RoadVitals

1992 Ford Escort

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
162
Latest Jun 2, 2022
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
3
Latest Jun 2, 1994
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
1
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
24
10 injuries, 1 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 162 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 1992 Ford Escort, most frequently naming the fuel system, electrical and seat belts categories. 3 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 1 NHTSA investigation names it; and 65 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

3 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
94E019000

SUSPENSION:FRONT

Jun 2, 1994
919 units potentially affected
The defect: THE OFFSET TOE ADJUSTING PIN CAN FRACTURE UNDER CONDITIONS SUCH AS TORSIONAL LOADS, FLEXING MOTION, IMPACT LOADS, AND OVERTORQUING.
The risk: THIS CAN RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLE STEERING CONTROL ANDAN ACCIDENT.
The 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.
DANA CORPORATIONView on NHTSA.gov
92V117000

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

Aug 19, 1992
22,000 units potentially affected
The defect: FATIGUE CRACKS CAN DEVELOP IN THE SOLDER JOINT BETWEEN THE FUEL RETURN TUBE AND THE FUEL PUMP SENDING UNIT LOCATED AT THE TOP OF THE FUEL TANK.
The risk: SHOULD A CRACK DEVELOP, FUEL VAPOR CAN ESCAPE FROM THETANK WHEN THE TANK IS FULL, AND A SMALL AMOUNT OF FUEL CAN LEAK FROM THE CRACK.FUEL LEAKS CAN RESULT IN FIRE WHEN EXPOSED TO A SOURCE OF IGNITION.
The remedy: INSTALL A NEW FUEL PUMP SENDING ASSEMBLY.
FORD MOTOR COMPANYView on NHTSA.gov
92V103000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH

Jul 13, 1992
43,000 units potentially affected
The defect: THE STOP LAMP SWITCHES COULD INTERMITTENTLY MALFUNCTION RESULTING IN THE STOP LAMPS NOT ILLUMINATING WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED.
The risk: THIS COULD RESULT IN FOLLOWING MOTORISTS NOT BEINGSIGNALED THAT THE VEHICLE IS BRAKING, AND COULD RESULT IN A COLLISION.
The remedy: REPLACE THE FAULTY STOP LAMP SWITCHES.
FORD MOTOR COMPANYView on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

EA94002ClosedEngineering Analysis

FUEL PUMP WIRING SHORTAGE

Opened Jan 28, 1994
Closed Jan 31, 1995

There is no summary currently available

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:LINKAGES

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

View all 162
Fuel systemExterior lightingSuspension
Filed Jun 2, 2022

I have a very bad gas leak and have Always smelt fuel since I have owned the car, the front suspension is also affected and my rear lights are faulty

NHTSA ID
11467234
Incident
May 27, 2022
Fuel system
Filed Aug 14, 2009

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1992 FORD ESCORT. AFTER FILLING UP THE VEHICLE WITH FUEL, THE CONTACT DROVE TO HIS RESIDENCE AND PARKED. ONE HOUR LATER, HE NOTICED A SMALL PUDDLE OF GASOLINE ON THE GARAGE FLOOR. HE STATED THAT THE LEAK WAS COMING FROM THE FUEL LINE OR FUEL TUBE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN INSPECTED BY A DEALER. THROUGH RESEARCH, THE CONTACT FOUND NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 92V117000, NHTSA ACTION NUMBER EA92012 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE CONTACT BELIEVES THAT THE VEHICLE SHOULD BE INCLUDED BECAUSE THE FAILURES WERE IDENTICAL. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 131,000. UPDATED 11/03/09 *BF UPDATED 11/03/09.*JB

NHTSA ID
10280421
Incident
Aug 13, 2009
Mileage
131,000 mi
Tires & wheels
Filed Jul 14, 2008

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1992 FORD ESCORT. THE VEHICLE HAS BIG O PRESTIGE RADIAL MAX TIRES, SIZE 175/70/R13 (NA). THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE SIDEWALLS ON THE FRONT TWO TIRES WERE CRACKING. BECAUSE THE TIRES EXCEEDED THE ONE YEAR WARRANTY, THE DEALER WOULD BE FINANCIALLY RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR REPLACEMENT. THE CONTACT NOTIFIED THE MANUFACTURER AND IS CURRENTLY WAITING FOR A RESPONSE. THE CONSUMER NO LONGER HAS THE TIRES. THE DOT AND VIN WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 12,000. UPDATED 09/10/08 *BF UPDATED 09/10/08. *JB

NHTSA ID
10234178
Incident
Jul 5, 2008
Mileage
12,000 mi
Fuel system
Filed Oct 6, 2006

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE DAY THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED, THERE WAS A SMELL OF FUEL IN THE CABIN. AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH ON THE NHTSA WEBSITE THE CONTACT BECAME AWARE OF A NHTSA RECALL #92V117000 PERTAINING TO THE FUEL SYSTEM. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO DETERMINED IT WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED WHO CONFIRMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE CONTACT WAS THE SECOND OWNER OF THE VEHICLE. THE ORIGINAL OWNER ALSO NOTICED THE SMELL OF FUEL IN THE VEHICLE BUT CHOSE TO DRIVE IT AT LESS THAN A FULL TANK.

