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO. RECOMMENDED I SELL THE CAR
Seat Belts
Filed Jan 19, 2007188,000 milesCA
TL* -THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SHOULDER RESTRAINT AND THE DRIVER'S SEAT BELT WERE NOT WORKING IN HER 1993 FORD ESCORT AND SHE DISCOVERED THAT IT IS NOT UNCOMMON FOR HER VEHICLE. SHE CONTACTED FORD MOTOR COMPANY AND THEY TOLD HER THAT THE DEALER CAN SERVICE HER VEHICLE, BUT IT WOULD NOT BE COVERED UNDER THE WARRANTY. THE WARRANTY IS DOES NOT COVER VEHICLES OVER 5 YEARS OR 50,000 MILEAGE. THIS WAS TOLD TO HER BY 1 SUPERVISOR AND 2 REPRESENTATIVES. SHE ALSO EXPERIENCED A BUCKLE FAILURE THAT SHE MUST REPAIR AT HER OWN COST. *NM
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Master Cylinder
Filed Nov 3, 200639,188 milesSC
THE BRAKES ON OUR 1993 FORD ESCORT LOCKED UP CAUSING CATASTROPHIC BRAKE FAILURE. HAD TO REPLACE THE MASTER CYLINDER, BOTH FRONT CALIPERS, BOTH ROTORS, ALL HOSES AND PADS. THIS BRAKE FAILURE COULD HAVE CAUSED AN ACCIDENT AND EVEN DEATH. *JB
Unknown or Other
Filed Oct 25, 2005OK
CONSUMER LETTER REGARDING REPLACEMENT TIMING BELT. *TS THE CONSUMER WANTED TO KNOW DOES THE TIMING BELT NEED TO BE REPLACED PERIODICALLY AND IF SO AT WHAT INTERVALS. THE CONSUMER STATED THE GUIDE FOR THE 1.8L STATED THE TIMING BELT SHOULD BE REPLACED EVERY 60,000 MILES, HOWEVER IT DIDN'T MENTION HOW OFTEN THE 1.9L SHOULD BE REPLACED. *JB
Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Aug 16, 200548,000 milesOH
DT: PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE AT A USED LOT. AFTER 90 DAYS THE TRANSMISSION PUMP WENT OUT. BOUGHT IT WITH 48,000 MILES. WENT TO TWO DIFFERENT MECHANIC SHOPS, AND THEY SAID IT HAD TOO MUCH WEAR FOR THAT AMOUNT OF MILEAGE. THE EXHAUST SYSTEM CAME OFF, THE SHOCKS WERE BAD, THE TIRES WERE AL DEFECTIVE, AND THE BRAKES FAILED. THE DEALER FROM WHO THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED WAS OUT BUSINESS. *AK
Seat Belts › Front › Buckle Assembly
Filed Jan 4, 2005CA
FEMALE END OF ELR LAP BELT SPONTAINIOUSLY STOPPED LATCHING. *AK
Seat Belts › Front › Retractor
Filed Dec 6, 200427,000 milesUT
CONSUMER'S VEHICLE HAS MOTORIZED SEAT BELTS. THE BELT WILL TIGHTEN INADVERTENTLY, FEELING AS IF CONSUMER WAS BEING CHOKED. CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE REPAIRS WILL COST $400.00. *AK....ALSO, FRONT FENDER AND MIDDLE OF THE VEHICLE ABOVE THE FENDER IS PEELING PAINT, AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON WHILE DRIVING AND GOES OFF WHEN STEPPING ON THE BRAKES AT STOP SIGN OR TRAFFIC LIGHT OR WHENEVER CONSUMER APPLIES THE BRAKES. *AK
Electrical System › 12v/24v/48v Battery › Cables
Filed Aug 31, 20048,000 milesWI
THE BATTERY CABLE BROKE OFF AND THE CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO START THE VEHICLE UNLESS SHE TAPED THE CABLE IN PLACE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO FORD AND THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD THAT THE PART WAS NO LONGER AVAILABLE. *AK THE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE WHEN THE ENGINE SHUT OFF. THERE WAS A SPECIAL GROUNDING WIRE FROM THE COMPUTER TO THE CABLE POST WIRE. THE CONSUMER WAS CONCERNED WITH THE FACT THAT THE GROUNDING WIRE WAS NOT CONNECTED TO THE FRAME INSTEAD OF THE BATTERY AND SUGGESTED THAT WITHOUT THIS BRACKET HARNESS WIRE, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. *SC *JB
