MYRModel Year Report

1988 Ford Escort

● Typical for this model
1988 Ford Escort
RENDERED 2026-08-02T12:39:25.565Z

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: 45 complaints 1987: 56 complaints 1987 1988: 143 complaints 1988 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
1988: 143 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 23%

23% of complaints: electrical system — 33 distinct reports on file.

FIRE
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 9%

9% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 13 distinct reports on file.

FIRE
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 6%

6% of complaints: electrical system — 9 distinct reports on file.

FIRE INJURY
SEAT BELTS 6%

6% of complaints: seat belts — 8 distinct reports on file.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 6%

6% of complaints: electrical system — 8 distinct reports on file.

FIRE INJURY

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 (33 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (13 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (9 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 ■ 1998

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:ignition:switch, accounting for 23% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1988 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.