MYRModel Year Report

1982 Ford Escort

○ Not enough data
1982 Ford Escort
RENDERED 2026-11-01T13:31:57.465Z

Only 4 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

Only 4 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

Complaints
4

Too few to rank

Recalls
5

Campaigns on file for 1982

Investigations
5

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
—

Not enough data

Complaints per year

1981: 1 complaint 1982: 4 complaints 1982 4 1983: 7 complaints 1984: 21 complaints 1985: 26 complaints 1986: 46 complaints 1987: 59 complaints 1987 1988: 148 complaints 1989: 152 complaints 1990: 104 complaints 1990 1991: 335 complaints 1992: 166 complaints 1993: 383 complaints 1993 1994: 289 complaints 1995: 576 complaints 1996: 205 complaints 1996 1997: 543 complaints 1998: 375 complaints 1999: 325 complaints 1999 2000: 98 complaints 2001: 68 complaints 2002: 33 complaints 2002 2003: 10 complaints
1981: 1 complaint 1982: 4 complaints 1982 4 1983: 7 complaints 1984: 21 complaints 1985: 26 complaints 1985 1986: 46 complaints 1987: 59 complaints 1987 1988: 148 complaints 1989: 152 complaints 1989 1990: 104 complaints 1991: 335 complaints 1991 1992: 166 complaints 1993: 383 complaints 1993 1994: 289 complaints 1995: 576 complaints 1995 1996: 205 complaints 1997: 543 complaints 1997 1998: 375 complaints 1999: 325 complaints 1999 2000: 98 complaints 2001: 68 complaints 2001 2002: 33 complaints 2003: 10 complaints 2003
1981: 1 complaint 1981 1982: 4 complaints 1982 4 1983: 7 complaints 1983 1984: 21 complaints 1984 1985: 26 complaints 1985 1986: 46 complaints 1986 1987: 59 complaints 1987 1988: 148 complaints 1988 1989: 152 complaints 1989 1990: 104 complaints 1990 1991: 335 complaints 1991 1992: 166 complaints 1992 1993: 383 complaints 1993 1994: 289 complaints 1994 1995: 576 complaints 1995 1996: 205 complaints 1996 1997: 543 complaints 1997 1998: 375 complaints 1998 1999: 325 complaints 1999 2000: 98 complaints 2000 2001: 68 complaints 2001 2002: 33 complaints 2002 2003: 10 complaints 2003

1982: 4 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19811
19824
19837
198421
198526
198646
198759
1988148
1989152
1990104
1991335
1992166
1993383
1994289
1995576
1996205
1997543
1998375
1999325
200098
200168
200233
200310

Known problem areas

Only 4 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

Electrical system

3 of 4 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing switch and front underhood.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

Ignition switch fire.

NHTSA ODI report, 1996-09-23

Underhood fire while parked in parking lot; vehicle totaled; cause unkown.

NHTSA ODI report, 1996-05-13

Steering

2 of 4 total reports mention: steering, most commonly citing gear box (other than rack and pinion) and steering wheel/handle bar.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

Vehicle parked and suddenly burst into flames.

NHTSA ODI report, 1996-04-24

Safety timeline

5 recalls · 5 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. R
    1982-05-26Equipment82V045000 On the involved vehicles, a thermal limiter in the blower motor resistor circuit of the air conditioner/heater assembly may not function as intended. If the blower motor becomes jammed when the…

    Remedy: Dealer will replace the resistor assembly with an improved version without charge to owner.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. I
    1982-11-09Defect petitionClosed 1983-03-10 Fumes and dust in passenger compartment
  3. I
    1983-03-23Engineering analysisClosed 1989-01-26 Front seatback failure
  4. R
    1983-04-08Seat belts83V013000 The portion of the roof above frame (Rail) to which the shoulder belt is anchored may have a slot that can compromise the strength of the shoulder belt anchor under certain severe loads. (The…

    Remedy: The dealer will inspect and, if necessary, reinforce the roof rail inner panel surrounding the drainage hole at no cost to owner.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  5. R
    1983-07-18Latches/locks/linkages83V063000 Door lock pillars could develop fatigue cracks from normal usage of door, at the point where door latch striker reinforcements are attached.

    Remedy: Any damaged lock pillars will be repaired and reinforcements will be installed between the door latch striker and lock pillars.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  6. I
    1984-01-16Defect petitionClosed 1984-07-17 Timing chain failure
  7. I
    1984-05-30Defect petitionClosed 1984-09-10 Stalling and carburetor malfunctions
  8. R
    1984-08-14Seats84V071000 Seat frame structure could sever front seat belts if vehicle is involved in an accident, depending on force of impact.

    Remedy: Dealer will install a molded spacer between reinforcement plates and lower decorative plastic cover.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  9. I
    1985-01-29Defect petitionClosed 1985-02-27 Failure of seat back securing bolts
  10. R
    Date not on fileSeat belts85V067000 Rear seat belt retractors may allow twisted webbing to enter the retractor housing and jam the retractor.

    Remedy: A clip will be inserted into the retractor housing webbing to prevent jamming.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1982 Ford Escort — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Electrical system: 3 reports on file for this year.
  • Steering: 2 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 85V067000 · Seat belts
  • Recall 82V045000 · Equipment
  • Recall 83V013000 · Seat belts
  • Recall 83V063000 · Latches/locks/linkages
  • Recall 84V071000 · Seats
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 1982 Ford Escort reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 1982 Ford Escort?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 75% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1982 Ford Escort have?
5 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.