1992 Ford Escort: problems, recalls and reliability
3 recalls and 162 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is electrical system (22% of complaints); the 1990 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Jun 1994
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 162 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“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”Owner report · Suspension · May 2022
“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”Owner report · Tires · Jul 2008
“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.”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · May 2006
Show 7 more owner reports
“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”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Nov 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”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Aug 2005
“On several occasions when accelerating from a stop position or while in motion, the vehicle would intermittently hesitate. *jb”Owner report · Power Train · Nov 2004
“Recall 92v117000 concerning fuel pump failure. Anytime the consumer gets into the vehicle there is a strong odor of gasoline. Consumer is not sure if her vehicle is included in the recall. *ak”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Nov 2003
“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.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Nov 2003
“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”Owner report · Electrical System · Sep 2003
“After driving vehicle a short distance there was the smell of electrical wire burning and soon after, smoke emerged from the defroster vents. Vehicle was shut off and smoking quit. Upon inspection it was noted that the wiring harness under the instrument panel had burnt up beyond repair.*jb”Owner report · Electrical System · Feb 2003
When filing, owners marked a crash in 7 of these complaints and injuries in 10 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 3 campaigns
THE OFFSET TOE ADJUSTING PIN CAN FRACTURE UNDER CONDITIONS SUCH AS TORSIONAL LOADS, FLEXING MOTION, IMPACT LOADS, AND OVERTORQUING.
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.
THE STOP LAMP SWITCHES COULD INTERMITTENTLY MALFUNCTION RESULTING IN THE STOP LAMPS NOT ILLUMINATING WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED.
Remedy: REPLACE THE FAULTY STOP LAMP SWITCHES.
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.
Remedy: INSTALL A NEW FUEL PUMP SENDING ASSEMBLY.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 1992 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact Escort by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1992 Ford Escort reliable?
NHTSA has 162 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns on record for the 1992 Ford Escort. The most complained-about area is electrical system (22% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1992 Ford Escort problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 111,000 miles or less.
Does the 1992 Ford Escort have open recalls?
3 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning suspension:front. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.