What are the worst Ford Escort years?

Q: What are the worst Ford Escort years?

Based on NHTSA owner complaints per year on the road, the worst Ford Escort years are 1995, 1997 - complaint rates far above this model's median. The years with the fewest problems relative to time on the road: 1990, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003.

Ford Escort: best and worst years

Every model year, ranked by owner complaints reported to NHTSA relative to time on the road. Click a year for its problems, recalls and trouble codes.

Years to avoid: 1995, 1997

Complaint rates far above this model's median, even after adjusting for time on the road.

Held up best: 1990, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003

The fewest complaints relative to years on the road - at most half the model's median rate.

2003solid year10 complaints · 1 recalls 2002solid year33 complaints · 1 recalls 2001solid year68 complaints · 1 recalls 2000solid year98 complaints · 2 recalls 1999325 complaints · 2 recalls 1998375 complaints · 1 recalls 1997worst year543 complaints · 2 recalls 1996205 complaints · 1 recalls 1995worst year576 complaints · 5 recalls 1994279 complaints · 2 recalls 1993379 complaints · 3 recalls 1992162 complaints · 3 recalls 1991327 complaints · 4 recalls 1990solid year101 complaints · 2 recalls

Ranked by complaints per year on the road (age capped at 12 years), so older years do not lead just because they have been around longer. Years under 3 years old are not judged - they have not had time to show their problems. Rates are relative to this model only and are not adjusted for sales volume.