2001 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.
19% of complaints: power train — 13 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission and manual transmission.
19% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 13 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing engine and belts and associated pulleys.
15% of complaints: air bags — 10 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing frontal and sensor/control module.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION, AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY.*JB
NHTSA ODI report, 20030311
I HIT A GUARDRAIL GOING 55 MPH AND THEN PROCEEDED TO BE THROWN DOWN A HILL INTO A FIELD AND MY AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. I WAS CURIOUS AS TO WHY THIS HAPPENED--THANKS. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20020823
CONSUMER STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT WHEN ANOTHER VEHICLE REARENDED CONSUMER'S VEHICLE AND PUSHED HER INTO VEHICLE IN FRONT. NEITHER AIRBAG DEPLOYED. CONSUMER HIT HER HEAD ON STEERING WHEEL.
NHTSA ODI report, 20010817
15% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 10 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing accelerator pedal and cruise control.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
SUDDEN ACCELERATION: CAR JUMPED FORWARD OVER THE KERB AND HIT ANOTHER CAR WHEN BRAKE WAS BEING RELEASED DURING PARKING.*AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20020911
WHILE AT A STOP SIGN PROCEEDED TO GO AND VEHICLE HESITATED. THEN, WHEN PRESSING GAS PEDAL, VEHICLE ACCELERATED VERY SLOWLY, AND WAS REAR ENDED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. CURRENTLY, VEHICLE AT DEALER'S BEING SERVICED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20010802
13% of complaints: suspension — 9 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing coil springs and front.
SAFETY TIMELINE
CERTAIN TRW DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELTS MANUFACTURED ON DECEMBER 6 AND 9, 2002, FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR 1997 FORD ESCORT 4-DOOR AND STATION WAGON PLATFORM VEHICLES, FORD'S P/N F7CZ54611B09A
Remedy: TRW WILL NOTIFY THE CUSTOMERS WHO PURCHASED THE REPLACEMENT SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 27, 2004.
Campaign 04E048000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2001 Ford Escort — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for power train issues (13 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (13 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (10 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 04E048000 (seat belts) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2001 Ford Escort reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2001 Ford Escort is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2001 Ford Escort?
The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 19% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2001 Ford Escort have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.