MYRModel Year Report

1988 Ford Escort

● Typical for this model
1988 Ford Escort
RENDERED 2026-09-17T04:32:57.676Z

This year's complaint volume is within 30% of 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, 1988 highlighted. 1981: 1 complaints 1981 1982: 4 complaints 1983: 7 complaints 1984: 21 complaints 1984 1985: 26 complaints 1986: 46 complaints 1987: 59 complaints 1987 1988: 148 complaints 1988 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
1988: 148 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 55%

55% of complaints: electrical system — 82 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing switch and interior/under dash.

FIRE INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

ALTERNATOR STARTED ENGINE FIRE. TT

NHTSA ODI report, 19950301

ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE OCCURRED AFTER BEING PARKED FOR 20 MINUTES. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. TT

NHTSA ODI report, 19950109

I BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE FROM MY UNCLE WHEN IT WAS 3 YEARS OLD WITH 40,000 MILES ON IT. IT BEGAN STALLING A YEAR OR SO AFTER I BOUGHT IT. I HAD IT IN TO BOTH A FORD AND INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP WITH A VARIETY OF REASONS GIVEN FOR IT STALLING.

NHTSA ODI report, 20030501

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 18%

18% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 27 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing gasoline and engine.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

ENGINE FIRE. (OHIO STATE POLICE REPORT) *SKD

NHTSA ODI report, 19941120

CAR HAS BEEN STALLING REGARDLESS OF SPEED. TOOK TO MECHANIC TO DETERMINE PROBLEM. MECHANIC HAS (SO FAR) IDENTIFIED BAD HEAD GASKET. I AM SECOND OWNER OF THIS VEHICLE AND IT HAS ONLY 67,000 MILES ON IT.

NHTSA ODI report, 20031003

SEAT BELTS 11%

11% of complaints: seat belts — 17 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing buckle assembly and retractor.

CRASH INJURY
EXTERIOR LIGHTING 10%

10% of complaints: exterior lighting — 15 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing switch and headlights.

FIRE
STEERING 8%

8% of complaints: steering — 12 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing rack and pinion and tie rod assembly.

SAFETY TIMELINE

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

I 19890718 — PE (closed 19891227)

PASSIVE BELT FAILURE

I 19891227 — EA (closed 19911231)

FAILED PASSIVE RESTRAINT

I 19900321 — PE (closed 19900731)

SAFETY BELT D-RING

R 19960607 — electrical system

THE IGNITION SWITCH COULD EXPERIENCE AN INTERNAL SHORT CIRCUIT.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH.

Campaign 96V071000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1988 Ford Escort — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (82 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (27 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for seat belts issues (17 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 87V139000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 96V071000 (electrical system) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2002 ▲ 1986 ▲ 1987

WORST YEARS

■ 1995 ■ 1997 ■ 1993

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 1988 Ford Escort reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1988 Ford Escort is rated "typical".

What are the most common problems with the 1988 Ford Escort?

The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 55% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1988 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.