1992 Ford Escort Problems

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

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

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

ELECTRICAL FAILURE; DRIVER'S SIDE LAP BELT; DASH LIGHTS(SPEEDOMETER FUEL GAUGE, ENGINE HEAT TEMP & REVOLOTION GUAGE), RADIO LIGHTS, DRIVER'S DOOR BUZZER/ OVERHEAD LIGHT; A/C,/ HEATER FAN INTERMITTENT. IGNITION SWITCH FAILURE, X2, BOTH BRAKE LIGHT BULBS REPLACED: COURTESY LIGHT IN TRUNK NEEDS REPLACED. HAS NEVER BEEN TO GARAGE, TO BE REPAIRED, FOR ANY ABOVE ELECTRICAL.EXCEPTION, IGNITION REPLACED BY GARAGE X1.*AK

THE ATOMATIC SEATBELT IS NOT RUNNING IN IT'S TRACK CONTINUOUSLY. IT HAS DECIDED TO WORK WHEN AND IF IT FEELS LIKE IT. THE PAINT STARTED PEELING ON THE TOP OF THE TRUNK IN 1998 OR 99 APPROXIMATELY, I HAVE NEVER HAD THE MONEY TO GET THE PAINT FIXED. I DID HOWEVER GET THE SIDE PAINTED WHEN I WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT IN 1993. THAT PAINT HAS BUBBLED. I DON'T REMEMBER WHAT IT COST ME, I THINK JUST MY INSURANCE DEDUCTIBLE AT THAT TIME.

THE ENGINE HAD CUT OFF WITHOUT WARNING WHILE THE CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING. ALSO THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START AT TIMES. THE DEALER COULD NOT LOCATE THE PROBLEM. *YH THE SEAT BELTS HAD BECOME INOPERATIVE, THE REAR DISC BRAKES WOULD NOT HOLD WHEN THE PARKING BRAKE WAS APPLIED, THE CABLE IS WORKING, BUT NOT NOT APPLYING PRESSURE, AND THE V/C IS LEAKING. (V/C PER INVOICE) THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE ENGINE PROBLEM, SEEM TO BE COMING FROM THE IGNITION. *SCC

WHEN TAKING FOOT OFF ACCELERATOR VEHICLE ACCELERATES VERY HIGH, MORE THAN NORMAL. IF TAPPING ACCELERATER IT WILL GO BACK DOWN TO NORMAL OR CUT OFF. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK

WHILE DRIVING AND DRIVER STEPS OFF THE ACCLERATOR PEDAL VEHICLE ENG IDLES "HIGH AND SUDDENLY ACCLERATES WHICH MAY CAUSE A CRASH. DRIVER NEEDS TO TURN OFF THE ENGINE TO STOP THE IDLING. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK

ELECTRICAL FAILURE; DRIVER'S SIDE LAP BELT; DASH LIGHTS(SPEEDOMETER FUEL GAUGE, ENGINE HEAT TEMP & REVOLOTION GUAGE), RADIO LIGHTS, DRIVER'S DOOR BUZZER/ OVERHEAD LIGHT; A/C,/ HEATER FAN INTERMITTENT. IGNITION SWITCH FAILURE, X2, BOTH BRAKE LIGHT BULBS REPLACED: COURTESY LIGHT IN TRUNK NEEDS REPLACED. HAS NEVER BEEN TO GARAGE, TO BE REPAIRED, FOR ANY ABOVE ELECTRICAL.EXCEPTION, IGNITION REPLACED BY GARAGE X1.*AK

THE ENGINE HAD CUT OFF WITHOUT WARNING WHILE THE CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING. ALSO THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START AT TIMES. THE DEALER COULD NOT LOCATE THE PROBLEM. *YH THE SEAT BELTS HAD BECOME INOPERATIVE, THE REAR DISC BRAKES WOULD NOT HOLD WHEN THE PARKING BRAKE WAS APPLIED, THE CABLE IS WORKING, BUT NOT NOT APPLYING PRESSURE, AND THE V/C IS LEAKING. (V/C PER INVOICE) THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE ENGINE PROBLEM, SEEM TO BE COMING FROM THE IGNITION. *SCC

