1993 Ford Escort: problems, recalls and reliability
3 recalls and 379 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is seat belts (27% of complaints); the 1992 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Mar 2006
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 379 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Initially, the brake light came on. I then checked the brake fluid, which was below minimum required. I have now filled the required level. Yesterday, the brake pedal completely failed to stop the vehicle - no compression at all. The brake pedal goes down all the way with no compression. It could have caused a serious accident but luckily, I was able to control due to manual gear. *jb”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Oct 2007
“Tl*the contact owns a 1993 ford escort. While the vehicle was parked in a mechanic's garage, it caught fire. The fire destroyed the vehicle, the other vehicles in the garage, and the garage itself. The fire department stated that the fire originated under the dashboard of his vehicle, possibly the ignition switch. A police and fire report were filed. The vehicle was at the shop for new brakes and tie rods. Updated 02/01/08. *lj”Owner report · Electrical System · Jul 2007
“Tl* -the contact stated that the passenger shoulder restraint and the driver's seat belt were not working in her 1993 ford escort and she discovered that it is not uncommon for her vehicle. She contacted ford motor company and they told her that the dealer can service her vehicle, but it would not be covered under the warranty. The warranty is does not cover vehicles over 5 years or 50,000 mileage. This was told to her by 1 supervisor and 2 representatives. She also experienced a buckle failure that she must repair at her own cost. *nm”Owner report · Seat Belts · Dec 2006
Show 7 more owner reports
“The brakes on our 1993 ford escort locked up causing catastrophic brake failure. Had to replace the master cylinder, both front calipers, both rotors, all hoses and pads. This brake failure could have caused an accident and even death. *jb”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Oct 2006
“Dt: purchased this vehicle at a used lot. After 90 days the transmission pump went out. Bought it with 48,000 miles. Went to two different mechanic shops, and they said it had too much wear for that amount of mileage. The exhaust system came off, the shocks were bad, the tires were al defective, and the brakes failed. The dealer from who the vehicle was purchased was out business. *ak”Owner report · Power Train · Oct 2004
“The battery cable broke off and the consumer was unable to start the vehicle unless she taped the cable in place. The vehicle was taken to ford and the consumer was told that the part was no longer available. *ak the consumer was driving the vehicle when the engine shut off. There was a special grounding wire from the computer to the cable post wire. The consumer was concerned with the fact that the grounding wire was not connected to the frame instead of the battery and suggested that without this bracket harness wire, the vehicle would not start. *sc *jb”Owner report · Electrical System · Jul 2004
“1993 ford escort station wagon. Sharp metal edge at wiring harness entrance to station wagon hatch, caused abrasion of wiring leading to short circuit and vehicle fire.*ak”Owner report · Electrical System · Dec 2003
“Vehicle's rpms stay high after the accelerator is released. *mr the mechanic indicated that the pedal wasn't sticky nor was the throttle cable. The check engine light rarely illuminated. This problem started occurring during cold weather (below 0 degrees). The rpms revved high and continued to rise when the problem occurred. Shutting off the engine "solved" the problem for a few minutes or until the pedal was pressed. The air intake valve was cleaned but the problem still occurred. *ph *nm”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Dec 2003
“While pushing in the clutch,the transmission idled high . This caused the vehicle to accelerate. The driver took the vehicle to a mechanic and had them to clean the throttle body and sensor and replace the air filter. *jb”Owner report · Power Train · Dec 2003
“Consumer's vehicle has motorized seat belts. The belt will tighten inadvertently, feeling as if consumer was being choked. Consumer took the vehicle to the dealer, and was informed that the repairs will cost $400.00. *ak....also, front fender and middle of the vehicle above the fender is peeling paint, and check engine light comes on while driving and goes off when stepping on the brakes at stop sign or traffic light or whenever consumer applies the brakes. *ak”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Dec 2003
When filing, owners marked a crash in 31 of these complaints and injuries in 31 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 3 campaigns
CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Remedy: PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.
THE LOCK PLATE OF THE DRIVER SIDE INBOARD SEAT TRACK ADJUSTERS WERE MANUFACTURED WITH AN UNAUTHORIZED MODIFICATION TO THE FABRICATION PROCESS WHICH CAUSES THE SEAT NOT TO FULLY ENGAGE IN CERTAIN SEATING POSITIONS NEAR THE MID-POINT OF THE SEAT TRACK TRAVEL.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE DRIVER SIDE INBOARD SEAT TRACK.
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.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 1993 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 1993 Ford Escort reliable?
NHTSA has 379 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns on record for the 1993 Ford Escort. The most complained-about area is seat belts (27% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1993 Ford Escort problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 82,170 miles or less.
Does the 1993 Ford Escort have open recalls?
3 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning exterior lighting. 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.