Exterior Lighting › Headlights
Filed Feb 24, 2004180,000 milesNH
WHILE DRIVING THE CAR AT NIGHT ON THE HIGHWAY AT 65 MPH HEADLIGHTS WENT OUT. TRIED TURNING THEM ON AND OFF, STILL DIDN'T WORK. THE ONLY REASON THERE WAS NO FIRE OR CRASH IS BECAUSE I USED MY HAZARD LIGHTS TO FIND MY WAY TO THE BREAKDOWN LANE. HEADLIGHTS, BEING UP THERE WITH "TIRES", ARE ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT SAFETY FEATURES A CAR CAN HAVE, AND THEM FAILING IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT ON THE HIGHWAY IS NOT SOMETHING I PARTICULARLY ENJOY.*AK
Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Jan 14, 2004180,000 milesDC
VEHICLE'S RPMS STAY HIGH AFTER THE ACCELERATOR IS RELEASED. *MR THE MECHANIC INDICATED THAT THE PEDAL WASN'T STICKY NOR WAS THE THROTTLE CABLE. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT RARELY ILLUMINATED. THIS PROBLEM STARTED OCCURRING DURING COLD WEATHER (BELOW 0 DEGREES). THE RPMS REVVED HIGH AND CONTINUED TO RISE WHEN THE PROBLEM OCCURRED. SHUTTING OFF THE ENGINE "SOLVED" THE PROBLEM FOR A FEW MINUTES OR UNTIL THE PEDAL WAS PRESSED. THE AIR INTAKE VALVE WAS CLEANED BUT THE PROBLEM STILL OCCURRED. *PH *NM
Suspension › Rear › Springs
Filed Jan 12, 2004MD
WHILE HAVING, THE VEHICLE IN THE REPAIR SHOP FOR SERVICE ON OTHER PARTS, THE MECHANIC NOTICED THAT COIL SPRINGS ON THE REAR SUSPENSION FAILED. ALSO, THERE HAD BEEN A LOT OF PROBLEMS ON FORD, ESCORTS CONCERNING THE REAR SPRINGS BEING DEFECTIVE. *AK THERE WAS INTERMITTENT FRONT WHEEL WHINES. THE SERVICE MECHANIC COMMENTED ABOUT THE MANY BROKEN SPRINGS ON THIS MAKE/MODEL. (BOTH REAR SPRINGS WERE FOUND BROKEN) *SC *JB
Electrical System › Wiring › Rear Compartment/TrunkFire
Filed Dec 28, 2003115,330 milesNH
1993 FORD ESCORT STATION WAGON. SHARP METAL EDGE AT WIRING HARNESS ENTRANCE TO STATION WAGON HATCH, CAUSED ABRASION OF WIRING LEADING TO SHORT CIRCUIT AND VEHICLE FIRE.*AK
Power Train
Filed Dec 16, 2003IA
WHILE PUSHING IN THE CLUTCH,THE TRANSMISSION IDLED HIGH . THIS CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO ACCELERATE. THE DRIVER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A MECHANIC AND HAD THEM TO CLEAN THE THROTTLE BODY AND SENSOR AND REPLACE THE AIR FILTER. *JB
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and FittingsFire
Filed Dec 15, 200375,000 milesNC
SMOKED STARTED COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THIS OCCURRED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, BUT IDLING. WHERE THE FIRE ORIGINATED WAS DIFFICULT TO DETERMINE BECAUSE ALL THE ENGINE COMPONENTS MELTED. MECHANIC INDICATED FIRE STARTED DUE TO A FUEL LINE FAILURE AS STATED IN RECALL 92V117000.*AK
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump
Filed Nov 17, 2003100,000 milesOH
THE FUEL PUMP SHORTED OUT AND BURNT THE WIRING HARNESS. THERE'S A RECALL ON THIS ISSUE, BUT THIS VEHICLE IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO VIN. *AK