ELECTRICAL FAILURE; DRIVER'S SIDE LAP BELT; DASH LIGHTS(SPEEDOMETER FUEL GAUGE, ENGINE HEAT TEMP & REVOLOTION GUAGE), RADIO LIGHTS, DRIVER'S DOOR BUZZER/ OVERHEAD LIGHT; A/C,/ HEATER FAN INTERMITTENT. IGNITION SWITCH FAILURE, X2, BOTH BRAKE LIGHT BULBS REPLACED: COURTESY LIGHT IN TRUNK NEEDS REPLACED. HAS NEVER BEEN TO GARAGE, TO BE REPAIRED, FOR ANY ABOVE ELECTRICAL.EXCEPTION, IGNITION REPLACED BY GARAGE X1.*AK

THE ENGINE HAD CUT OFF WITHOUT WARNING WHILE THE CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING. ALSO THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START AT TIMES. THE DEALER COULD NOT LOCATE THE PROBLEM. *YH THE SEAT BELTS HAD BECOME INOPERATIVE, THE REAR DISC BRAKES WOULD NOT HOLD WHEN THE PARKING BRAKE WAS APPLIED, THE CABLE IS WORKING, BUT NOT NOT APPLYING PRESSURE, AND THE V/C IS LEAKING. (V/C PER INVOICE) THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE ENGINE PROBLEM, SEEM TO BE COMING FROM THE IGNITION. *SCC

WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE'S DASHBOARD STARTED SMOKING. THE DRIVER PULLED ONTO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED A GARAGE. *AK *NM

ELECTRICAL FAILURE; DRIVER'S SIDE LAP BELT; DASH LIGHTS(SPEEDOMETER FUEL GAUGE, ENGINE HEAT TEMP & REVOLOTION GUAGE), RADIO LIGHTS, DRIVER'S DOOR BUZZER/ OVERHEAD LIGHT; A/C,/ HEATER FAN INTERMITTENT. IGNITION SWITCH FAILURE, X2, BOTH BRAKE LIGHT BULBS REPLACED: COURTESY LIGHT IN TRUNK NEEDS REPLACED. HAS NEVER BEEN TO GARAGE, TO BE REPAIRED, FOR ANY ABOVE ELECTRICAL.EXCEPTION, IGNITION REPLACED BY GARAGE X1.*AK

ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A STOP POSITION OR WHILE IN MOTION, THE VEHICLE WOULD INTERMITTENTLY HESITATE. *JB

WHY DOES THE TRANSMISSION GOES OUT WITHOUT A WARNING OR SIGNAL?*AK

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

THE CONSUMER NOTICED FUEL LEAKAGE FROM THE TANK. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED A HOLE IN THE TANK. THE TANK HAD LEAKED AGAIN. THE CONSUMER CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER WHO ADVISED HER THAT THE V.I.N. WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RELATED RECALL 92V117000. TS AFTER THE PURCHASE OF THE VEHICLE, A SUSPENSION BAR WAS NEEDED, AND WITHIN THE FIRST YEAR, THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS REPLACED. THE CONSUMER WAS ADVISED TO KEEP THE FUEL AT HALF FULL. SCC

WHILE DRIVING AT 30 MPH,REAR WINDOW BLEW IN FOR NO REASON. *AK

MULTIPLE ELETRICAL FAILURES IN INSTRUMENTATION AND PANEL CONTROLS. ABRUPT FAILURE OF DASH LIGHTS THAT ILLUMINATE SPEEDOMETER AND OTHER CRUCIAL INSTRUMENTATION. ALSO, MULTIPLE FAILURES OF ELECTRICALLY POWERED PASSIVE RESTRAINTS, CONFINING FRONT PASSENGERS IN SEATS WITH INABILITY TO DISABLE RESTRAINT (SHOULDER BELT). MULTIPLE ELECTRICAL FAILURES OF OTHER DASH INSTRUMENTATION/CONTROLS TO INCLUDE HEATING/COOLING/FAN/RADIO AND SIGNALS. IN REGARD TO SECOND COMPONENT, INABILITY TO PROPERLY INSTALL INDEPENDENT CHILD SAFETY SEAT IN RIGHT FRONT (PASSENGER) SEAT, EVEN WITH MANUFACTURER-SUPPLIED "LOCKING CLIP" AS BELTS CANNOT BE PROPERLY B SECURED UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES. *AK

