1985 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).
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Common 1985 Ford Escort problems
The Ford Escort, produced from 1980 to 1986, was a popular car for its time, but like any car, it had its fair share of common issues that owners should be aware of. Here are some of the most common problems with the third-generation 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.
In addition to these common issues, the Ford Escort was also subject to several recalls throughout its production run. The largest recall of the model came in 1981, when cars were invited to dealerships for troubleshooting with 10 issues. The most common problems for this model included seats, fuel system, electrical, lighting, air bags, doors, brakes, suspension, equipment, engine, wheels, transmission, air conditioning, and visibility.
In summary, the Ford Escort, produced from 1980 to 1986, was a popular car for its time, but it had its fair share of common issues that owners should be aware of. Cooling system problems, electrical issues, transmission problems, and rust were all common issues with the third-generation Escort. Additionally, the Ford Escort was subject to several recalls throughout its production run, with the largest recall coming in 1981.
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 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) |
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 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 |
Why did Ford discontinue the Escort?
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.
1985 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:
- Electrical system problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Seat belts problems
- Fuel system problems
- Power train problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1985 Ford Escort vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1985 Ford Escort
The NHTSA has received 31 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1985 Ford Escort. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1985 Ford Escort vehicles.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-07-01
- VIN: 1FAB0490FB1
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY VEHICLE STALLED. VEHICLE CHECKED BY DEALER, WHO DETERMINED PROBLEM WITH IGNITION MODULE. CURRENTLY, VEHICLE WILL NOT START. ALSO VEHICLE EMITS FUMES THAT SMELL LIKE ACETONE. CONSUMER WAS AFRAID TO PURCHASE NEW IGNITION MODULE FOR FEAR THAT VEHICLE MAY CATCH ON FIRE.*AK EXHAUST, IGNITION SWITCH, ALTERNATOR, VOLT REGULATOR, IGNITION DISTRIBUTOR AND COIL REPLACED HOWEVER FUMES WERE STILL PROMINENT. *TT
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: PUT A STOP TO HIGH INTENSITY DISCHARGE HEADLIGHTS: WHEN AN SUV WITH THOSE LIGHTS COMES UP BEHINE ME, EVEN A FLIPPED DOWN REARVIEW MIRROR DOES NOT PROTECT ME. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1FABP3191FW
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: SEAT BELT LATCH INCORPORATES A PLASTIC SPACER WHICH HOLDS METAL BAR IN POSITION, THE METAL BAR HOLDS THE SEAT BELT WEBBING IN PLACE, THE PLASTIC HAS BECOME BRITTLE AND NO LONGER HOLDS THE BAR IN POSITION, ALLOWING THE SEAT BELT NOT TO STAY FASTENED, CONSUMER STATES MANUFACTURER WILL NOT SELL PLASTIC PART, WHICH WOULD REQUIRE HIM TO PURCHASE AN ENTIRE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY. *JB
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1FABP3191FW
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: THE RUBBER BOOT SURROUNDING THE GEAR SHIFT LEVER IS SO TIGHT, THAT IN COLD WEATHER IT WILL PULL LEVER OUT OF GEAR AND INTO NEUTRAL, WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, IT PUT ITSELF INTO NEUTRAL AND ROLLED DOWN A HILL AND HIT A PARKED CAR, CONSUMER HAD VEHICLE INSPECTED AND WAS TOLD BY DEALERSHIP THEY COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG. *JB
PARKING BRAKE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1FABP3191FW
- Components: PARKING BRAKE
- Summary: EMERGENCY PARKING BRAKE DOES NOT HOLD AFTER BEING SET, CONSUMER STATES PROBLEM STARTED AFTER DEARLERSHIP DID A BRAKE REPAIR ON VEHICLE. *JB
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1FABP3191FW
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: THE DISTRIBUTOR MOUNTED IGNITION MODULE FAILED CAUSING INSTANT ENGINE STOPPAGE. *JB
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-07-15
- VIN: 1FABP3693FW
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: DRIVING AT ROAD SPEED AND CAR STALLS OUT 'IT WILL ONLY START AFTER THE CAR SETS FOR ABOUT 15 MINUTES THIS HAS HAPPEND SEVERAL TIMES. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1FABP134XFT
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: CONSTANT OIL LEAK ONTO THE MANIFOLD WHICH REQUIRES ME TO USE A HEAVIER OIL SO IT WONT RUN OUT. OIL LEAKING ON MANY AREA'S OF THE ENGINE WHICH CAN POSSIBLY CAUSE A FIRE. MY CONCERN IS WHAT IS BEING DONE REGARDING THE OIL LEAK PROBLEM RECALL AND WHERE DO I GO TO GET IT CORRECTED. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-10-15
- VIN: 1FABP3191FW