TiresCrash
Filed Nov 5, 2003PA
CONSUMER LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE CAUSING CONSUMER TO HIT A DITCH. *MR THE VEHICLE WAS GOING WESTBOUND ON THE TURNPIKE WHEN THE CONSUMER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND STRUCK A NORTH SIDE DITCH. THE TREAD HAD BECOME UNGLUED TO THE LEFT REAR TIRE. THE TIRE MAINTAINED AIR PRESSURE. *SCC *JB
Electrical System › Wiring › Rear Compartment/Trunk
Filed Oct 23, 2003130,000 milesCA
1993 FORD ESCORT WAGON - REAR WINDOW DEFROST - ELECTRICAL WIRING SHORTED AT HATCHBACK DOOR. WIRE HARNESS WAS CRACKED AT BEND POINT FOR REAR DOOR TO OPEN. ALL MOST ALL WIRES GOING TO HATCHBACK DOOR HAD BEEN EXPOSED DOWN TO THE CORE WIRE! WHEN REAR DEFROST WAS TURNED ON A SMELL OF BURNT PLASTIC WAS DETECTED, THEN SMOKE WAS SEEN COMING FROM DRIVER SIDE DASH. DEFROST AT HATCHBACK DOOR HAD SHORTED WITH TAIL LIGHT WIRING, MELTING WIRING BACK INTO FUSE BOX. FIRE WAS PREVENTED BY SHUTTING OFF DEFROST. BUT REAR BRAKE AND TAIL LIGHTS DID NOT WORK. *LA
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components
Filed Oct 10, 20031,000 milesVA
BRAKES WEAK SINCE CAR WAS NEW. PEDAL GOES ALMOST COMPLETELY TO FLOOR BEFORE BRAKING AND EVEN THEN POORLY. HAVE REPLACED BRAKE PADS, DISCS, DRUMS, HOSES, MASTER CYLINDER AND BOOSTER (EVERY COMPONENT), BLED AND ADJUSTED SEVERAL TIMES TO NO EFFECT. CALLING TO FORD TO REPORT THE PROBLEM AND GET THEM TO FIX IT WAS A WASTE OF TIME. APPEARS MANUFACTURER WAS KNOWN OF A PROBLEM AND RELEASED A T.S.B. ONLY AFTER ALL VEHICLES COVERED WERE OUT OF WARRANTY. CHECKED WITH DEALER AND PARTS NOT AVAILABLE. I FELT THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL OUT DUE TO THIS PROBLEM AND THEY SHOULD BE FORCED TO FIX IT. I AM ALL OUT OF OPTIONS. *LA
Suspension › Rear › Springs
Filed Oct 10, 200380,000 milesVA
HEARD POPPING NOISE COMING FROM REAR STRUTS. FOUND BOTH REAR COIL SPRINGS BROKEN. REPLACED BOTH SPRINGS AND REAR STRUTS.TRYING TO RECALL WHEN THIS COULD HAVE HAPPENED I REMEMBERED 2 INSTANCES WHILE DRIVING MY CAR I HEARD LOUD UNEXPECTED BANGING NOISES. THINKING I HAD HIT SOMETHING IN THE ROAD, BUT NOT SEEING ANYTHING IN THE ROAD PRIOR TO THE NOISES OR IN MY MIRROR AFTER HEARING THE NOISES, I SHRUGGED IT OFF. IT APPEARS THEY WERE MY COILS . CAR WAS NOT OVERLOADED, DRIVEN HARD, OR ON A ROUGH ROAD. THEY LET GO AT SEPARATE TIMES ON SMOOTH ROADS WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 45 MPH. I HAVE READ WERE THIS IS A NOT- UNCOMMON PROBLEM FOR THIS VEHICLE. *LA
Structure › Body › Roof and PillarsCrash3 injured
Filed Aug 29, 200365,000 milesMI
1993 FORD ESCORT STATIONWAGON ROLLED OVER AT 50 MPH, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE ROOF CAVED IN CAUSING SEVERE INJURIES TO THE FRONT SEAT PASSENGER'S HEAD AND FACE. THE SEAT AND SHOULDER BELTS WERE IN EXCELLENT WORKING CONDITION AND PROPERLY USED. THE ROOF AND SIDE BODY PILLARS DO NOT GIVE SUFFICIENT ROLLOVER PROTECTION TO PREVENT SEVERE HEAD AND FACIAL INJURIES TO FRONT SEAT OCCUPANTS. THE ROOF CAVES DOWN TO THE TOP OF THE SEATBACK. IF THE SEATBACK CAN HOLD UP THE ROOF, WHY AREN'T THE ROOF AND SIDE PILLARS DESIGNED TO SUPPORT THEMSELVES IN A ROLLOVER ACCIDENT?*AK
