MYRModel Year Report

1986 Ford Escort

▲ Better than typical
1986 Ford Escort
RENDERED 2026-11-01T15:52:22.677Z

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
46
Recalls
2

Campaigns on file for 1986

Investigations
7

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Electrical system

41% of complaints

Complaints per year

1981: 1 complaint 1981 1982: 4 complaints 1983: 7 complaints 1984: 21 complaints 1985: 26 complaints 1986: 46 complaints 1986 46 1987: 59 complaints 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 1983 1984: 21 complaints 1985: 26 complaints 1986: 46 complaints 1986 46 1987: 59 complaints 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 1985: 26 complaints 1985 1986: 46 complaints 1986 46 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

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% · 19 reports

Most commonly citing switch and ignition.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

Wiring harness failed, causing fire.

NHTSA ODI report, 1995-07-21

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, 2003-04-30

Engine and engine cooling

20% · 9 reports

Most commonly citing gasoline and engine.

FIREDEATH
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, 2008-08-04

Consumer was driving engine started it smoked and car caught on fire car was totaled . Tt

NHTSA ODI report, 1996-02-13

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, 1996-02-08

Structure

13% · 6 reports

Most commonly citing frame and members and hood.

Vehicle speed control

4% · 2 reports

Most commonly citing accelerator pedal.

CRASHINJURY

Exterior lighting

4% · 2 reports

Most commonly citing turn signal and headlights.

Safety timeline

2 recalls · 7 investigations · oldest first

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

  1. I
    1986-03-26Engineering analysisClosed 1989-07-28 Seatback failure
  2. I
    1986-12-01Engineering analysisClosed 1989-10-31 Fires
  3. I
    1987-04-28Preliminary evaluationClosed 1987-09-24 Seat track failure
  4. I
    1987-05-01Preliminary evaluationClosed 1988-01-21 Stalling
  5. I
    1987-09-24Engineering analysisClosed 1989-11-16 Seat tracks
  6. R
    1987-10-12Fuel system, gasoline87V139000 Spring lock fuel line coupling may not be properly engaged.

    Remedy: Install retainer clips over the couplings to prevent coupling separation and fuel leakage.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  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
    1989-11-13Seats89V170000 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

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1986 Ford Escort — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Electrical system: 19 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine and engine cooling: 9 reports on file for this year.
  • Structure: 6 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 87V139000 · Fuel system, gasoline
  • Recall 89V170000 · Seats
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

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