MYRModel Year Report

1996 Ford Escort

◆ Worse than typical
1996 Ford Escort
BUILT 2026-10-10

This year had 30% to 100% more 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
205
Recalls
1

Campaigns on file for 1996

Investigations
0

None on file

Top problem
Seat belts

38% of complaints

Complaints per year

1981: 1 complaint 1981 1982: 4 complaints 1983: 7 complaints 1984: 21 complaints 1984 1985: 26 complaints 1986: 46 complaints 1987: 59 complaints 1987 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 205 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 1985 1986: 46 complaints 1987: 59 complaints 1987 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 1996: 205 complaints 1996 205 1997: 543 complaints 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 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 205 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

1996: 205 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.

Seat belts

38% · 78 reports

Most commonly citing retractor and anchorage.

CRASHFIREINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

The vehicle was involved in an accident, the air bags failed to deploy and the seat belt did not restrain the consumer as designed, the consumer was injured.

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-04-08

Also filed under Air bags

The driver side motorized seat belt has ceased functioning and is now stuck midway along the top part of the seat belt track. This being the case the seat belt will not protect the driver in the event of a sudden stop.

NHTSA ODI report, 2015-01-23

I am adding another complaint to the vast list of previous complaints regarding my 1996 Ford Escort and the failure of my passive restraint shoulder belt. It has been giving me problems for probably the last 8-10 years.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-05-26

Engine and engine cooling

16% · 33 reports

Most commonly citing gasoline and engine.

Power train

10% · 20 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission and manual transmission.

CRASHINJURY

Air bags

9% · 19 reports

Most commonly citing frontal.

CRASHINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Driver's side airbag did not come out of middle of steering wheel as intended, instead came out more to right, occupant received injuries.

NHTSA ODI report, 1996-12-02

While driving on highway, hit a puddle and vehicle started hydroplaning, hit a double beam highway sign head-on and the air bags did not deploy.

NHTSA ODI report, 1996-10-01

Dark road, driver hit wooden barracade and air bag deployed, resulting in burn injuries to the occupant.

NHTSA ODI report, 1996-06-10

Electrical system

7% · 14 reports

Most commonly citing wiring and switch.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

Spontaneous vehicle combustion: y 1996 Ford Escort was stuck 3 hrs. In traffic jam on major nassau county, ny route in middle of snow storm. Fire started from engine compartment, spreading to dashboard. Had fire dept.

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-12-09

Safety timeline

1 recall · 0 investigations · oldest first

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

  1. ▮
    1996Complaint volume 205 complaints filed for this model year.
  2. R
    2006-04-03Exterior lighting06E026000 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…

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1996 Ford Escort — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Seat belts: 78 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine and engine cooling: 33 reports on file for this year.
  • Power train: 20 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 06E026000 · Exterior lighting
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 1996 Ford Escort reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1996 Ford Escort is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1996 Ford Escort?
The most-reported component is seat belts, accounting for 38% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1996 Ford Escort have?
1 recall on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.