SeatsCrash1 injured
Filed Aug 7, 200384,339 milesMA
VEHICLE SEAT BROKE LOOSE DURING A COLLISION. *MR *CB. THE CONSUMER WAS A PASSENGER IN THE VEHICLE, WHEN IT WAS REAR ENDED. (LAWYER ANTHONY IRACE ON BEHALF OF CLIENT NANCY GOETCHIUS.) *JB
Suspension
Filed Aug 5, 2003OH
CONSUMER NOTICED WHILE TRAVELING 25MPH VEHICLE WAS RIDING ROUGH. VEHICLE WAS SERVICED, ADJUSTABLE ARMS AND BUSHINGS WERE REPLACED. *AK
Suspension › Rear
Filed Jun 10, 200378,446 milesOH
THE "REAR LATERIAL LINK", WHICH IS PART OF THE REAR SUSPENSION ON THE FORD ESCORT HAS A PROBLEM WITH BREAKAGE WHICH CAN CAUSE AN ACCIDENT AT HIGHWAY SPEED. MY SON'S BROKE AT 35MPH AND ALMOST LOST CONTROL.*AK
Tires
Filed May 23, 2003OH
THE LEFT REAR TIRE TREAD WORE PREMATURELY (GOODYEAR INFINITRED, P175/70R13-82S PLEASE PROVIDE THE DOT NUMBER). *NLM
Unknown or Other
Filed Apr 29, 2003PA
I BOUGHT A USED CAR THROUGH EBAY FROM ADAM FROM EAST COAST MOTORS USED CAR DEALER FOR $1200. HE ADVERTISED THE CAR AS HAVING ANTI-LOCK BRAKES AND DRIVERS SIDE AIRBAG, BOTH SAFETY FEAURES WHICH I NEEDED FOR MY GIRLFRIEND AND FUTURE CHILD. UPON TAKING IT FOR A REQUIRED PA INSPECTION 2 WEEKS LATER, AND SPENDING $700 FOR IT JUST TO PASS, I FOUND OUT IT DIDN'T HAVE ANTI-LOCK BRAKES OR DRIVERS SIDE AIRBAG. I CONTACTED HIM AND WE AGREED ON A REFUND OF $200. BEFORE I GOT HIS ATTORNEY'S PAPERS TO SIGN BEFORE HE SENT THE REFUND, I RECEIVED THE TITLE IN THE MAIL. IT HAD 125,543 MILES ON IT, BUT THE CAR ODOMETER (AND HOW IT WAS ADVERTISED) HAD 99,175 MILES. I CONTACTED HIM AGAIN TRYING TO FIND A RESOLUTION. SINCE THE DATE OF THE REPORTED MILEAGE WAS PAST THE DATE I BOUGHT IT, HE WILL DO NOTHING AT ALL FOR FOR ME, NOT EVEN THE AGREED $200. BUT THE REPORTED MILEAGE WAS TAKEN FROM THE LAST TITLE TRANSFER, WHEN HE BOUGHT THE CAR. WE WAS VERY RUDE IN HIS LAST EMAIL. PLEASE HELP. *JB
Suspension › Rear › Springs › Leaf Spring Assembly
Filed Apr 3, 2003PA
BOTH REAR LEAF SPRINGS BROKE ON THE VEHICLE. *JB
Seat Belts
Filed Mar 28, 200398,181 milesLA
AUTOMATIC DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT FAILED. *JB
Steering › Steering Wheel/Handle BarCrash
Filed Jan 27, 2003NY
WHILE TURNING AT 30 MPH STEERING COLUMN LOCKED UP, CAUSING VEHICLE TO HIT A TREE. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.*AK
Seat Belts › Front › AnchorageCrash1 killed
Filed Jan 11, 2003WI
MY SON WAS KILLED IN AN AUTO ACCIDENT. HE WAS THE DRIVER. THE SHOULDER HARNESS BROKE LOOSE FROM THE DOOR FRAME. HIS CAR WAS A 1993 FORD ESCORT WITH AUTOMATIC SHOULDER HARNESS. THE SHOULDER HARNESS ASSEMBLY STAYED IN THE DOOR FRAME, BUT THE PART THAT HOLDS THE SHOULDER HARNESS IN THE UNIT BROKE. TS
Seat Belts › Front
Filed Dec 10, 2002UT
CONSUMER STATES THAT THE FRONT SEAT BELTS ARE INOPERABLE. DEALER NOTIFIED SAID TRACK AND MOTOR IS DEFECTIVE. TS
Electrical System › Wiring › Interior/Under Dash
Filed Dec 1, 2002NE
