1995 Ford Escort

Fatalities reported

Owners filed 576 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the seat belts. It has been recalled 5 times.

Avoid One of the Ford Escort years to avoid: 2.1× the complaints of a typical Escort year. Which Ford Escort years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
99,650 milesMedian miles at failure

81 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 90,000–105,000 miles.

Most common 1995 Ford Escort problems

137 of the 576 complaints (24%) are about the seat belts.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly · fuel system95
000
Seat Belts71
505
Air Bags › Frontal · airbags41
37129
Seat Belts › Front › Retractor28
100
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline · engine19
000
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · transmission16
100
Air Bags · airbags15
508
Seat Belts › Front › Anchorage14
203
Fuel System, Gasoline · fuel system13
020
Vehicle Speed Control · throttle and acceleration12
502

1995 Ford Escort seat belts problems

24% of all complaints

137 of the 576 complaints are about the seat belts.

Share of the 137 seat belts complaints whose text describes each symptom. One complaint can describe several.

Typical mileage
102,760 mi
median of 17 reports
Peak year of filing
1999
34 seat belts complaints that year
Crashes · fires · injuries
12 · 0 · 11
in these complaints
Recalls on the seat belts
None
“The passive seat restraint does not retract fully. This occurs when you turn the vehicle off. It has to be manually disconnected. When turning the vehicle on it hesitates before retracting to drivers body. The car is stationary when this occurs.”
Owner complaint, filed Jan 5, 2018 at 151,000 miles
“Passenger side automatic seatbelt quit working in the middle of the track, the cable was hanging down, got grease allover, including on me. Disconnected everything ,and through in garbage. *tr”
Owner complaint, filed Apr 10, 2014 at 149,233 miles

Complaints and recalls over time

By year of filing
1994: 0 complaints, 0 about the seat belts'941995: 49 complaints, 2 about the seat belts1996: 52 complaints, 7 about the seat belts1997: 31 complaints, 4 about the seat belts1998: 50 complaints, 22 about the seat belts'981999: 98 complaints, 34 about the seat belts2000: 67 complaints, 15 about the seat belts2001: 65 complaints, 18 about the seat belts2002: 39 complaints, 7 about the seat belts'022003: 34 complaints, 8 about the seat belts2004: 27 complaints, 7 about the seat belts2005: 20 complaints, 3 about the seat belts2006: 6 complaints, 4 about the seat belts'062007: 9 complaints, 2 about the seat belts2008: 8 complaints, 0 about the seat belts2009: 1 complaints, 0 about the seat belts2010: 3 complaints, 0 about the seat belts'102011: 4 complaints, 0 about the seat belts2012: 3 complaints, 1 about the seat belts2013: 4 complaints, 1 about the seat belts2014: 3 complaints, 1 about the seat belts'142015: 1 complaints, 0 about the seat belts2016: 1 complaints, 0 about the seat belts2017: 0 complaints, 0 about the seat belts2018: 1 complaints, 1 about the seat belts'18Recall 94V197000 (airbags)Recall 94V218000 (airbags)Recall 97V144000 (fuel system)Recall 97V145000 (fuel system)Recall 06E026000 (headlights)
All complaintsAbout the seat beltsRecall (red: the seat belts)NHTSA investigation opened

Complaints about the 1995 Escort peaked in 1999, with 98 filed that year. No recall on file covers the seat belts, the subject of 24% of the complaints. In 2018 owners filed 1 so far.

5 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Exterior Lighting06E026000
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.

Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly97V144000
Filed Sep 3, 199764,000 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 1.9L ENGINES, BUILT AT THE HERMOSILLO OR WAYNE ASSEMBLY PLANTS AND ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN NEVADA, FLORIDA, HAWAII, TEXAS, CALIFORNIA, LOUISIANA, GEORGIA, SOUTH CAROLINA, MISSISSIPPI, OKLAHOMA, ALABAMA AND ARKANSAS. CRACKS CAN DEVELOP IN THE FUEL TANK NEAR THE HEAT SHIELD ATTACHMENT RESULTING IN FUEL LEAKAGE IF THE CRACKS GO THROUGH THE FUEL TANK WALL.

Risk. FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE CAN RESULT IN A VEHICLE FIRE.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE HEAT SHIELD ATTACHMENTS. THIS WILL NOT AFFECT HEAT SHIELD LOCATION OR FUNCTION, AS THE ATTACHMENTS ARE INTENDED TO KEEP THE SHIELD IN PLACE UNTIL THE FUEL TANK IS INSTALLED IN THE VEHICLE. AFTER INSTALLATION, THE FUEL TANK STRAPS RETAIN THE HEAT SHIELD.

Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly97V145000
Filed Sep 3, 1997600 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 1.9L ENGINES, BUILT AT THE HERMOSILLO ASSEMBLY PLANT AND ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN ARIZONA. CRACKS CAN DEVELOP IN THE FUEL TANK NEAR THE HEAT SHIELD ATTACHMENT RESULTING IN FUEL LEAKAGE IF THE CRACKS GO THROUGH THE FUEL TANK WALL.

