1983 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 1983 Ford Escort problems
The Ford Escort, produced from 1980 to 1986, was a popular car for its time but had its fair share of common issues. Here are some of the most frequently reported problems with the Ford Escort, grouped by model year:
1980 Ford Escort:
- Cooling system problems were a common issue with the 1980 Ford Escort, including issues with the radiator and water pump. Owners should check the condition of these components, and may need to replace them to avoid engine damage.
- Electrical problems were also common with the 1980 Escort, including issues with the alternator and starter motor. Owners should check the condition of the battery and charging system, and may need to replace these components if they are faulty.
1981 Ford Escort:
- Transmission problems were a common issue with the 1981 Ford Escort, including issues with the clutch and gearbox. Owners should check the condition of these components, and may need to replace them if they are worn or damaged.
- Rust was also a common issue with the 1981 Escort, particularly in the doors and sills. Owners should inspect the body panels carefully, and may need to have them repaired or replaced to prevent further rust damage.
1982-1983 Ford Escort:
- Engine performance could be an issue with the 1982 and 1983 Ford Escort, particularly with the smaller engines. Owners should check the condition of the spark plugs and carburetor, and may need to rebuild or replace these components to improve performance.
- Suspension problems were also common with the 1982 and 1983 Escort, including issues with the shock absorbers and springs. Owners should check the condition of these components, and may need to replace them to improve ride quality and handling.
1984-1985 Ford Escort:
- Electrical problems were a common issue with the 1984 and 1985 Ford Escort, including issues with the battery and charging system. Owners should check the condition of these components, and may need to replace them if they are faulty.
- Rust was also a common issue with the 1984 and 1985 Escort, particularly in the doors and sills. Owners should inspect the body panels carefully, and may need to have them repaired or replaced to prevent further rust damage.
These common issues with the Ford Escort can lead to significant repair costs and decreased performance and reliability. Owners should be aware of these issues and take proactive steps to maintain their vehicles and address any problems as soon as they arise.
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 much horsepower does a 1983 Ford Escort have?
Multi-port fuel injection increased the output of the HO engine to 88 hp (66 kW) for 1983. The 1983 GT was the first US Escort to be offered with a 5-speed manual transmission. For 1984, two new engines were introduced.
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 |
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) |
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 much horsepower does a 1983 Ford Escort have?
Multi-port fuel injection increased the output of the HO engine to 88 hp (66 kW) for 1983. The 1983 GT was the first US Escort to be offered with a 5-speed manual transmission. For 1984, two new engines were introduced.
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 |
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) |
1983 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:
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
- Electrical system problems
- Unknown or other problems
- Fuel system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1983 Ford Escort vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1983 Ford Escort complaints
The NHTSA has received 7 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1983 Ford Escort.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-08-28
- VIN: 3FAPP15J7PR
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: THE CAR PURCHASED WAS FOR 1800 AND THE MECHANIC WHERE PURCHASED FROM TOLD ERIC THAT THE CAR WAS FULLY INSPECTED AND READY FOR THE ROAD. HIS GIRLFRIEND TEST DROVE THE CAR AND TOLD GREG THAT THE BRAKES DIDNT WORK HE SAID HE'D HAVE THEM LOOKED AT. HAD THE CAR FOR 2 DAYS AFTER HE SUPPOSEDLY RE-CHECKED THEM AND BROUGHT THE CAR TO MONRO MUFFLER TO BE RE-CHECKED AND FOUND THAT THE WHOLE UNDERSIDE OF THE CAR WAS RUSTED AND ROTTED STRAIGHT THROUGH. THE CAR IS UNABLE TO BE DRIVEN AND GREG REFUSES TO RETURN THE MONEY TO THE CONSUMER. IF YOU COULD PLEASE HELP US OUT THAT WOULD BE GREAT. PHONE ME AT 860-589-9445
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1FABP0928DW
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: POSSIBLE CARBURATOR FAILURE MAY HAVE CAUSED VEHICLE TO HESITATE WHILE DRIVING. NLM
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-04-01
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: ELECTRIC SEAT BELTS FAILED.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-11-05
- Number Of Injuries: 3
- VIN: 1FABP36X1DK
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: BRAKES FAILED, CAUSING ACCIDENT/INJURIES.( NEW JERSEY STATE POLICE REPORT)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-06-01
- Fire: 1
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: IGNITION SWITCH SHORTED, CAUSING FIRE. (FIRST VEHICLE ON 601624, 601627)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1FABP1344DW
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY OWNER SMELLED SMOKE. DRIVER LIFTED HOOD AND WIRING HARNESS WAS ON FIRE NEAR FIREWALL. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-05-14
- VIN: 1FABP0425DW
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: MASTER CYLINDER RIPPED LOOSE FROM FIREWALL DUE TO METAL FATIGUE, CAUSING BRAKE FAILURE/LOSS OF CONTROL. *SD
1983 Ford Escort recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 5 recalls for different components of the 1983 Ford Escort.
