1981 Ford Escort problems
The North American version of the Ford Escort is a range of cars that was sold by Ford from the 1981 to 2003 model years. The direct successor of the Ford Pinto, the Escort also largely overtook the role of the European-imported Ford Fiesta as the smallest vehicle in the Ford model line in North America. Produced across three generations, the first generation was a subcompact; the latter two generations were compact cars. Becoming highly successful in the marketplace, the Escort became the best-selling car in the United States after 1982, a position it would hold for much of the 1980s.
Produced across three generations, the Escort was the first world car developed by Ford, with the first-generation American Escort designed alongside Ford of Europe, who transitioned the Escort Mk III to front-wheel drive. During its production, the Escort also underwent a wide use of platform sharing and rebranding. The first generation served as the basis of the longer-wheelbase Ford Tempo/Mercury Topaz, the two-seat Ford EXP/Mercury LN7 and was rebranded as the Mercury Lynx. The second generation was introduced for 1991, growing into the compact segment. Moving away from a shared design with Ford of Europe, the Escort now shared a platform with the Mazda 323 and sharing a body with the Ford Laser (a model line sold in Asia and Oceania); the Mercury Lynx was replaced by the Mercury Tracer. For 1997, the third generation served as an extensive redesign of the previous-generation sedan; the Escort ZX2 two-door was introduced, with the Mercury Tracer adopting a similar redesign.
Ford introduced the Ford Focus in North America for 2000 as its third "world car", phasing it in as the successor of the Escort. After 2000, the four-door Escort was moved primarily to fleet sales (with the coupe remaining available); production ended entirely after the 2002 model year. In contrast to the first-generation American Escort and Escort Mk III of Ford of Europe (and the Mondeo/Contour and Mercury Mystique), the Focus adopted a much larger degree of commonality between its European and North American variants, in effect, becoming the original world car Ford had originally envisioned with the Escort.
During its entire production, the Escort was produced by Wayne Stamping & Assembly in (Wayne, Michigan) and the first generation was also produced by Edison Assembly in (Edison, New Jersey), San Jose Assembly Plant in (Milpitas, California), and Oakville Assembly in (Oakville, Ontario, Canada) while the second and third generations were also produced by Hermosillo Stamping and Assembly in (Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico).
Social links
Common 1981 Ford Escort problems
Based on the complaints from owners of the 1981 Ford Escort, several common problems were reported:
- Rust Issues:
- Rust was a prevalent problem, particularly in the doors and sills of the 1981 Ford Escort. Owners noticed rust damage that required careful inspection and potential repairs to prevent further deterioration of the body panels.
- Electrical Problems:
- Electrical issues, including problems with the alternator, starter motor, and battery, were common complaints among owners. These issues could lead to difficulties starting the car or maintaining a consistent power supply, affecting the overall functionality of the vehicle.
- Engine Performance:
- Some owners reported engine-related problems such as stalling, hesitation during acceleration, rough idling, and misfiring. These issues could be attributed to various factors like clogged fuel filters, faulty spark plugs, or malfunctioning fuel injectors, impacting the engine's efficiency and performance.
- Cooling System Concerns:
- Cooling system problems, including issues with the radiator and water pump, were also common with the 1981 Ford Escort. Owners were advised to monitor these components closely and consider replacements to prevent engine damage due to overheating.
- Suspension Issues:
- Suspension problems, such as issues with shock absorbers and springs, were reported by some owners. These problems could lead to a rough ride, noise from the suspension components, and affect the handling of the vehicle. Owners were recommended to inspect and potentially replace these components for improved ride quality.
These common problems with the 1981 Ford Escort highlighted various areas of concern for owners, ranging from mechanical issues like transmission and engine problems to structural issues like rust and electrical system malfunctions. Regular maintenance and timely repairs were crucial to addressing these issues and ensuring the longevity and performance of the vehicle.
How much was a Ford Escort in the 80s?
Coupe
| 1980 Ford Escort | Specs | Price |
|---|---|---|
| L | Specs: 1.6L, Leaded Petrol, 3 SPEED AUTOMATIC | Price: $1,540 - $3,300 |
| GL | Specs: 1.6L, Leaded Petrol, 4 SPEED MANUAL | Price: $1,760 - $3,630 |
| L | Specs: 1.6L, Leaded Petrol, 4 SPEED MANUAL | Price: $1,540 - $3,300 |
| RS 2000 | Specs: 2.0L, Leaded Petrol, 4 SPEED MANUAL | Price: $3,690 - $5,280 |
What engine did the Ford Escort have?
Powertrain details
| Engine configuration | Engine family | Output |
|---|---|---|
| 97 cu in (1.6 L) I4 | Ford CVH engine | 65–70 hp (48–52 kW) |
| 80 hp (60 kW) | ||
| 88 hp (66 kW) | ||
| 97 cu in (1.6 L) turbocharged I4 | Ford CVH engine | 120 hp (89 kW) |
Why was the Ford Escort discontinued?
