1993 Ford Escort
This year had more than double the complaints 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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1981 | 1 |
| 1982 | 4 |
| 1983 | 7 |
| 1984 | 21 |
| 1985 | 26 |
| 1986 | 45 |
| 1987 | 56 |
| 1988 | 143 |
| 1989 | 152 |
| 1990 | 101 |
| 1991 | 327 |
| 1992 | 162 |
| 1993 | 379 |
| 1994 | 279 |
| 1995 | 576 |
| 1996 | 205 |
| 1997 | 543 |
| 1998 | 375 |
| 1999 | 325 |
| 2000 | 98 |
| 2001 | 68 |
| 2002 | 33 |
| 2003 | 10 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
14% of complaints: seat belts — 54 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURY DEATH11% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 42 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURY7% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 27 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 FORD ESCORT. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE CONTACT SMELLED A STRONG ODOR OF FUEL INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, EXCESSIVE FUEL WAS LEAKING FROM THE FUEL TANK.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120706
5% of complaints: seat belts — 18 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURY DEATHShow complaint excerpts
MY SON WAS KILLED IN AN AUTO ACCIDENT. HE WAS THE DRIVER. THE SHOULDER HARNESS BROKE LOOSE FROM THE DOOR FRAME. HIS CAR WAS A 1993 FORD ESCORT WITH AUTOMATIC SHOULDER HARNESS.
NHTSA ODI report, 20030111
4% of complaints: power train — 16 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
FUEL PUMP WIRING SHORTAGE
THE LOCK PLATE OF THE DRIVER SIDE INBOARD SEAT TRACK ADJUSTERS WERE MANUFACTURED WITH AN UNAUTHORIZED MODIFICATION TO THE FABRICATION PROCESS WHICH CAUSES THE SEAT NOT TO FULLY ENGAGE IN CERTAIN SEATI
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE DRIVER SIDE INBOARD SEAT TRACK.
Campaign 94V055000 — check if this car was fixed
THE OFFSET TOE ADJUSTING PIN CAN FRACTURE UNDER CONDITIONS SUCH AS TORSIONAL LOADS, FLEXING MOTION, IMPACT LOADS, AND OVERTORQUING.
Remedy: DANA WILL PAY FOR REPLACEMENT AND LABOR COSTS OF THE ADJUSTMENT PIN WITHOUT CHARGE TO THE INSTALLING FACILITY AND THE VEHICLE OWNER. THESE PINS SHOULD BE REPLACED BY A FORD ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT PIN ASSE
Campaign 94E019000 — check if this car was fixed
CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER S
Remedy: PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.
Campaign 06E026000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1993 Ford Escort — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for seat belts issues (54 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (42 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (27 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 94V055000 (seats) has been completed.
- Verify recall 94E019000 (suspension) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06E026000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1993 Ford Escort reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1993 Ford Escort is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 1993 Ford Escort?
The most-reported component is seat belts, accounting for 14% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1993 Ford Escort have?
3 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.