Risk. FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE CAN RESULT IN A VEHICLE FIRE.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE HEAT SHIELD ATTACHMENTS. THIS WILL NOT AFFECT HEAT SHIELD LOCATION OR FUNCTION, AS THE ATTACHMENTS ARE INTENDED TO KEEP THE SHIELD IN PLACE UNTIL THE FUEL TANK IS INSTALLED IN THE VEHICLE. AFTER INSTALLATION, THE FUEL TANK STRAPS RETAIN THE HEAT SHIELD.

Air Bags › Frontal94V218000
Filed Nov 10, 1994240 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG MODULE CAN HAVE AN INADEQUATELY WELDED INFLATOR CANISTER.

Risk. IN THE EVENT OF A COLLISION, THE WELD SEAM CAN SEPARATE, CAUSING THE AIR BAG TO FAIL TO DEPLOY PROPERLY AND HOT GASES TO BE EXPELLED FROM THE BACK OF THE STEERING WHEEL. THIS CAN RESULT IN AN INCREASED RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY FROM THE HOT GASES AND THE AIR BAG FAILURE.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW AIR BAG MODULE.

Air Bags › Frontal94V197000
Filed Oct 11, 199429,000 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. TWO BOLTS THAT ATTACH THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM MODULE TO THE INSTRUMENT PANEL ARE MISSING. IN THE EVENT OF A FRONTAL IMPACT, THE MODULE CAN COME OUT OF THE INSTRUMENT PANEL.

Risk. THIS WOULD NOT RESTRAIN THE PASSENGER AND WOULD RESULT IN AN INCREASED RISK OF INJURY.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, INSTALL AND TORQUE TO SPECIFICATION THE MOUNTING BOLTS FOR THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG.

All 5 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 1995 Escort.

FUEL TANK ASSEMBLYRecall query RQ97010Closed
Opened Sep 11, 1997Closed May 22, 2000Led to recall 97V144000fuel system

There is no summary currently available

Technical service bulletins

81 on file

Repair instructions the manufacturer sent its dealers for the 1995 Escort. Not recalls: the fix is usually free only while the car is under warranty.

brakes 20engine 14transmission 14equipment 8electrical system 6seat belts 4headlights 2visibility 2
00124Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsJun 12, 2000seat belts

THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES REVISED PASSIVE RESTRAINT SYSTEM INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THE WORKSHOP MANUAL AND THE ELECTRICAL AND VACCUM TROUBLESHOOTING MANUAL (EVTM). *TT

001204Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsJun 1, 2000seat belts

SUBJECT REGARDING PASSIVE RESTRAINT SYSTEM SERVICE INFORMATION. *TT

6562Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsJul 1, 1999seat belts

BRIEF INFORMATION ON PASSIVE RESTRAINT (MOTORIZED SEATBELT) SYSTEMS. *TT

12925Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsJul 1, 1999seat belts

ENGINEERING IS REVIEWING PASSIVE RESTRAINT (MOTORIZED SEATBELT) SYSTEMS IN CERTAIN VEHICLES. *TT

What owners reported

Newest filings
Seat Belts
Filed Jan 5, 2018151,000 milesFL

THE PASSIVE SEAT RESTRAINT DOES NOT RETRACT FULLY. THIS OCCURS WHEN YOU TURN THE VEHICLE OFF. IT HAS TO BE MANUALLY DISCONNECTED. WHEN TURNING THE VEHICLE ON IT HESITATES BEFORE RETRACTING TO DRIVERS BODY. THE CAR IS STATIONARY WHEN THIS OCCURS.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Apr 1, 201685,000 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 FORD ESCORT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A STRONG FUEL ODOR IN THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE FUEL WAS OBSERVED LEAKING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL TANK CRACKED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 97V144000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE REPLACEMENT PART FOR THE REPAIR WOULD NOT BE AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 85,000.

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Sep 9, 2015135,341 milesMO

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 FORD ESCORT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN REFUELING THE VEHICLE, THERE WAS A FUEL ODOR EMITTING INSIDE THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT DISCOVERED FUEL LEAKING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE HEAT SHIELD AND FUEL TANK WERE CRACKED A NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 97V144000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 135,341. ...UPDATED 11/02/15 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE FUEL TANK WAS FRACTURED BECAUSE THE HOLD DOWN HARDWARE FOR THE HEAT SHIELD WAS NVER REMOVED PER THE REQUIRED REPAIR FOR THE RECALL. THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED HIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. UPDATED 11/05/15.*JB

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Nov 15, 2014NJ

STRONG ORDER OF GAS FROM GAS TANK, TOOK IT TO MECHANIC, SAID I HAVE A HOLE IN GAS TANK... DRIVERS SIDE SEAT BELT , CLICKING NOISE, WIRES CAME OUT , HANGING, NOW BELT IS STUCK...HAD TO REMOVE FUSE, TO STOP LOUD ANNOYING CLICKING NOISE... *TR

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jun 18, 201478,000 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 FORD ESCORT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A STRONG FUEL ODOR EMITTED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 78,000.

