1987 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 1987 Ford Escort problems
The Ford Escort, produced from 1980 to 1992, was a popular vehicle in its time. However, like any car, it had its fair share of common issues that owners should be aware of.
For the 1986 and 1987 Ford Escort, electrical problems were a common issue, including issues with the alternator and starter motor. Fuel system problems were also prevalent, with issues related to the fuel pump and injectors. Cooling system problems, such as issues with the radiator and water pump, were also common with the 1986 Escort. Owners should check the condition of these components and replace them if necessary to avoid engine damage and improve fuel economy and performance.
For the third-generation Ford Escort (1980-1986), cooling system problems were a common issue with the 1980 Escort, including issues with the radiator and water pump. Electrical problems were also common with the 1980 Escort, including issues with the alternator and starter motor. Transmission problems, including issues with the clutch and gearbox, were common with the 1981 Escort. Rust was also a common issue with the 1981 Escort, particularly in the doors and sills. Engine performance could be an issue with the 1982 and 1983 Escort, particularly with the smaller engines. Suspension problems were also common with the 1982 and 1983 Escort, including issues with the shock absorbers and springs. Electrical problems and rust were common issues with the 1984 and 1985 Escort.
The 1999 Ford Escort had several common issues that affected its performance and reliability. One of the most common problems reported by owners was with the transmission, particularly the automatic transmission, which was prone to slipping, shifting roughly, and failing completely at low mileage. Many drivers also reported issues with the car stalling or failing to start, which could be caused by a faulty fuel pump or ignition system. Suspension and steering problems, including issues with the power steering and front suspension, were also common with the 1999 Escort. Engine problems, such as issues with the timing belt and spark plugs, were also prevalent.
The fourth-generation Ford Escort (1986-1992) also had its share of common issues. Electrical problems, including issues with the battery and charging system, were common with the 1986 Escort. Rust was also a common issue with the 1986 Escort, particularly in the doors and sills. Transmission problems, including issues with the clutch and gearbox, were also common with the 1986 Escort. Engine performance could be an issue with the 1986 Escort, particularly with the smaller engines. Suspension problems, including issues with the shock absorbers and springs, were also common with the 1986 Escort.
In summary, the Ford Escort, particularly the 1986 and 1987 models, had several common issues that owners should be aware of. Electrical problems, fuel system problems, and cooling system problems were common issues with the 1986 and 1987 Escort. Transmission problems, engine performance issues, and rust were common issues with the third-generation Escort. Transmission problems, engine performance issues, and electrical problems were common issues with the 1999 Escort. Electrical problems, transmission problems, and rust were common issues with the fourth-generation Escort. Owners should check the condition of these components and replace them if necessary to avoid engine damage and improve fuel economy and performance.
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 did a Ford Escort cost in 1987?
The Escort was available in three trim levels for 1987: the El Cheapo base model, the somewhat more luxurious GL, and the hot-hatch GT. There was a two-seat coupe version known as the EXP, too, plus a Mercury-badged Escort called the Lynx. This car is a GL hatchback, which had an MSRP of $6,801.
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 |
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 |
Was the Ford Escort a good rally car?
More victories would follow soon thereafter, and the Escort would become one of the most successful Rally and Touring cars of the era. The success continued after the original Escort was replaced by the Mark II towards the end of the 1975 season.
1987 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
- Suspension problems
- Fuel system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1987 Ford Escort vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1987 Ford Escort
The NHTSA has received 66 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1987 Ford Escort. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1987 Ford Escort vehicles.
EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-03-25
- Number Of Injuries: 3
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1FAPP2897HW
- Components: EQUIPMENT
- Summary: CONSUMER IS REQUESTING THAT A DEFECT INVESTIGATION BE DONE ON THE CRASH DATA REPORT. *NJ THE CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT IN HIS 1987 FORD ESCORT WHICH WAS CAUSED BY A 2006 CADILLAC ESCALADE THAT HIT THE CONSUMER WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH. A CRASH STUDY WAS PERFORMED ON THE CONSUMERS VEHICLE AND IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE CADILLAC WHEN IT HIT THE CONSUMERS VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING 20 MPH FASTER THAN HE WAS DRIVING. THE CONSUMER WANTED TO KNOW WHY DIDN'T THE CADILLAC'S SDM NOT REGISTER AND RECORD THE FRONTAL CRASH IMPACT WITH THE ESCORT AS A DEPLOYMENT EVENT. *JB UPDATED 07/16/09.*JB UPDATED 08/04/09 *BF FORENSIC WITNESS REPORT RECEIVED. UPDATED 08/10/09. *JB
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-07-25
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1FAPP2593HW
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: NAR 3-10-03 IN REFERENCE TO A PREVIOUS CLAIM, REQUESTING ASSISTANCE FROM NHTSA. HOWEVER, ACTION MADE WASN'T SATISFACTORY SO NOW THE CONSUMER IS THERE SEEKING LEGAL ASSISTANCE TO EXPEDITE HIS CLAIM. *CB *JB
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1FAPP2593HW
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: VEHICLE EXHIBITED A FIRE BY AN UNKNOWN SOURCE IN THE IGNITION COLUMN PER FIRE DEPARTMENT INVESTIGATION. *TT
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1FAPP2593HW
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: VEHICLE EXHIBITED A FIRE BY AN UNKNOWN SOURCE IN THE IGNITION COLUMN PER FIRE DEPARTMENT INVESTIGATION. *TT
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-12-20
- VIN: 1FAPP23JXHW
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: VEHICLE KEEPS STALLING SINCE 1992. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-09-05
- VIN: 1FABP18J9HW
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: TFI IGNITION MODULE HAD A DEFECT AND WAS AFFECTED IGNITION SWITCH. DEALERSHIP WAS AWARE OF PROBLEM. *AK *SLC
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-07-14
- VIN: 1FAPP2596HT
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: FORD SHOULD CARRY SEAT BELT PARTS FOR OLDER MODEL VEHICLES PERTAINING TO SAFETY OR HAVE ANOTHER MANUFACTURER WHERE PARTS COULD BE LOCATED. CONTACTED FORD, AND THEY DID NOT HAVE THE PARTS. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1FAPP2191HW
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: CONSUMER STATES SINCE PURCHASING VEHICLE, THIS IS FOURTH MODULE PART THAT HAS BEEN REPLACED, CONSUMER STATES THAT WHEN THE MODULE GPD GOES OUT IT CAUSES VEHICLE TO STALL WHILE DRIVING, CONSUMER STATES MANUFACTURER AND DEALERSHIP NOT WILLING TO HONOR WARRANTY. *JB
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1FAPP2599HW
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: ENGINE SHUT OFF WITHOUT WHEN BEING IN TRAFFIC. DEALERSHIP IS AWRE OF PROBLEM. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1FAPP2599HW
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: WHEN DRIVING FOR 10-12 MILES VEHICLE WILL STALL OUT COMPLETELY , FEELS AS THOUGH TURNING OFF IGNITION. CONSUMER MUST WAIT ABOUT 45 MINUTES BEFORE CAN BE RESTARTED. CONSUMER CONTACTED A MECHANIC, AND REPROGRAMMED COMPUTER, BUT DEFECT OCCURRED IMMEDIATELY AFTER. WILL CONTACT MECHANIC AGAIN. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-04-16
- VIN: 1FAPP2198HW
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: VEHICLE DIES IN MIDDLE OF ROAD. TOOK TO DEALER, AND THEY SAID IT WAS IGNITION MODULE.*AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-04-09
- VIN: 1FABP18J9HW
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: IGNITION SWITCH MODULE MALFUCTIONED, CAUSING VEHICLE TO STALL UNEXPECTEDLY WHICH MAY HAVE CAUSED A CRASH. DEALER HAD TO REPLACE THE TFI MODULE. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1FAPP2590HW
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED VEHICLE STOPPED RUNNING. ENGINE STOPPED AND WILL NOT RESTART FOR ABOUT AN HOUR OR TWO. THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING PROBLEM FOR THE LAST TWO OR THREE YEARS. FORD IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-01-03
- VIN: 1FAPP2890HW
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: VEHICLE EXPERIENCING PROBLEM WITH STALLING DUE TO A ENGINE DISPLAY MOUNT PFI MODULE; REPLACEMENT WAS DONE ON TWO OCCASIN WITHIN THREE MONTH. UNABLE TO RESOLVED THE PROBLEM. DEALER NOTIFIED. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS:
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1FAPT2190HW
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: RIGHT REAR SHOCK ABSORBERS RUSTED THROUGH WHICH COULD CAUSE A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL. *AK
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-03-20