I WAS DRIVING WHEN MY CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. I WAS ABLE TO REGAIN CONTROL WITHOUT AN ACCIDENT. THIS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES ON MY WAY HOME. THE NEXT DAY WHEN I ATTEMPTED TO TAKE THE CAR FOR INSPECTION IT WAS DEAD. THE REPAIR SHOP ADVISED ME THAT THE PROBLEM WAS THAT THE HEATER CORE WAS LEAKING AND SINCE THE HEATER CORE WAS LOCATED OVER THE ECU IT CAUSED IT TO MALFUNCTION.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly
Filed Oct 2, 2002CA
FUEL TANK LEAKING AT HOSE FITTING. CRACK IN PLASTIC TANK. NO REPLACEMENT AVAILABLE DUE TO MANY FAILURES. BOUGHT CAR NEW AND IT HAS NEVER BEEN IN A WRECK. SEAT BELTS FAIL TO RETRACT IN REAR SEAT COMPARTMENT. DEALER FIXED TWICE FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. CAR IS NOW OUT OF WARRANTY. MR
Seat Belts › Rear/Other
Filed Oct 2, 200235,000 milesCA
FUEL TANK LEAKING AT HOSE FITTING. CRACK IN PLASTIC TANK. NO REPLACEMENT AVAILABLE DUE TO MANY FAILURES. BOUGHT CAR NEW AND IT HAS NEVER BEEN IN A WRECK. SEAT BELTS FAIL TO RETRACT IN REAR SEAT COMPARTMENT. DEALER FIXED TWICE FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. CAR IS NOW OUT OF WARRANTY. *MR *NLM **DIMSII IVOQ ENTRY POSTED AFTER 12/12/02 CUT-OVER TO ARTEMIS*768008
Electrical System › Wiring › Front UnderhoodFire
Filed Aug 23, 2002MN
CONSUMER'S WIFE WASD DRIVING AND SUDDENLLY SMOKE BEGAN TO COME FROM UNDER THE DASH, AND VEHICLE SHUT OFF. CONSUMER'S WIFE WAS ABLE TO DRIFT TO SIDE OF THE ROAD AND CALL A TOW TRUCK AFTER SHE COULD NOT RESTART VEHICLE. IT WASTOWED TO A FORD DEALER, WHO AFTER LOOKING AT VEHICLE TOLD THEM THAT WIRING HARNESS HAD SHORT OUT. THEY HAD ANOTHER WIRING HARNESS PUT ON BY SAME MECHANIC, AND TRIED TO RESTART VEHICLE. IT IMMEDIATELY BURNED OUT.CONSUMER FELT THIS COULD BE A SAFETY HAZARD.*AK
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Caliper
Filed Aug 22, 2002TX
SPRING IN CALIPER WAS BROKEN, CAUSING PIN TO BEND AND BREAK. *AK
Seat Belts
Filed May 30, 2002WA
CONSUMER STATES THE MOTORIZED SEAT BELT ON THE DRIVER SIDE STOPS MIDWAY ON THE TRACK LEAVING THE DRIVER UNRESTRAINED. THE DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED, THE CONSUMER FEELS THAT HE DEALER SHOULD REPLACE THE COMPONENT FREE OF CHARGE SINCE IT IS SAFETY RELATED .*JB *NLM
Tires
Filed May 1, 2002FL
CONSUMER STATED AFTER A RECENT COMPLAINT THAT WAS FILED WITH THE CONSUMER PROTECTION DIVISION, THE RETAILER WAS PREPARED TO REPLACE CONSUMERS 2 FRONT TIRES THAT WERE BALD, FREE OF CHARGE.(MICHELIN X -ONE TIRES, 17570TR13)
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
Filed Apr 24, 2002VA
BRAKE PEDAL GOES ALMOST TO THE FLOOR BEFORE VEHICLE STOPS. PROBLEM IS SO OFTEN THAT IT IS GETTING DIFFICULT TRYING TO AVOID HAVING AN ACCIDENT.*AK
Structure › Body › Bumpers
Filed Apr 15, 2002TN
WALMART AUTO SERVICE CENTER, MCMINNVILLE, TN IS CROSS-THREADING LUGS: NUTS AND BOLTS DUE TO IMPROPER USE OF HIGH-SPEED IMPACT WRENCHES. WHEN IT DOES SO, IT "OUTSOURCES" REPLACEMENT OF BOLTS TO SMALL REPAIR SHOPS, WHO USUSALLY LACK THE NECESSARY EQUIPMENT, I.E., A PRESS, WHICH IS NECESSARY TO REMOVE THE BRAKE SPLASHGUARD. SO IN ORDER TO INSTALL NEW BOLTS, THEY SIMPLY REMOVE THE SPLASHGUARD, WHICH WILL PERMIT BLOWUP TO HYDRATE THE DISC BRAKES, AND THIS IS GOING TO RESULT IN FAILURE. WALMART NEEDS TO REVISE ITS "OUTSOURCING" OF THIS JOB ONLY TO QUALIFIED SUBCONTRACTORS WHO WILL LEAVE THE MANUFACTURER'S SPEC SPLASHGUARD INTACT, TO AVOID FAILURES AND THE RESULTING SAFETY ISSUES AND LIABILITY.*AK *YH
