MYRModel Year Report

1986 Ford Escort

▲ Better than typical
1986 Ford Escort
RENDERED 2026-09-16T23:49:17.016Z

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: 46 complaints 1986 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 2003
1986: 46 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

Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 41%

41% of complaints: electrical system — 19 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing switch and ignition.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

WIRING HARNESS FAILED, CAUSING FIRE. *SKD

NHTSA ODI report, 19950721

SEVERAL TIMES OVER THE LAST FEW MONTHS WHILE DRIVING WITH THE ENGINE TEMPERATURE IN THE NORMAL RANGE ON THE FREEWAY TRAVELING AT BETWEEN 70-75 MPH THE ENGINE STALLS AND WILL NOT RESTART.

NHTSA ODI report, 20030430

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 20%

20% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 9 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing gasoline and engine.

FIRE DEATH
Show complaint excerpts

I AM WRITING YOU TODAY ABOUT A SITUATION THAT OCCURRED JULY 3RD 1986 IN MORTON GROVE ILLINOIS AT 11:52P.M. I AM THE MOTHER OF A 2 YEAR OLD THAT WAS BURNED TO DEATH IN A 1986 FORD ESCORT THAT WAS NOT ON IN THE PARKING LOT OF A GROCERY STORE.

NHTSA ODI report, 20080804

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 13%

13% of complaints: structure — 6 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing frame and members and hood.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 4%

4% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 2 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing accelerator pedal.

CRASH INJURY
EXTERIOR LIGHTING 4%

4% of complaints: exterior lighting — 2 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing turn signal and headlights.

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 (19 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (9 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for structure issues (6 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 ■ 1993

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, accounting for 41% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1986 Ford Escort have?

2 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.