Across 5 model years, the Ford Escort has 2,358 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 8 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are air bags and engine and engine cooling. 1999 drew the most complaints (745), 1996 the fewest (248).
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for Ford Escort vehicles (US, public record).
Complaint volume by model year. Raw NHTSA totals, not adjusted for sales volume or time on the road, so older and higher-selling years accumulate more. Every year links to its full breakdown.
Highest: 1999 (745 complaints). Lowest: 1996 (248).
Sentiment is mixed and heavily dependent on the specific generation, condition, and purchase price.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Escort. Individual model years are broken down above.
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