Electrical System › Ignition › Switch
Filed Mar 29, 2002GA
CONSUMER CAN PULL KEY OUT OF IGNITION SWITCH WHEN VEHICLE IS RUNNING. DEALER CONTACTED. *AK
Suspension › Rear › Springs › Leaf Spring Assembly
Filed Mar 26, 2002IN
CONSUMER STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING COULD FEEL THAT VEHICLE WAS NOT RIDING SMOOTH AND COULD FEEL ALL BUMP ON THE ROAD, WHERE TOOK VEHICLE A MECHANIC WHO FIND OUT THAT REAR SPRING WAS BROKEN. NLM
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings
Filed Mar 25, 2002TX
WHEN FILLING UP FUEL, VEHICLE HAS STRONG GAS FUMES ON INSIDE FROM BACK OF VEHICLE DUE TO CONNECTION TO FUEL TANK LEAKING. DEALER CONTACTED.*AK CONSUMER ADDS THAT THE METAL AND RUBBER FUEL LINES WHICH ARE CONNECTED TO THE FUEL TANK LEAK WHEN TANK IS FULL. *TT
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline
Filed Mar 14, 2002MI
ENGINE PROBLEMS USUALLY ON THE HIGHWAY. VEHICLE REFUSE TO SPEED UP, THE RPM INDICATOR WILL TURN, THE ENGINE WILL RUN, BUT THE FORWARD MOTION JUST DIES. FIXED BY PULLING OVER AND RESTARTING THE ENGINE. FEELS LIKE A DESIGN PROBLEM.
Electrical System › Ignition › Switch
Filed Jan 2, 2002IA
VEHICLE STOPS, AND GOES AT WILL. CONSUMER THINKS IT IS IGNITION SWITCH. THIS VEHICLE IS DANGEROUS TO CONSUMER AND HIS WIFE. *AK
Seat Belts › Front › Anchorage
Filed Dec 19, 2001AK
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
Complaints 1-50 of 379, newest first, reproduced as filed.
It is not among the Escort years to avoid. Owners filed 379 complaints, against about 279 for a typical Escort year. The most common complaint is about the seat belts (28%).
What is the most common problem with the 1993 Ford Escort?
The seat belts: 106 of the 379 complaints (28%) are about it. The typical report comes at 98,181 miles.
How many recalls does the 1993 Ford Escort have?
3 safety recalls on file with NHTSA, the most recent filed Mar 23, 2006. The largest, 06E026000, covered 61,944 vehicles. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.
At what mileage do 1993 Ford Escort problems start?
Half of the complaints that record an odometer reading came in before 84,339 miles. For the seat belts the midpoint is 98,181 miles.
Has NHTSA investigated the 1993 Ford Escort?
Yes, once. EA94002 ("FUEL PUMP WIRING SHORTAGE") was opened Jan 28, 1994 and closed Jan 31, 1995.
Are there service bulletins for the 1993 Ford Escort?
The manufacturer filed 82 technical service bulletins and other notices for it with NHTSA, most of them about the brakes (19), the transmission (12) and the engine (10). A bulletin is a repair instruction to dealers, not a recall: the fix is usually free only under warranty.
Reading this record
6 deaths reported in complaints filed with NHTSA.
Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.
Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.
Most recent recall on file: Mar 23, 2006. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.