MYRModel Year Report

1984 Ford Escort

○ Not enough data
1984 Ford Escort
RENDERED 2026-11-01T17:04:09.231Z

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.

How is this computed?

Complaints
21

Too few to rank

Recalls
3

Campaigns on file for 1984

Investigations
6

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
—

Not enough data

Complaints per year

1981: 1 complaint 1981 1982: 4 complaints 1983: 7 complaints 1984: 21 complaints 1984 21 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 1981 1982: 4 complaints 1983: 7 complaints 1984: 21 complaints 1984 21 1985: 26 complaints 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 1983: 7 complaints 1983 1984: 21 complaints 1984 21 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

1984: 21 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 21 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

Electrical system

11 of 21 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing switch and ignition.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

Consumer was driving car an it died and caught on fire . Please describe .

NHTSA ODI report, 1996-04-18

Engine and engine cooling

5 of 21 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing engine and gasoline.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

Vehicle fire, 2ND vehicle from 489423.

NHTSA ODI report, 1995-07-06

Seat belts

4 of 21 total reports mention: seat belts, most commonly citing buckle assembly and retractor.

Show complaint excerpts

The seat belt broke, there was a recall regarding the issue, however consumer was never informed.

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-02-28

Service brakes

1 of 21 total reports mentions: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.

Fuel system, gasoline

1 of 21 total reports mentions: fuel system, gasoline, most commonly citing injectors.

Show complaint excerpts

When the gas pedal was pressed there was a delay in acceleration. The consumer had to slam on the gas pedal to get the vehicle to move. The vehicle would lunge forward unexpectedly.

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-04-17

Safety timeline

3 recalls · 6 investigations · oldest first

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

  1. R
    1983-12-22Seat belts83V134000 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…

    Remedy: Dealers will install new attaching hardware to improve the strength of the mounting.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. R
    1984-11-26Service brakes, hydraulic84V123000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  3. I
    1986-03-26Engineering analysisClosed 1989-07-28 Seatback failure
  4. I
    1986-07-24Defect petitionClosed 1986-08-07 Stalling
  5. I
    1986-12-01Engineering analysisClosed 1989-10-31 Fires
  6. I
    1987-05-01Preliminary evaluationClosed 1988-01-21 Stalling
  7. I
    1988-01-11Defect petitionClosed 1988-08-24 Rear seat belt compliance
  8. I
    1988-08-29Engineering analysisClosed 1990-05-11 Rear safety belt fit
  9. R
    1989-07-19Engine and engine cooling89V095000 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).

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1984 Ford Escort — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Electrical system: 11 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine and engine cooling: 5 reports on file for this year.
  • Seat belts: 4 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 83V134000 · Seat belts
  • Recall 84V123000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
  • Recall 89V095000 · Engine and engine cooling
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 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, accounting for 52% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1984 Ford Escort have?
3 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.