NHTSA ID
10170093
Incident
May 15, 2006
Mileage
139,000 mi
Exterior lighting
Filed Aug 11, 2006

HEADLAMP LENS IS TURNING CLOUDY WITH AGE, REDUCING AMOUNT OF LIGHT ON ROAD.

NHTSA ID
10165289
Incident
Aug 11, 2006
Electrical
Filed Apr 10, 2006

MY PATIENT HAD GONE TO HIS DIALYSIS APPOINTMENT AND WHEN HE GOT BACK INTO THE CAR AND TURNED THE KEY IT WOULD NOT START. HE WAITED FOR A BIT AND TRIED IT AGAIN AND IT STARTED. AS HE WAS DRIVING HOME, THE CAR JUST SHUT OFF. HE HAD SOME PEOPLE HELP PUSH IT AROUND THE CORNER AND CALLED ME TO GET IT TOWED TO HIS HOUSE. WHEN I ARRIVED AT THE VEHICLE I TRIED IT AND IT SEEMED AS THOUGH IT HAD A DEAD BATTERY. I CALLED AAA TO COME GIVE ME A JUMP AND WAITED FOR AN HOUR. WHEN THEY AAA GOT THERE AND GOT OUT OF THEIR TRUCK, THEY GOT IN THE DRIVERS SEAT AND TURNED THE KEY AND IT STARTED RIGHT UP WITH NO JUMP. WE TOOK A LOOK AT THE IGNITION WHEN WE GOT HOME AND TURNED THE KEY AND IT WAS STICKING BUT IT TURNED ON. I WAS HAVING THE CAR BROUGHT INTO A SHOP TO GET IT CHECKED OUT AND IT DIED AGAIN. WHEN TRIED TO RESTART THE PIN IN THE END OF THE IGNITION SNAPPED OFF AND THE CAR WOULDN'T START. I ENDED UP HAVING IT TOWED TO THE SHOP AND THEY REPLACED THE IGNITION. OVER THE COURSE OF THE LAST 9 MONTHS THE IGNITION HAS STARTED DOING IT AGAIN. I WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS THE ALTERNATOR AT FIRST BUT AFTER IT WAS REPLACED FOUND OUT THAT IT WASN'T THAT. IT OVER CHARGES THE BATTERY AND HAS SERIOUS POWER SURGES AND THEN JUST DIES LIKE NOTHING WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE STREET. THIS HAS HAPPENED ON VARIOUS OCCASIONS AND NOW IT JUST WONT START AT ALL. I KNOW IT ISN'T THE BATTERY, STARTER OR ALTERNATOR. I BELIEVE IT TO BE THE IGNITION SWITCH. THE STARTED DOESN'T ENGAGE WHEN YOU TURN THE KEY BUT ALL THE POWER COMES ON. *JB

NHTSA ID
10154922
Incident
Apr 10, 2006
Fuel system
Filed Nov 21, 2005

GASOLINE LEAKS FROM TOP OF GAS TANK WHEN FILLED. THERE IS A RECALL (NHTSA# 92V-117, FORD # 92S54 ) I CONTACTED THE DEALER AND THEY HAD NO RECORD OF RECALL, AND TOLD ME IT WAS TO OLD TO CHECK. I THEN CALLED FORD'S CUSTOMER SERVICE DEPT, AND WAS TOLD THE RECALL HAD BEEN CLOSED. *NM

NHTSA ID
10143393
Incident
Nov 19, 2005
Mileage
74,838 mi
Fuel system
Filed Nov 17, 2005

DT: THE CONTACT STATES THERE IS A NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN 92V117000 CONCERNING THE FUEL SYSTEM. THIS VEHICLE HAS THE SAME PROBLEMS AS INDICATED IN THE RECALL, BUT IT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO VIN. THE CONTACT REPAIRED THE VEHICLE AT HIS OWN EXPENSE. *AK

NHTSA ID
10143063
Incident
Aug 8, 2005

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

02208

EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER

CLIMATE CONTROL A/C SERVICE TECH TIPS. *EH

02176

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH

LAMP-BRAKE-INVADVERTENT DISABLING OF BRAKE SHIFT INTERLOCK. *MJ

0214

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE

SOME ENGINE ASSEMBLIES WITH ALUMINUM CYLINDER HEADS REPAIRED IN-VEHILE HAVE BEEN FOUND TO LEAK COOLANT AND/OR OIL FROM THE CYLINDER HEAD GASKET AREA. *TT

01194

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

THIS ARITLCE IS TO PROVIDE INFORMATION ON REPLACEMENT OF OLD STYLE HOOD LAMP SWITCH TO THE RVISED MECHANICAL HOOD LAMP SWITCH. *TT

01181

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:PARK/NEUTRAL START INTERLOCK SWITCH

BRAKE SHIFT INTERLOCK.*JB

01156

VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:HEATER CORE

SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT HEATER CORE LEAKS. *SLC

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Ford Escort by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2003101037.7
2002331043.4
2001681047.6
2000982054.2
19993252161.5
19983751155.2
19975432265.3
19962051047.7
19955765161.0
19942792056.7
19933793159.1
1992Viewing1623159.4
19913274669.4
19901012370.2
19891521262.7
19881432571.7
1987563775.1
1986452773.2
1985263973.4
1984213673.8
1983753—
1982455—
19811104—

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.