As the years went on, the Escort became less popular, less prized, and more dated to the point where the vehicle subtly faded out from the public eye, as opposed to going out with a bang and attracting attention. The Ford Focus was launched in 2000 while the Escort was still being produced.
How fast is a Ford Escort at top speed?
The car's top speed was 150 mph (240 km/h), rivalling cars like the Audi Coupé S2, BMW M3, Nissan 300ZX, Toyota Supra and Porsche 968 and comfortably outperforming traditional "hot hatchbacks" like the Volkswagen Golf GTI.
Was Ford Escort a good car?
The Escort has been Ford's bread-and-butter car for over 15 years. Think of it as the car that brings consumers into the Ford family. The Escort's low price, decent reliability and above-average crash test scores have consistently offered recent college grads and young families an attractive set of American wheels.
How long did the Ford Escort last?
Ford Escort (Europe)
| Ford Escort | |
|---|---|
| Production | January 1968–July 2002 |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Small family car (C) |
| Layout | Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive (1967–1981, 1987) Front-engine, front-wheel-drive (1980–2004) Front-engine, four-wheel-drive (1990–2004) |
How much was a Ford Escort in the 80s?
Coupe
| 1980 Ford Escort | Specs | Price |
|---|---|---|
| L | Specs: 1.6L, Leaded Petrol, 3 SPEED AUTOMATIC | Price: $1,540 - $3,300 |
| GL | Specs: 1.6L, Leaded Petrol, 4 SPEED MANUAL | Price: $1,760 - $3,630 |
| L | Specs: 1.6L, Leaded Petrol, 4 SPEED MANUAL | Price: $1,540 - $3,300 |
| RS 2000 | Specs: 2.0L, Leaded Petrol, 4 SPEED MANUAL | Price: $3,690 - $5,280 |
What is the mileage of Ford Escort car?
Ford Escort Mileage
The Escort mileage is 13.6 kmpl. The Manual Petrol variant has a mileage of 13.6 kmpl. The Manual Diesel variant has a mileage of 13.6 kmpl.
1981 Ford Escort car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Ford Escort problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Seats problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1981 Ford Escort vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1981 Ford Escort complaints
The NHTSA has received 2 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1981 Ford Escort.
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1FABP0524BW
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: SEAT FRAME AND SLIDE RAIL SUPPORTS FAILED.
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1FABP0524BW
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: THE SPRING THAT SUPPORT THE SEAT CUSHIONS WERE CUTTING THROUGH THE MATERIAL AROUND THEIR ATTACHMENT HOLES.
1981 Ford Escort recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 10 recalls for different components of the 1981 Ford Escort.
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: SCREW THAT CONNECTS THE SEAT BACK FRAME TO THE RECLINER MECHANISM MAY BREAK.
- Remedy: THE ATTACHMENT SCREW ON THE DRIVER"S SEAT WILL BE REPLACED BY ONE OF A LARGER DIAMETER.
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: SEAT FRAME STRUCTURE COULD SEVER FRONT SEAT BELTS IF VEHICLE IS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT, DEPENDING ON FORCE OF IMPACT.
- Remedy: DEALER WILL INSTALL A MOLDED SPACER BETWEEN REINFORCEMENT PLATES AND LOWER DECORATIVE PLASTIC COVER.
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
- Summary: DOOR LOCK PILLARS COULD DEVELOP FATIGUE CRACKS FROM NORMAL USAGE OF DOOR, AT THE POINT WHERE DOOR LATCH STRIKER REINFORCEMENTS ARE ATTACHED.
- Remedy: ANY DAMAGED LOCK PILLARS WILL BE REPAIRED AND REINFORCEMENTS WILL BE INSTALLED BETWEEN THE DOOR LATCH STRIKER AND LOCK PILLARS.
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: THE PORTION OF THE ROOF ABOVE FRAME (RAIL) TO WHICH THE SHOULDER BELT IS ANCHORED MAY HAVE A SLOT THAT CAN COMPROMISE THE STRENGTH OF THE SHOULDER BELT ANCHOR UNDER CERTAIN SEVERE LOADS. (THE SUSPECT AREA IS NOT VISIBLE.) CONSEQUENTLY, SOME VEHICLES INCLUDED IN THIS RECALL MAY NOT MEET THE 3000 POUND ANCHORAGE STRENGTH REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD 210, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY ANCHORAGES".
- Remedy: THE DEALER WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REINFORCE THE ROOF RAIL INNER PANEL SURROUNDING THE DRAINAGE HOLE AT NO COST TO OWNER.
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP
- Summary: SOME OF THE INVOLVED VEHICLES HAVE AN ELECTRICALLY UNGROUNDED FUEL INLET. THESE VEHICLES ARE SUBJECT TO STATIC CHARGE ACCUMULATION AT THE FUEL FILLER PIPE OPENING, WHICH CAN OCCUR IF THESE VEHICLES ARE REFUELED FROM AN ELECTRICALLY UNGROUNDED DISPENSING NOZZLE.