Seat Belts
Filed Apr 10, 2014149,233 milesSD

PASSENGER SIDE AUTOMATIC SEATBELT QUIT WORKING IN THE MIDDLE OF THE TRACK, THE CABLE WAS HANGING DOWN, GOT GREASE ALLOVER, INCLUDING ON ME. DISCONNECTED EVERYTHING ,AND THROUGH IN GARBAGE. *TR

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Sep 6, 201399,500 milesMO

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 FORD ESCORT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE FUEL TANK LEAKED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS WHERE IT WAS STATED THAT THE FUEL TANK WAS CRACKED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 99,500.

Service Brakes
Filed Jun 24, 2013120,000 milesMI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 FORD ESCORT. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH HE DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL BUT THE BRAKES WOULD NOT RESPOND. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THE BRAKE LINE WAS LEAKING BRAKE FLUID. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE FRONT BRAKES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000. *TR

Power Train
Filed Apr 25, 2013200,000 milesWY

I HAVE REPLACED 3 SPEED SENSORS & 2 SPEEDOMETER CABLES & LITHIUM GREASE SENSE I HAVE OWNED THE CAR AND STILL HAVE TRANSMISSION OIL COMING UP THRU THE SPEED CABLE INTO THE DASH.IS THIS JUST A BAD PART OR IS THERE A CURE? *TR

Seat Belts
Filed Jan 6, 2013125,000 milesNC

HELLO, I HAVE A 1995 FORD ESCORT WITH THE AUTOMATIC SEAT BELT. HAVE REPLACED THE TRACK AND HARDWARE. THE PROBLEM STILL HAPPENS ..... THE / OR ONE OF THE GUIDE CABLES COMES OUT OF THE TRACK CASING AND THE LOCK REFUSES TO SHUTTLE. THE MOTOR DOES A CLICK-CLICK ..... CLICK-CLICK AND THE LOCK TRIES TO SHUTTLE BUT DOES NOT. IS THERE A FIX FOR THIS? WHAT IS GOING ON IN THE SHUTTLE TRACK? [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Dec 28, 201267,000 milesIL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 FORD ESCORT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL TANK WAS LEAKING GASOLINE, CAUSED BY A FRACTURE IN THE FUEL TANK WALL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC WHO INSPECTED THE FAILURE AND ADVISED THE CONTACT OF THE FRACTURE IN THE FUEL TANK WALL. THE MECHANIC ALSO REFERRED THE CONTACT TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED WHO ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 97V145000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE: STORAGE: TANK ASSEMBLY). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED WHO ALSO ADVISED THAT THERE WERE NO OPEN RECALLS FOR THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 67,000.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Aug 29, 2012148,000 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 FORD ESCORT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXHIBITED AN OVERPOWERING ODOR OF GASOLINE FUEL. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO LOCATE FUEL LEAKING FROM THE FUEL TANK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THERE WERE NO RECALLS FRO THE FUEL LEAK FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 148,000.

Seat Belts
Filed Jul 30, 2012OR

THE SEAT BELT ON THE DRIVER SIDE IS STUCK IN THE OPEN POSITION, WHICH GETS IN THE WAY OF THE WHEEL AND PROVIDES NO SAFETY SUPPORT WERE I TO GET IN A CRASH. ALSO THE PASSENGER SIDES SEAT BELT OFTEN GOES WILD AND CONTINUOUSLY OPENS AND CLOSES ON THE PASSENGERS NECK WHEN TRYING TO EXIT THE VEHICLE. I CAN NOT AFFORD TO COVER THE COSTS OF THIS REPAIR AND FEEL THAT FORD SHOULD DO SO CONSIDERING IT PUTS THE DRIVER IN GREAT DANGER. *TR

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Jul 21, 2011144,000 milesWA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 FORD ESCORT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, HE BEGAN TO SMELL A STRONG ODOR OF FUEL. UPON ARRIVING AT HOME, THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND DETECTED A CRACK IN THE FUEL TANK, ALONG WITH A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF FUEL SEEPAGE AROUND THE RUBBER AFFIXED TO THE FUEL TANK. THERE WAS A RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH THE FAILURE UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 97V144000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE: STORAGE: TANK ASSEMBLY). THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 144,000.

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Jul 11, 2011109,000 milesSC

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 FORD ESCORT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED OR WHILE DRIVING HE NOTICED THAT THERE WAS A LEAK IN THE FUEL TANK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED BY A DEALER NOR WAS IT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND ADVISED HIM TO TAKE IT TO A DEALER AND STATED HE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 97V144000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 109,000.

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Jun 27, 2011102,000 milesFL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 FORD ESCORT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS LEAKING FUEL FROM THE FUEL TANK. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE INTO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT THE HEAT SHIELD USED FOR THE TANK WAS CAUSING THE LEAK. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN, BUT THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 102,000.

Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly
Filed Feb 10, 201198,000 milesAR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 FORD ESCORT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL TANK WAS LEAKING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO AGREED THAT THE FUEL TANK WAS CRACKED WHICH CAUSED THE LEAK. THE CONTACT WAS MADE AWARE THAT THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THAT SPECIFIC FAILURE ( NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 97V144000, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY). THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED AND DID NOT PROVIDE ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 98,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 120,000.

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Nov 26, 2010100,130 milesFL

GASOLINE BEGINS TO DRIP OUT OF FUEL TANK WHEN FUEL TANK IN HALF FILLED. *TR

Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly
Filed Sep 17, 2010120,000 milesCT

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 FORD ESCORT. THE CONTACT STATED THERE WAS AN OVERPOWERING ODOR OF GASOLINE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS REFUELED THE DAY PRIOR TO NOTICING THE FAILURE. THE FUEL LEVEL GAUGE WAS READING ONLY ONE HALF FULL WHEN THE TANK SHOULD HAVE BEEN READING FULL. THE CONTACT THEN DISCOVERED A LARGE PUDDLE OF GASOLINE UNDER THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR FACILITY WHERE THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE FUEL TANK HAD SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED BY THE MANUFACTURER THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 97V145000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE: STORAGE: TANK ASSEMBLY) AND THAT THEY WOULD NOT ASSIST WITH REPAIRS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 120,000.

Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly
Filed Sep 8, 2010NC

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 FORD ESCORT. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE CONTACT NOTICED FUEL LEAKING FROM THE FUEL TANK AREA ONTO THE GROUND. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THEY INFORMED THAT THE FUEL TANK CRACKED DUE TO THE HEAT SHIELD. THERE WAS A RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 97V144000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE: STORAGE: TANK ASSEMBLY). THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DEFECT. THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED THE SAME FAILURE AS MENTIONED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED FOR THE MALFUNCTION AT THE OWNER'S EXPENSE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

Engine and Engine CoolingFire
Filed Feb 14, 2009136,000 milesMI

1995 FORD ESCORT WITH 136,000 MILES ON CAR CAUGHT A FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT THAT RESULTED IN TOTAL LOSS. *TR

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Aug 6, 2008128,000 milesNV

FUEL TANK LEAKING. *TR

Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly
Filed Jul 23, 2008145,816 milesCA

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 FORD ESCORT. AFTER SMELLING GASOLINE, THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL MECHANIC AND WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS A FUEL LEAK. SHE WAS ADVISED NOT TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE; THEREFORE, IT WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL FORD DEALER. THE DEALER ALSO DISCOVERED A FUEL LEAK AND STATED THAT THE COST FOR THE REPAIR WOULD BE APPROXIMATELY $1,000. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BACK TO THE LOCAL MECHANIC AND THEY REPLACED THE GAS TANK AT THE COST OF $780. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 97V144000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. UPDATED 10/07/08. *LJ THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED HER VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL BECAUSE HER VEHICLE WAS MANUFACTURED IN ANOTHER STATE. UPDATED 10/08/08. *JB

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Jul 11, 200899,650 milesFL

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 FORD ESCORT. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS EXAMINING THE VEHICLE, HE SMELLED GASOLINE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. HE ALSO NOTICED THAT WHENEVER THE TANK IS FILLED MORE THAN HALFWAY, GASOLINE BEGINS TO LEAK FROM THE TANK. THE CONTACT DID NOT NOTICE ANY DIFFERENCES IN THE VEHICLE PRIOR TO THE FAILURES. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 99,650.

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Jul 7, 200899,554 milesFL

I AM WRITING ABOUT MY 1995 FORD ESCORT WITH A 1.9L ENGINE. THERE IS AN ABSOLUTE SAFETY HAZARD ON MY VEHICLE. I SEE THAT THERE WAS A RECALL IN 1997 FOR A LEAKING FUEL TANK. AND THE TANK ON MY CAR IS NOW LEAKING. WHEN I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP THEY SAID THAT MY CAR WAS NOT INVOLVED IN THE RECALL BUT I FIND IT PECULIAR THAT I AM HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. WHEN I WENT TO THE DEALERSHIP THE FIRST THING THEY TOLD ME BEFORE LOOKING ANYTHING UP WAS "THAT RECALL IS EXPIRED ANYWAY BUT SEE A SERVICE MANAGER" EXPIRED HOW CAN A SAFETY HAZARD BE EXPIRED? DO YOU NOT STAND BEHIND YOUR PRODUCTS!!! I THINK IT IS RIDICULOUS THAT I AM HANDLED THAT WAY WHAT BECAUSE I DRIVE AN OLDER CAR. AM I NOT IMPORTANT? I WOULD LIKE A RESPONSE ASAP ABOUT THIS SAFETY HAZARD!!! *TR

Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly
Filed May 15, 2008IL

1995 FORD ESCORT WITH A DEFECTIVE FUEL TANK. CONSUMER STATES THAT THE FORD TOLD HIM THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT UNDER RECALL. HE STATES THAT THE FUEL TANK HAS A CRACK IN IT AND CAN ONLY BE FILLED LESS THAN HALFWAY WITHOUT IT LEAKING. *KB THE CONSUMER STATED THE TANK WAS DEFECTIVE DURING INSTALLATION, AS THE HEAT SHIELD WAS STILL BOLTED TO THE TANK AND ACCORDING TO THE RECALL, A CRACK COULD DEVELOP IN THE FUEL TANK UNDER EXTREME HEAT IF NOT REMOVED. *JB

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed May 1, 2008100,000 milesCA

> FROM: GALLY > COMMENTS: > GREETINGS, > > PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT WE RECENTLY PURCHASED THE ABOVE SUBJECT VEHICLE, AND NOW WE ARE EXPERIENCING A FUEL LEAK FROM THE PLASTIC GAS TANK. THE LEAK COMES FROM THE SAME LOCATION THAT THE NHTSA RECALLS (REFERENCED ABOVE) OCCUR. > > I HAVE SPOKEN ON THE PHONE BOTH WITH FORD CORPORATE AND THE LOCAL DEALER ( HELLER FORD, ESCONDIDO, CA. ) AND HAVE BEEN ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT PART OF THE RECALL, NOR WOULD THERE BE ANY ASSISTANCE IN HAVING THE REPAIR MADE AT THE MANUFACTURER OR DEALER EXPENSE. > > IN MY RESEARCH OF THE VEHICLE AND RECALLS SPECIFIC TO THE 1995 ESCORT MODEL, I CAME ACROSS VARIOUS DOCUMENTS ONLINE WHICH LEAD ME TO BELIEVE THAT ANY VEHICLE OF SIMILAR MAKE/MODEL AND YEAR WHICH HAD SIMILAR DEFECTS AS THE VEHICLES SPECIFIED IN THE RECALL MENTIONED ABOVE, SHOULD BE PRESENTED TO THE MANUFACTURER OR THEIR REPRESENTATIVE (THE DEALER) AND REPAIRS WOULD BE MADE. THE COST OF THE REPAIR WOULD THEN BE RECOVERED BY THE DEALER FROM THE MANUFACTURER. PLEASE REFER TO FORD RECALL SERVICE BULLETIN 97S79 PAGE TWO. > > AN ADDED NOTE. CURRENTLY THE VEHICLE IN QUESTION IS THE SOLE SOURCE OF TRANSPORTATION FOR MY GIRLFRIENDS DAUGHTER AND HER 1 YEAR OLD GRANDDAUGHTER. THEIR SAFETY IS OUR PRIMARY CONCERN, AS WELL AS THE SAFETY OF OTHERS. > > PLEASE ENSURE A TIMELY RESPONSE TO THIS ISSUE. WE WISH TO HAVE THIS ISSUE ADDRESSED IMMEDIATELY AND HOPE TO DISCOVER THAT FORD STANDS BEHIND THEIR PRODUCTS, THEIR REPUTATION, AND EXISTING AND FUTURE CUSTOM

Tires
Filed Apr 24, 20084,000 milesOH

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 FORD ESCORT. THE VEHICLE HAS COOPER MASTERCRAFT A/S IV TIRES, SIZE P20565R15 (NA). WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, WHEN THE TIRES ARE COLD, THEY BECOME BUMPY AND CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO RIDE ROUGHLY. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN INSPECTED. THE VIN, PURCHASE DATE, ENGINE SIZE, DOT NUMBER, AND NUMBER OF CYLINDERS WERE UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 4,000.

Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage
Filed Feb 20, 2008153,248 milesUT

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 FORD ESCORT. THE CONTACT SMELLED GASOLINE AND NOTICED FUEL LEAKING UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE FAILED INSPECTION DUE TO A CRACK IN THE FUEL TANK. THE POWERTRAIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 153,248 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 158,248. UPDATED 3/11/08 *CN UPDATED 03/11/08 *TR

Suspension › Front › Springs › Coil Springs
Filed Nov 13, 2007VT

UPON STATE INSPECTION WE WERE TOLD THE FRONT AND REAR COIL SPRINGS WERE BROKEN AND WOULD COST OVER 650.00 DOLLARS TO REPAIR. UNBELIEVABLE AS IT SEEMS IT WAS CONFIRMED BY ANOTHER INSPECTION STATION.... *TR

Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly
Filed Nov 4, 2007123,413 milesMO

NHTSA ID# 97V144000, RECALLS 1995 FORD ESCORTS FOR CRACKS IN THE FUEL TANKS. I BOUGHT A USED FORD ESCORT AND A CRACK HAS DEVELOPED EXACTLY AS STATED IN THE RECALL. I E-MAILED FORD BUT THEY SAY MY VIN # HAS NO RECALLS ON IT. AND WILL NOT HELP EVEN AFTER TELLING THEM OF THE RECALL INFORMATION. *JB

Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly
Filed Sep 4, 200764,345 milesIL

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 FORD ESCORT. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE CONTACT SMELLED GAS AND DISCOVERED A FUEL LEAK TOWARDS THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA RECALL NUMBER 97V144000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY) AND WILL NOT HONOR THE REPLACEMENT. A NEW FUEL TANK WOULD COST $470. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY PARKED AT THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 64,445 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 64,345. UPDATED 01/11/08. *LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE HEAT SHIELD WAS NOT REMOVED FROM THE TANK AND THE HEAT CAUSED THE TANK TO CRACK UPDATED *JB

Fuel System, Other › Storage › Tank Assembly
Filed Aug 10, 200761,708 milesFL

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 FORD ESCORT. HE NOTICED A FUEL LEAK NEAR THE HEAT SHIELD. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 61,708. THE CONSUMER PROVIDED PHOTOS OF THE DEFECT. UPDATED 09/18/07 *TR

Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly
Filed Aug 1, 200780,000 milesMI

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 FORD ESCORT. ON JULY 31,2007, THE FUEL TANK BEGAN LEAKING. THE VEHICLE USED UP A TANK OF GAS IN A 12-HOUR PERIOD. RECALL NUMBER 97V144000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY) WAS REFERENCED. THE PURCHASE DATE AND FAILURE SPEED WERE UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 80,000.

Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly
Filed Jul 18, 2007100,000 milesMT

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 FORD ESCORT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL TANK IS CRACKED AND LEAKING. HE STATED THAT HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL #'S 97V144000 AND 97V145000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY). HOWEVER, THE CONTACT STATED THAT HIS VEHICLE IS EXPERIENCING THE EXACT SAME FAILURES AS NOTED IN THE RECALLS. THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THERE WAS NOTHING THAT COULD BE DONE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 100,000.

Seat Belts › Front
Filed Jun 2, 2007118,337 milesCA

THE MOTORIZED RETRACTING SHOULDER BELT FOR THE DRIVER'S SAFETY BELT CEASED WORKING AND IS STUCK IN THE NON-LOCKED POSITION AS IF THE DRIVER IS GETTING IN OR OUT OF THE CAR. AN EMERGENCY CRANK IS PROVIDED TO MANUALLY MOVE THE BELT ALONG THE TRACK BUT IT WILL NOT MOVE. THE MOTOR FOR THE BELT DRIVE SEEMS TO BE OK BUT THE CABLE IN THE TRACK SEEMS TO BE STUCK. AN ESTIMATE FOR THE REPAIR IS $600.00 AND THE MOTOR AND CABLE TRACK IS OVER $400.00. *TR

Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage
Filed May 24, 2007207,206 milesAZ

I OWN A 1995 FORD ESCORT WAGON THAT WAS IN COLORADO FOR 11 YEARS, AND THIS YEAR -- 2007 -- I MOVED TO PHOENIX ARIZONA. LAST WEEK I NOTICED A LEAK UNDER THE CAR AND SUSPECTED IT WAS GASOLINE. I WAS ALBE TO CONFIRM IT YESTERDAY AND NOTICED IT HAD BECOME MUCH WORSE. I TOOK IT TO A LOCAL DEALER, AND SUSPECTED A DEFECT AFTER THEY DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AS A CRACKED FUEL TANK. I SUSPECTED THAT THIS WAS ABNORMAL AND DID A QUICK INTERNET SEARCH WHICH LEAD ME TO THIS WEBSITE AND A HOST OF INFORMATION OF AN EXISTING RECALL FOR THIS VEHICLE'S FUEL TANK WHEN IT IT RESIDES IN AREAS WITH A HOT CLIMATE AND FLUCTUATING EXTREMES IN TEMPERATURE. I DID FURTHER RESEARCH ON THE VIN AND COULD DETERMINE THAT THIS CAR HAD ONE OF THE DEFECTIVE TANKS INSTALLED. HOWEVER, THE DEALER REFUSES TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR, AND INSISTS THAT I AM THE ONE WHO MUST PURSUE REMUNERATION. I AM HERE GIVING NOTICE OF THE EXISTENCE OF ANOTHER CAR WITH THIS PROBLEM, AND ALSO NOTICE OF THE FAILURE OF BELL FORD TO COMPLY WITH COMPENSATION TO ME OF THIS SERVICE AND PARTS FOR NO FEE.

Seat Belts › Front › Retractor
Filed Apr 21, 200796,555 milesTX

SHOULDER BELT RETRACTOR STOPPED WORKING AND JAMMED IN ITS GUIDE TRACK. *TR

Seat Belts › FrontCrash1 injured
Filed Sep 27, 2006CA

MAKING LEFT HAND TURN AND WAS HIT ON PASSENGER SIDE. MY SEAT BELT BROKE. CAR WAS TOTALED. *JB

Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly
Filed Aug 8, 200676,990 milesNE

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE SMELLED OF GASOLINE. UPON EXITING THE VEHICLE, A PUDDLE OF GASOLINE WAS OBSERVED IN THE DRIVEWAY. AFTER FURTHER INSPECTION, CRACKS WERE OBSERVED IN THE GAS TANK. THERE WAS A NHTSA RECALL # 97V144000 PERTAINING TO THE FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN.