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: A PLASTIC PART INSIDE OF THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE HAS BECOME BRITTLE, REDUCING THE STRENGTH OF THE SEAT BELT. EVEN THOUGH IT LATCHED NORMALLY, MY BELT BUCKLE FELL APART AS I WAS DRIVING. I EXAMINED THE SAME PLASTIC PART ON THE PASSENGER-SIDE SEATBELT, (WHICH HAS ALMOST NEVER BEEN USED), AND FOUND THAT IT WAS BRITTLE AND FALLING APART AS WELL. THIS PLASTIC PART HOLDS IN POSITION A METAL BAR, AROUND WHICH THE SEAT-BELT WEBBING WRAPS. THE PLASTIC BECOMES BRITTLE WITH AGE, AND CAN ALLOW THE METAL BAR TO FALL OUT OF THE BUCKLE, RELEASING THE SEAT BELT. THIS BELT DESIGN IS IN MILLIONS OF FORD VEHICLES ON THE ROAD TODAY, ALL OF WHICH MAY BE SUSCEPTIBLE TO SEAT-BELT FAILURE IN AN ACCIDENT DUE TO THIS DETERIORATING PLASTIC PART. FRANKLY, IT IS AMAZING TO ME THAT SUCH AN IMPORTANT PART OF THE SEAT BELTS IS MADE OUT OF PLASTIC. EVEN WORSE, IT IS A PLASTIC THAT DISINTEGRATES WITH AGE.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-12-23
- VIN: 1SABP3499FT
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: VEHICLE JUMPS OUT OF GEAR WHILE IN PARK AND RUNNING. THIS CONDITION DAMAGES VEHICLE. DEALER/MFR. NOT NOTIFED AT THIS TIME. *AK
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1FABP0443FT
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: SEAT FRAME AND SLIDE RAIL SUPPORTS CRACKED. (SECOND VEHICLE FROM 514712)
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1FABP0443FT
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: THE SPRING THAT SUPPORT THE SEAT CUSHIONS WERE CUTTING THROUGH THE MATERIAL AROUND THEIR ATTACHMENT HOLES.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-01-25
- VIN: 1FAPP9592KT
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: ELECTRONIC FUEL INJECTOR FAILED.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-04-15
- VIN: 1FABP1346FT
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: IGNITION SWITCH FIRE.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-07-06
- Number Of Injuries: 4
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1FASP15J3FW
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING AT A SPEED 60MPH IMPACT 6:00 POSITION, DRIVER AND PASSENGER LAP/SHOULDER BELTS FAILED,IMPACT 12:00 POSITIONS , DUAL AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-06-11
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1FABP3197FW
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: FIRE STARTED IN THE IGNITION COLUMN, TOTALLY BURNED. *AK
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1987-12-01
- VIN: 1FABP3697FT
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
- Summary: GAS GAUGE INOPERATIVE. *SD
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-05-01
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1FABP3698FT
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: ENGINE LOST POWER, CAUGHT FIRE. *DH
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1991-01-01
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1FABP132XFT
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: IGNITION SWITCH SHORTED, CAUSING FIRE. *DSH
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1992-02-03
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1FABP1049FW
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: EXPERIENCED FIRE UNDERHOOD. PLEASE GIVE MORE DETAILS. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-02-12
- Fire: 1
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: VEHICLE FIRE DUE TO FAULTY IGNITION SWITCH.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-04-12
- VIN: 1FABP044XFT
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: AFTER A HEAVY RAIN THE VEHICLE WILL NOT SHIFT OR GO OVER 50MPH AND THERE IS NO POWER. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-02-12
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1FABP094XFT
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: EXPERIENCED FIRE UNDERHOOD. *TT CONSUMER STATES FIRE STARTED IN THE VEHICLE DASHBOARD AND STEERING WHEEL,VEHICLE ALSO STARTED BY ITSELF.*JB
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1FABP0943FT
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: THE OWNER WAS DRIVING WHEN SHE NOTICED THAT BURNING SMELL AND DRIVER PULLED OVER AND OPENED THE HOOD AND SMOKE AND FIRE WAS EVERYWHERE. TT
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-10-09
- VIN: 3FAPP11J4MR
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: FAILURE OF THE IGNITION SWITCH BAD SMELL FROM THE IGNITION. TT
1985 Ford Escort recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 1985 Ford Escort.
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: THE FORWARD OUTBOARD PEDESTAL OF THE SEAT TRACK OF DRIVER'S SEAT MAY BE SUSCEPTIBLE TO FATIGUE FRACTURE.
- Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN A LIMITED DEGREE OF ROCKING MOTIONOF THE DRIVERS SEAT ASSEMBLY UPON ACCELERATION OR DECELERATION, WHICH COULDCAUSE AN ACCIDENT.
- Remedy: INSTALL A REINFORCEMENT ON ALL MODELS AND A NEW SEAT TRACK AS NECESSARY
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
- Summary: EXTERNAL CRACKS ABOVE THE NUMBER 3 CYLINDER (1984 MODELS) OR ROCKER ARM COVER GASKETS SPLITTING (1985 MODELS) COULD ALLOW OIL TO LEAK ONTO THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD.
- Consequence: ENGINE OIL LEAKING ONTO A HOT EXHAUST MANIFOLD COULDRESULT IN AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE.
- Remedy: REPLACE CRACKED CYLINDER HEADS (1984 MODELS); REPLACE ROCKER ARM COVER GASKETS (1985 MODELS).
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: THE THROTTLE LEVER MAY NOT RETURN TO IDLE POSITION DUE TO MISALIGNMENT OF THE AIR CONDITIONER SHUT OFF SWITCH TO THE THROTTLE LEVER PIN. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: A JAMMED THROTTLE COULD RESULT IN A LOSS OF ACCELERATOR CONTROL, WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING, AND AN ACCIDENT.
- Remedy: ADJUST SHUTOFF SWITCH AND ASSURE PROPER ALIGNMENT TO THROTTLE LEVER PIN.
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