MULTIPLE ELETRICAL FAILURES IN INSTRUMENTATION AND PANEL CONTROLS. ABRUPT FAILURE OF DASH LIGHTS THAT ILLUMINATE SPEEDOMETER AND OTHER CRUCIAL INSTRUMENTATION. ALSO, MULTIPLE FAILURES OF ELECTRICALLY POWERED PASSIVE RESTRAINTS, CONFINING FRONT PASSENGERS IN SEATS WITH INABILITY TO DISABLE RESTRAINT (SHOULDER BELT). MULTIPLE ELECTRICAL FAILURES OF OTHER DASH INSTRUMENTATION/CONTROLS TO INCLUDE HEATING/COOLING/FAN/RADIO AND SIGNALS. IN REGARD TO SECOND COMPONENT, INABILITY TO PROPERLY INSTALL INDEPENDENT CHILD SAFETY SEAT IN RIGHT FRONT (PASSENGER) SEAT, EVEN WITH MANUFACTURER-SUPPLIED "LOCKING CLIP" AS BELTS CANNOT BE PROPERLY B SECURED UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES. *AK

INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT FLEXIBLE COUPLING BETWEEN STEERING WHEEL/STEERING RACK BADLY WORN WHICH PRODUCES EXCESSIVE MOVEMENT OF STEERING WHEEL OF ABOUT 0-5" AT CIRCUMFERENCE. *SD

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

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

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

FOUR TIRES DEVELOPED BUBBLES. WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE ABOUT 65-70 MPH TIRE ON THE REAR PASSENGER'S SIDE HAD A BLOW OUT. DRIVER WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF VEHICLE. REPLACEMENT TIRE EQUIPMENT ON A 1992, ESCORT. GOODYEAR MONACRCH METRIC BLACK. TIRE SIZE P17570R13, DOT # C2FHHNLP407. TIRE MILEAGE ABOUT 1100. *AK *SLC

BOLT IN SPIDER GEAR LOCATED IN DIFFERENTIAL CAME THROUGH, RESULTING IN FAILURE. EVEN THOUGH ENGINE WAS RUNNING NO POWER TO VEHICLE. TT

WIRING HARNESS INSULATION OBVIOUSLY CUT DURING ASSEMBLY. SHARP METAL EDGES ON INSIDE OF LIFTGATE AND "D" PILLAR WERE THE CULPRIT. BARE WIRES AND CUT WIRES WERE SHORTING TO CHASSIS GROUND. FIRE POTENTIAL WAS SERIOUS. INTERMITTANT 3RD BRAKE LIGHT, REAR WINDOW DEFROSTER AND HATCH LIGHT WERE NUISANCE PROBLEMS. OTHER COMPLAINANTS ON THIS SIGHT HAD 3RD BRAKE LIGHT MELT DOWN AND FIRE... THIS COULD BE A DEFINITE CAUSE IN THE WAGONS AND SHOULD BE LOOKED AT CLOSER IN THE SEDANS. ALSO, I WAS READING THE COMPLAINTS ON THIS CAR AND, THOUGH IT HAS BEEN FAIRLY RELIABLE FOR ME, I HAVE EXPERIENCED THE UNCONTROLLED THROTTLE ACCELLERATION OR STICKING ON 2 OCCASIONS. BOTH TIMES WERE DURING LONG TRIPS AND BOTH TIMES THE SYMPTOMS WOULD NOT DISAPPEAR UNTIL AFTER TURNING THE IGNITION OFF AND THEN BACK ON. THERE IS SOMETHING TO THE OTHER'S COMPLAINTS. LASTLY, THE LEFT REAR SEAT BELT WILL NOT RETURN. I ALSO NOTICED AN ALARMING NUMBER COMPLAINTS OF SEAT BELT FAILURES ON THIS VEHICLE. THE SEAT BELT RETURN MECHANISM IS A FAULTY DESIGN. THE ASSEMBLY CAN SPREAD APART, ALLOWING THE RETURN SPRING TO LOOSE IT'S TENSION. THERE REALLY SHOULD BE A SAFETY RECALL OR INVESTIGATION ON THE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES IN THIS VEHICLE. THANKS.