CarRecallWatchThe 1988 Ford Escort has 2 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 143 complaints with NHTSA, including 6 crashes, 56 fires, 8 injuries.
The most-reported problem area is Electrical System (85 reports).
1988 Ford Escort recalls
Most common 1988 Ford Escort problems
Problem areas named in the 143 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Electrical System | 85 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 28 |
| Seat Belts | 17 |
| Exterior Lighting | 15 |
| Steering | 11 |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 11 |
| Suspension | 8 |
| Power Train | 7 |
| Visibility | 4 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 4 |
What owners report
CAR HAS BEEN STALLING REGARDLESS OF SPEED. TOOK TO MECHANIC TO DETERMINE PROBLEM. MECHANIC HAS (SO FAR) IDENTIFIED BAD HEAD GASKET. I AM SECOND OWNER OF THIS VEHICLE AND IT HAS ONLY 67,000 MILES ON IT. VERY FEW MILES FOR AN EXPENSIVE HEAD GASKET REPAIR!! *JB
I BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE FROM MY UNCLE WHEN IT WAS 3 YEARS OLD WITH 40,000 MILES ON IT. IT BEGAN STALLING A YEAR OR SO AFTER I BOUGHT IT. I HAD IT IN TO BOTH A FORD AND INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP WITH A VARIETY OF REASONS GIVEN FOR IT STALLING. I REPLACED THE IGNITION MODULE THREE DIFFERENT TIMES ON MY OWN ON A HUNCH THAT IT MIGHT BE THE PROBLEM. I HAVE MOTH BALLED THE CAR FOR AT LEAST THREE YEARS BECAUSE I WAS TIRED OF DRIVING AROUND HAVING TO WORRY ABOUT IT STOPPING ON ME. I DIDN'T SELL IT BECAUSE I DIDN'T WANT TO PAWN THE PROBLEM, OFF ON SOMEONE ELSE AND BESIDES I REALLY LIKED THE CAR OTHERWISE. AFTER HEARING OF THE CALIFORNIA RECALL ORDER, EVERYTHING FELL INTO PLACE. I BELIEVE THAT THE
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
CONSUMER STATES WHILE HAVING VEHICLES OIL CHANGED THE MECHANIC NOTICED HIM THE LOWER ARM SHAFT WAS RUSTED AND NEED TO BE REPLACED. NLM
WHEN HEADLIGHTS ARE ON TAILLIGHTS WILL NOT WORK. WHEN MOVING SWITCH TAIL LIGHTS WILL WORK, BUT HEADLIGHTS WII NOT. THIS IS THE THIRD SWITCH. CONTACTED DEALER, AND DEALER WILL REPLACE SWITCH AT CONSUMER'S EXPENSE.*AK
1988 Ford Escort questions
Does the 1988 Ford Escort have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls for the 1988 Ford Escort: Electrical System:Ignition; Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 1988 Ford Escort?
Based on 143 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Electrical System (85), Engine And Engine Cooling (28), Seat Belts (17).
How do I check if a recall on my 1988 Ford Escort has been fixed?
Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.