1987 Ford Escort
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1981 | 1 |
| 1982 | 4 |
| 1983 | 7 |
| 1984 | 21 |
| 1985 | 26 |
| 1986 | 46 |
| 1987 | 59 |
| 1988 | 148 |
| 1989 | 152 |
| 1990 | 104 |
| 1991 | 335 |
| 1992 | 166 |
| 1993 | 383 |
| 1994 | 289 |
| 1995 | 576 |
| 1996 | 205 |
| 1997 | 543 |
| 1998 | 375 |
| 1999 | 325 |
| 2000 | 98 |
| 2001 | 68 |
| 2002 | 33 |
| 2003 | 10 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
51% of complaints: electrical system — 30 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing switch and ignition.
FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
NAR 3-10-03 IN REFERENCE TO A PREVIOUS CLAIM, REQUESTING ASSISTANCE FROM NHTSA. HOWEVER, ACTION MADE WASN'T SATISFACTORY SO NOW THE CONSUMER IS THERE SEEKING LEGAL ASSISTANCE TO EXPEDITE HIS CLAIM. *CB *JB
NHTSA ODI report, 20040607
ELECTRICAL FIRE. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19941004
24% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 14 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing gasoline and engine.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
AFTER PARKING OWNER NOTICED INSIDE DOME LIGHT FAILED TO GO OUT. RETURNED, OPENED HOOD, NOTICED ENGINE MELTED DUE TO A FIRE. INSURANCE CO., REPLACED ENGINE. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19960418
CAR WAS IN PARK AND CAUGHT ON FIRE. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19960418
ENGINE FAILED DUE TO CRACKED PISTON, RESULTING IN VEHICLE STALLING. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19941214
5% of complaints: seat belts — 3 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing anchorage.
INJURY5% of complaints: suspension — 3 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing shock absorber and lower arm.
5% of complaints: steering — 3 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing tie rod assembly and linkages.
SAFETY TIMELINE
LUG NUTS COULD GALL AND POSSIBLY SEIZE ON THE WHEEL STUDS WITHOUT PROVIDING ADEQUATE CLAMPING LOAD ON THE WHEELS.
Remedy: REPLACE WHEEL LUG NUTS AND IF NECESSARY, REPLACE WHEELS AND WHEEL STUDS.
Campaign 87V060000 — check if this car was fixed
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
REAR SEAT BELT COMPLIANCE
HEADLAMP SWITCH FAILURE
REAR SAFETY BELT FIT
PASSIVE BELT FAILURE
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
FAILED PASSIVE RESTRAINT
SAFETY BELT D-RING
FUEL PUMP FAILURE
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1987 Ford Escort — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (30 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (14 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for seat belts issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 87V060000 (wheels) has been completed.
- Verify recall 87V139000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 89V170000 (seats) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1987 Ford Escort reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1987 Ford Escort is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1987 Ford Escort?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 51% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1987 Ford Escort have?
3 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.