- VIN: 1FAPP2897HW
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: QUIT RUNNING ON HIGHWAY DURING WASH. DC RUSH HOUR / STALLS EVERY DAY (EVEN AFTER 5 REPAIRED FOR STALLING). *AK
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-03-20
- VIN: 1FAPP2897HW
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: QUIT RUNNING ON HIGHWAY DURING WASH. DC RUSH HOUR / STALLS EVERY DAY (EVEN AFTER 5 REPAIRED FOR STALLING. *AK)
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1FAPP2196HT
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SEATS
- Summary: DRIVER SIDE SEAT RECLINING MECHANISM FAILED, RESULTING IN INABILITY OF DRIVER TO SIT UP STRAIGHT WITHOUT CLINGING TO STEERING WHEEL WHEN ACCELERATING. TEETH ON RECLINING LEVER WHICH MESH WITH TEETH ON SEAT TRACK SEEM TO HAVE BEEN DAMAGED. ADDITIONALLY, BAD THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR HAS CAUSED VERY HIGH IDLE SPEED MULTIPLE TIMES, PROBLEM IS WORST DURING RAIN/SNOW. AT TIMES, IDLE SPEED SET SO HIGH THAT BRAKING TO A STOP WOULD STALL THE VEHICLE. TPS REPLACED TWICE, PROBLEM PERSISTS DURING WET WEATHER.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: IN WARM WEATHER THE VEHICLE OVERHEATS, CAUSING THE FUEL GAUGE AND THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE INDICATORS TO COMPLETELY DISAPPEAR. THE THERMASTAT HAS BEEN REPLACE TWICE AND IT HAS MADE NO DIFFERENCE.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1FABP2593HT
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: VEHICLE HAS HAD CONTINUOUS PROBLEMS WITH HESITATION AND STALLING.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1FABP2593HT
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: STARTER FAILED.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-06-01
- Fire: 1
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: ALTERNATOR CAUGHT FIRE.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-05-15
- VIN: 1FAPP2891HW
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING DRIVER NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM STEERING COLUMN, VEHICLE LOST POWER. MECHANIC STATED THAT IGNITION SWITCH MELTED. IGNITION SWITCH WAS REPLACED ON 5/ 17/97. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Fire: 1
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: OWNER STATES THAT THE ALTERNATOR IN HIS VEHICLE CAUSED HIS VEHICLE TO CATCH FIRE.OWNER IS UNCERTAIN WHY. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-07-25
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1FAPP2593HW
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: VEHICLE FIRE DUE TO FAILURE OF THE IGNITION SYSTEM, RECALL'S ISSUED FOR SAME MAKE AND MODEL, HOWEVER VEHICLE NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL DUE TO VIN.(ATTORNEY FOR CONSUMER)
1987 Ford Escort recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 1987 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: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
- Summary: SPRING LOCK FUEL LINE COUPLING MAY NOT BE PROPERLY ENGAGED.
- Consequence: COUPLING COULD DISENGAGE DUE TO FUEL PRESSURE,VIBRATION, AND ENGINE MOVEMENTS; THIS WOULD CAUSE LOSS OF FUEL WHICH, INPRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, CREATES A FIRE RISK.
- Remedy: INSTALL RETAINER CLIPS OVER THE COUPLINGS TO PREVENT COUPLING SEPARATION AND FUEL LEAKAGE.
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS
- Summary: LUG NUTS COULD GALL AND POSSIBLY SEIZE ON THE WHEEL STUDS WITHOUT PROVIDING ADEQUATE CLAMPING LOAD ON THE WHEELS.
- Consequence: WHEEL STUDS COULD FRACTURE CREATING A RISK OF A WHEELSEPARATING WITH LITTLE FOREWARNING.
- Remedy: REPLACE WHEEL LUG NUTS AND IF NECESSARY, REPLACE WHEELS AND WHEEL STUDS.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1987 Ford Escort problems:
1987 Escort Idle issues | FEOA Forums
Sep 10, 2008 ... 1987 Escort Idle issues. Jump to Latest ... I was wondering if this is a common problem or what not. ... engine: http://www.troublecodes.net/Ford/
Q&A: 1987 Ford Escort GL - Replacements, Specs & More
May 8, 2008 ... A real common problem on that engine was the idle control motor and the wires comming off the motor. The motor and the idle switch (at the end ...
1987 ford escort gl suspension issues | FEOA Forums
Oct 16, 2013 ... 1987 ford escort gl suspension issues ... 1. Camber wear: all though you did mention the rear is sitting lower then front. If you where to jack ...
What are the most common Fiero problems? - Pennock's Fiero Forum
Dec 31, 2000 ... I would recommend the Ford Escort instead. It's a sad contradiction that most Fieros have come to symbolize. And it is up to us to rescue them ...
1987 ford escort - Maintenance/Repairs - Car Talk Community
Jul 21, 2007 ... Just bought a 1987 escort with 50000 actual miles. I?ve change oil, belts, hoses, had the breaks checked, new tires, did the recall work ...
Other years of Ford Escort
Are you having problems with your 1987 Ford Escort?
Leave your review of 1987 Ford Escort