Seat Belts › Front
Filed May 3, 2006225,546 milesKS

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE PASSIVE RESTRAINTS STOP AT THE CORNER OF THE DOOR POST AND DO NOT PROPERLY RESTRAIN THE DRIVER OR PASSENGER. THERE IS A GAP OF SIX INCHES BETWEEN THE SAFETY BELTS AND DOOR POST. A REPLACEMENT TRACK FOR THE SAFETY BELT WILL BE OBTAINED THROUGH A SALVAGE YARD TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT, WHO IS A MECHANIC, HAS SEEN MANY OF THE 1991 THROUGH 1996 ESCORTS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. BECAUSE THE PASSIVE RESTRAINT IS NO LONGER BEING MANUFACTURED, THE CONTACT FEELS THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD REPLACE THESE PASSIVE RESTRAINTS WITH REGULAR SAFETY BELTS.

Electrical System
Filed May 1, 200670,000 milesMI

WHEN ON HIGHWAY 55 MPH OR MORE TRANSMISSIONS ACTS LIKE IT GOES INTO NEUTRAL HAVE NO OVERDRIVE OR DRIVE THEN ALSO SLIPS IN AND OUT. ALSO HAVE LIKE POWER SURGES WHEN USING THE HEATER IN THE CAR THE ENGINE REVS UP AND DOWN LIKE YOU ARE STEPPING ON THE GAS PEDAL EVEN WHEN IN PARK HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO FIND THE CAUSE OF THESE ISSUES YET. ALSO HAVE HAD THE REAR WIPER MOTOR AND STUFF REPLACED AND STILL DO NOT GET WASHER SOLVENT TO REAR WIPER THE BRAKE LIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF BACK WINDOW DOES NOT WORK EITHER CAUSES STILL UNKNOWN IT IS A 1995 FORD ESCORT LX WAGON WITH ONLY 73000 MILES 1.9 L. *NM

Seat Belts › Front
Filed Feb 22, 2006137,000 milesMO

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE AUTOMATIC SEATBELTS HAVE COME OFF THE TRACK. THIS OCCURRED ON BOTH THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE. BOTH SEATBELT ASSEMBLIES WILL HAVE TO BE REPLACED TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM.

Seat Belts
Filed Feb 1, 2006AZ

MY PASSENGER SIDE SHOULDER BELT IS STUCK IN A POSITION SO THAT IT CANNOT BE USEFUL AT ALL IN AN ACCIDENT. IT IS STUCK ALL THE WAY FORWARD SO THAT IT DOESN'T TOUCH THE PASSENGER AT ALL. ALSO, THE DRIVERS SIDE SHOULDER BELT DOESN'T SEEM TO HAVE ANY "STOP" TO IT - I WORRY IN AN ACCIDENT IT WOULDN'T HOLD ME IN. I CAN'T AFFORD TO TAKE THIS IN TO GET IT FIXED AND WOULD LIKE FORD TO FIX IT FOR FREE. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING CONTINUOUSLY IN THE 6 MONTHS I'VE HAD THE CAR. *JB

Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly
Filed Oct 10, 2005114,860 milesTX

I OWN A 1995 FORD ESCORT LX [XXX] WHICH HAS A LEAKING FUEL TANK. I CHECKED YOUR (NHTSA) WEB SITE AND FOUND "TWO RECALLS" FOR THIS PROBLEM. I WHEN TO MY LOCAL FORD DEALER FOR REPAIRS,(A.C. COLLINS FORD, PASADENA TEXAS) AND WAS TOLD THERE WAS NO RECALL ISSUED FOR MY CAR BASED ON THE VIN NUMBER. BUT THE VIN NUMBER CLEARLY STATES THE ENGINE SIZE 1.9 L, ASSEMBLY PLANT: WAYNE IND. AND IT WAS SOLD AND STILL IS REGISTERED AND USED IN PASADENA /HOUSTON TEXAS. WHICH IS THE SAME INFORMATION AS SHOWN IN THE NHTSA'S RECALL NOTICE. NOTE: THE MILEAGE AND PURCHASE DATES ARE ESTIMATES DUE TO THE CAR BEING AT THE DEALER AT THIS MOMENT. *JB UPDATED 07/18/2012 *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage
Filed Sep 23, 2005102,000 milesHI

DT: CONTACT STATED THERE WAS A LEAK IN GAS TANK. HE NOTICED THIS ABOUT TWO WEEKS AGO. HE SAW A RECALL ON THE INTERNET REGARDING LEAKING GAS TANKS . HE CALLED THE MANUFACTURER, AND THEY TOLD HIM THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO VIN. THE CAR WAS MANUFACTURED IN MEXICO.*AK

Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly
Filed Sep 23, 200590,000 milesWA