- Remedy: A GROUNDING CONNECTION FROM THE FILLER PIPE INLET TO THE VEHICLE BODY AND A STATIC ELECTRICITY SUPPRESSION ROD INSIDE THE FILLER PIPE WILL BE INSTALLED AT NO CHARGE TO OWNER.
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM
- Summary: SOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH POWER BRAKE BOOSTERS HAVE FRONT AND REAR SHELLS THAT MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY JOINED. IMPROPERLY JOINED BOOSTER SHELLS MAY SEPARATE EITHER PARTIALLY OR COMPLETELY DURING BRAKE APPLICATION.
- Remedy: ALL DEFECTIVE BOOSTERS WILL BE REPLACED AT NO CHARGE TO OWNER.
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: FUEL MAY POSSIBLY TRAVEL THROUGH THE SPEED CONTROL VACUUM LINES AND INTO THE SPEED CONTROL ACTUATION DEVICE (SERV0). THE FUEL CAN DAMAGE SEALS IN THE ACTUATOR SERVO AND ALLOW VACUUM LEAKS. SUCH A LEAK COULD ACTIVATE THE SPEED CONTROL WITHOUT ANY ACTION ON THE PART OF THE DRIVER. THIS WOULD CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO GRADUALLY ACCELERATE.
- Remedy: THE VACUUM CHECK VALVE AND HOSE ASSEMBLY WILL BE REPLACED AND THE SPEED CONTROL SERVO WILL BE REPLACED IF IT HAS BEEN DAMAGED.
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
- Summary: ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, METAL FASTENERS THAT WERE USED TO SECURE THE CARPETING TO THE FLOOR PAN MAY HAVE ACCIDENTALLY PENETRATED THE TOP OF THE FUEL TANK. THIS WOULD RESULT IN A SLIGHT FUEL LEAK.
- Remedy: DEALER WILL INSPECT VEHICLES FOR PENETRATION OF THE FUEL TANK BY CARPET FASTENERS. ANY LEAKING FUEL TANKS WILL BE REPLACED AND THE FLOOR PAN WILL BE SEALED, WITHOUT CHARGE TO OWNERS.
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
- Summary: SOME OF THE INVOLVED VEHICLES WERE PRODUCED WITH AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT WIRE ASSEMBLY THAT MAY HAVE BEEN ROUTED ABOVE THE AIR CONDITIONING SUCTION HOSE. THIS HOSE MAY PUSH UP ON THE WIRING HARNESS CAUSING IT TO CONTACT THE HOOD PROP ROD BRACKET ATTACHING BOLT. THIS COULD LEAD TO PENETRATION OR CHAFING OF THE WIRING INSULATION.
- Remedy: DEALER WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, CORRECT THE WIRING HARNESS ROUTING AT NO CHARGE TO OWNER.
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
- Summary: ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, THE RIGHT AND LEFT HAND REAR BRAKE BACKING PLATE ATTACHMENT BOLTS MAY NOT HAVE BEEN TIGHTENED TO THE CORRECT SPECIFICATIONS. BACKING PLATE BOLTS MAY NOT BE ABLE TO WITHSTAND THE LOADS EXPERIENCED DURING TRUCK SHIPMENT. IF THE BOLTS LOOSEN FROM THE SPINDLE DURING OPERATION, BACKING PLATE MOVEMENT MAY RESULT IN WEAKENING OR PREMATURE WEAR OF ONE OR BOTH REAR BRAKE TUBES. THIS COULD LEAD TO LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID.
- Remedy: DEALER WILL INSPECT AND TIGHTEN THE BOLTS TO THE PROPER SPECIFICATIONS. REAR BRAKE TUBES WILL BE REPLACED, IF NECESSARY, AT NO CHARGE TO OWNER.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1981 Ford Escort problems:
Common problems on 1.9L 2nd gen Escorts? | FEOA Forums
Sep 30, 2009 ... Automatic seatbelts can get stuck. Ignition switch can wear out. Blower motor resistor can burn/melt at the connectors. Door lock cylinders.
Curbside Classic: 1981 Ford Escort - You Never Get A Second ...
Dec 6, 2020 ... The 1.6 litre 81-82 models were loud, slow, poor handling ,had head gasket and timing belt issues, not that great on gas, and utterly disposable ...
Very simple question... is a 1st gen Escort any good? | FEOA Forums
Apr 21, 2013 ... Any common problems that are serious issues? ... 1990 Ford Escort LX Wagon (CFI, 5 speed) ... yes ,,same Ford stock engine block and head ,,never ...
Was the first generation US Ford Escort (81-88) a bad car or were ...
Sep 18, 2018 ... They were mostly junked as they had the unfortunate problem of being just a little old, but not old enough to be widely seen as a classic, at a ...
1987 Escort Idle issues | FEOA Forums
Sep 10, 2008 ... 1st Gen 1981-1990 CVH. JavaScript is disabled ... 1987 Escort Idle issues. Jump to Latest Follow. 5K ... engine: http://www.troublecodes.net/Ford/
Other years of Ford Escort
Are you having problems with your 1981 Ford Escort?
Leave your review of 1981 Ford Escort