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
- Summary: THE DIAPHRAGM MATERIAL OF THE MECHANICAL FUEL PUMPS MAY DETERIORATE AND ALLOW THE DIAPHRAGM TO RUPTURE.
- Consequence: FUEL PUMPED THROUGH THE RUPTURED DIAPHRAGM AND OUT OFTHE VENT OPENING COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
- Remedy: INSTALL NEW MECHANICAL FUEL PUMPS WITH IMPROVED DIAPHRAGM MATERIAL AND REVISE WIRING FOR ELECTRIC FUEL PUMP CIRCUITS.
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER
- Summary: REAR SEAT BELT RETRACTORS MAY ALLOW TWISTED WEBBING TO ENTER THE RETRACTOR HOUSING AND JAM THE RETRACTOR. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: A JAMMED RETRACTOR WOULD INTERFERE WITH WEBBING RETRACTION AND WITHDRAWAL. THIS WILL DISCOURAGE SEAT BELT USAGE.
- Remedy: A CLIP WILL BE INSERTED INTO THE RETRACTOR HOUSING WEBBING TO PREVENT JAMMING.
- 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: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP
- Summary: DURING A CRASH BARRIER TEST, THE RUBBER HOSE CONNECTING THE FUEL TANK AND THE METAL FILLER PIPE VENT TUBE WAS CUT, RESULTING IN FUEL LEAKAGE. THE INVOLVED VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 301, "FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY".
- Remedy: DEALER WILL INSTALL A BRACE BETWEEN THE RIGHT SIDE REAR QUARTER PANEL AND THE BODY SIDE RAIL TO IMPROVE FUEL TANK IMPACT RESISTANCE.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1983 Ford Escort problems:
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 ...
Q&A: Ford Escort MK3 (1983) 1.3 CVH Starting Issues - Expert Advice
Jul 15, 2009 ... Check the voltage at the other side of the coil, if it doesnt vary up and down then the ignition module might have a problem. Dont forget ...
How rare is the Escort GT? | FEOA Forums
Oct 6, 2011 ... What are some common problems with the 1.8? ... Ford went to GT's in 1983. Someone correct ... 1991 Ford Escort GT Red Paint is faded and the body ...
Common Issues with 2006 Ford E250 Pressure Rail Sensor ...
Sep 7, 2017 ... I have a 2006 Ford e250 it was running good and started up… · We have an 1983 Ford econoline e250 7.5l v8 that we can't ... · I Have a 2006 E250 ...
AMC Eagle? Good car? - General Discussion - Car Talk Community
Mar 19, 2009 ... ... Ford Escort, and $483 for a 1984 Toyota Corolla. The only cars reporting higher costs were a 1984 BMW 318i at $1930 and a 1984 Volvo 760 at ...
Other years of Ford Escort
Are you having problems with your 1983 Ford Escort?
Leave your review of 1983 Ford Escort