MYRModel Year Report

1986 Ford Escort

▲ Better than typical
1986 Ford Escort
RENDERED 2026-08-02T10:04:17.842Z

This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.

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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Ford Escort Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1986 highlighted. 1981: 1 complaints 1981 1982: 4 complaints 1983: 7 complaints 1984: 21 complaints 1984 1985: 26 complaints 1986: 45 complaints 1986 1987: 56 complaints 1987 1988: 143 complaints 1989: 152 complaints 1990: 101 complaints 1990 1991: 327 complaints 1992: 162 complaints 1993: 379 complaints 1993 1994: 279 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 2003
1986: 45 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19811
19824
19837
198421
198526
198645
198756
1988143
1989152
1990101
1991327
1992162
1993379
1994279
1995576
1996205
1997543
1998375
1999325
200098
200168
200233
200310

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 20%

20% of complaints: electrical system — 9 distinct reports on file.

FIRE
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 11%

11% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 5 distinct reports on file.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

CONSUMER WAS DRIVING ENGINE STARTED IT SMOKED AND CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE CAR WAS TOTALED . TT

NHTSA ODI report, 19960213

WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 10 MPH SAW SMOKE IN VEHICLE GOT OUT TO TAKE A LOOK AND ENGINE WAS ON FIRE. CAR WAS TOTALLED. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETIALS. TT

NHTSA ODI report, 19960208

STRUCTURE 9%

9% of complaints: structure — 4 distinct reports on file.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 9%

9% of complaints: electrical system — 4 distinct reports on file.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 4%

4% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 2 distinct reports on file.

FIRE

SAFETY TIMELINE

I 19860326 — EA (closed 19890728)

SEATBACK FAILURE

I 19861201 — EA (closed 19891031)

FIRES

I 19870428 — PE (closed 19870924)

SEAT TRACK FAILURE

I 19870501 — PE (closed 19880121)

STALLING

I 19870924 — EA (closed 19891116)

SEAT TRACKS

R 19871012 — fuel system, gasoline

SPRING LOCK FUEL LINE COUPLING MAY NOT BE PROPERLY ENGAGED.

Remedy: INSTALL RETAINER CLIPS OVER THE COUPLINGS TO PREVENT COUPLING SEPARATION AND FUEL LEAKAGE.

Campaign 87V139000 — check if this car was fixed

I 19880111 — DP (closed 19880824)

REAR SEAT BELT COMPLIANCE

I 19880829 — EA (closed 19900511)

REAR SAFETY BELT FIT

R 19891113 — seats

THE FORWARD OUTBOARD PEDESTAL OF THE SEAT TRACK OF DRIVER'S SEAT MAY BE SUSCEPTIBLE TO FATIGUE FRACTURE.

Remedy: INSTALL A REINFORCEMENT ON ALL MODELS AND A NEW SEAT TRACK AS NECESSARY

Campaign 89V170000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1986 Ford Escort — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (9 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (5 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for structure issues (4 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 87V139000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 89V170000 (seats) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2002 ▲ 1987 ▲ 2001

WORST YEARS

■ 1995 ■ 1997 ■ 1998

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 1986 Ford Escort reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1986 Ford Escort is rated "better than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 1986 Ford Escort?

The most-reported component is electrical system:ignition:switch, accounting for 20% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1986 Ford Escort have?

2 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.