1984 Ford Escort
Only 21 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 21 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1981 | 1 |
| 1982 | 4 |
| 1983 | 7 |
| 1984 | 21 |
| 1985 | 26 |
| 1986 | 45 |
| 1987 | 56 |
| 1988 | 143 |
| 1989 | 152 |
| 1990 | 101 |
| 1991 | 327 |
| 1992 | 162 |
| 1993 | 379 |
| 1994 | 279 |
| 1995 | 576 |
| 1996 | 205 |
| 1997 | 543 |
| 1998 | 375 |
| 1999 | 325 |
| 2000 | 98 |
| 2001 | 68 |
| 2002 | 33 |
| 2003 | 10 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 21 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
7 of 21 total reports mention: electrical system.
FIRE4 of 21 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling.
2 of 21 total reports mention: seat belts.
2 of 21 total reports mention: electrical system.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
CONSUMER WAS DRIVING CAR AN IT DIED AND CAUGHT ON FIRE . PLEASE DESCRIBE . *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19960418
CONSUMER WAS DRIVING CAR AN IT DIED AND CAUGHT ON FIRE . PLEASE DESCRIBE . *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19960418
1 of 21 total reports mentions: service brakes, hydraulic.
Show complaint excerpts
VACUUM PUMP (BRAKES) HOUSING IS BROKEN AND PUMP DOES NOT WORK. CONTACTED FORD IN SEPT 2001 BUT HAVE HAD NO SUCCESS IN THEM HELPING TO LOCATE THIS PART. NO SALVAGE YARD OR AUTO PARTS STORE HAS IT.
NHTSA ODI report, 20030114
SAFETY TIMELINE
THE BOLTS THAT ATTACH THE D-SHAPED RING FOR THE SHOULDER BELT ARE INADEQUATELY SUPPORTED BY THE MATERIAL IN WHICH THEY ARE MOUNTED. THE ATTACHMENT DOES NOT COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTO
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL NEW ATTACHING HARDWARE TO IMPROVE THE STRENGTH OF THE MOUNTING.
Campaign 83V134000 — check if this car was fixed
THE BRAKE LINE MAY BE POSITIONED TOO CLOSE TO AN ENGINE BRACKET. NORMAL ENGINE MOVEMENTS MAY CAUSE THE BRACKET TO RUB AGAINST THE BRAKE LINE.
Remedy: THE BRAKE LINE WILL BE INSPECTED AND REROUTED IF NECESSARY.
Campaign 84V123000 — check if this car was fixed
SEATBACK FAILURE
STALLING
FIRES
STALLING
REAR SEAT BELT COMPLIANCE
REAR SAFETY BELT FIT
EXTERNAL CRACKS ABOVE THE NUMBER 3 CYLINDER (1984 MODELS) OR ROCKER ARM COVER GASKETS SPLITTING (1985 MODELS) COULD ALLOW OIL TO LEAK ONTO THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD.
Remedy: REPLACE CRACKED CYLINDER HEADS (1984 MODELS); REPLACE ROCKER ARM COVER GASKETS (1985 MODELS).
Campaign 89V095000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1984 Ford Escort — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (7 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for seat belts issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 83V134000 (seat belts) has been completed.
- Verify recall 84V123000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 89V095000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1984 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 1984 Ford Escort?
The most-reported component is electrical system:ignition:switch, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1984 Ford Escort have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.