FUEL TANK HAS HAIR LINE CRACKS ON LEFT SIDE WHERE HEAT SHIELD MOUNTS TO SPACER. 2 RECALLS MY VIN# ISN'T INCLUDED NOT SURE WHY. TALKED TO DEALER AND FORD HOTLINE THEY WONT FIX. SAFETY HAZARD/ MANUFACTURER DEFECT. WOULD LIKE PROBLEM RESOLVED. THANK YOU. *JB

Exterior Lighting › Headlights
Filed Sep 8, 2005NY

THE PLASTIC HEADLIGHT LENSES ON THE HEADLIGHTS OF MY 1995 FORD ESCORT LX HAVE BECOME CLOUDY, YELLOWED AND OPAQUE. THIS CUTS DOWN NOTICEABLY ON THE ABILITY OF THE HEADLIGHTS TO ILLUMINATE THE ROAD AT NIGHT, TRULY A SAFETY HAZARD. *NM

Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly
Filed Sep 2, 2005120,976 milesNC

DT: THE VEHICLE HAD A LEAK IN THE FUEL TANK WHICH WAS DISCOVERED AFTER A LONG TRIP. CONSUMER DISCOVERED SMALL DROPLETS OF GASOLINE ON THE GROUND. THERE WAS A STRONG SMELL OF GASOLINE. CONSUMER HAD VEHICLE TOWED TO A DEALER. THE DEALER NOTED THERE WAS A RECALL 97V144000, BUT CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO VIN . NO REPAIRS HAVE BEEN MADE, BUT CONSUMER HAS BEEN INSTRUCTED NOT TO DRIVE VEHICLE DUE TO THE LEAK AND THE HOT SUMMER CONDITIONS EXPERIENCED IN THE STATE OF ARIZONA WHERE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY AT. THE DEALER THINKS IT IS SIGNIFICANT ABOUT THE TEMPERATURE CHANGE BECAUSE CONSUMER TRAVELED FORM EAST COAST TO THAT STATE. *AK *NM

Fuel System, Other › Storage › Tank Assembly
Filed Aug 24, 2005130,000 milesMS

STARTED SMELLING PROFUSE GAS FUMES IN MY 1995 ESCORT LX. TOOK IN TO MEINEIKE TO BE REPAIRED. THEY FOUND THAT THE GAS TANK WAS CRACKED DUE TO HEAT SHIELD. THIS IS THE MONTH OF AUGUST IN MISSISSIPPI AND THE HEAT FACTOR HAS BEEN OVER 100 FOR THE LAST COUPLE OF WEEKS. LOOKED ONLINE AND FOUND THAT CERTAIN ESCORTS HAD NO GAP BETWEEN HEAT SHIELD AND GAS TANK AND WAS UNDER RECALL FROM 1997. THIS MODEL CAME UP NOT UNDER RECALL BUT PROBLEM WAS INDICATIVE OF RECALL MODELS. FORD REFUSES TO INVESTIGATE MY CLAIM. THE REMEDY FOR FIXING RECALLED MODELS WAS TO MAKE A GAP BETWEEN HEATSHEILD AND GAS TANK. THERE IS NO GAP BETWEEN HEAT SHIELD AND GAS TANK ON MY CAR. THIS MODEL SHOULD HAVE BEEN UNDER THE RECALL.

Complaints 1-50 of 576, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 1995
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
200310100Routine
200233110Routine
200168130Routine
200098220Routine
19993252114Fatalities reported
19983751111Fatalities reported
19975432830High concern
1996205170Above average
1995 — this page5765201Fatalities reported
19942792165Fatalities reported
19933793166Fatalities reported
19921623171Fatalities reported
19913274612Fatalities reported
19901012420High concern

Compare every Escort year →

1995 Ford Escort: questions buyers ask

Is the 1995 Ford Escort a good car?

Going by the federal record, it is one of the Escort years to avoid: owners filed 576 complaints, 2.1 times as many as a typical Escort year. The most common complaint is about the seat belts (24%).

What is the most common problem with the 1995 Ford Escort?

The seat belts: 137 of the 576 complaints (24%) are about it. The typical report comes at 102,760 miles.

How many recalls does the 1995 Ford Escort have?

5 safety recalls on file with NHTSA, the most recent filed Mar 23, 2006. The largest, 97V144000, covered 64,000 vehicles. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

At what mileage do 1995 Ford Escort problems start?

Half of the complaints that record an odometer reading came in before 99,650 miles. For the seat belts the midpoint is 102,760 miles.

Has NHTSA investigated the 1995 Ford Escort?

Yes, once. RQ97010 ("FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY") was opened Sep 11, 1997 and closed May 22, 2000.

Are there service bulletins for the 1995 Ford Escort?

The manufacturer filed 81 technical service bulletins and other notices for it with NHTSA, most of them about the brakes (20), the engine (14) and the transmission (14). A bulletin is a repair instruction to dealers, not a recall: the fix is usually free only under warranty.

Reading this record

1 death 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.