1996 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 1996 Ford Escort problems
The Ford Escort, produced in 1996, is known to have several common problems based on complaints from its owners. These issues include electrical problems, engine problems, stalling, fuel pump failures, and wiring issues.
Electrical problems are a significant concern for the 1996 Ford Escort. These issues include A/C, headlights, and key fob malfunctions. The A/C may not work, and the headlights may not always function properly. The key fob may also have issues, including battery drainage, no start, and no power. For instance, one owner reported that their car acted as if the battery was dead, even though it had a brand new battery.
Engine problems are another common issue for the 1996 Ford Escort. These problems include the engine not turning over, the engine not starting, and the engine making a loud grinding metal sound. The engine may also cut off when it's warm, requiring the owner to wait before starting it again. For example, one owner reported that their car's engine only goes on but doesn't start completely.
Stalling is another common problem with the 1996 Ford Escort. The car may stall at idle, causing inconvenience and safety concerns for the driver. This issue may be related to the engine or fuel pump, as one owner reported that their car stalls at idle, and they have replaced the fuel pump, battery, computer box, and fusebox, but the car still won't start.
Fuel pump failures are also a common issue for the 1996 Ford Escort. The fuel pump may fail, causing the car to not start or run properly. For instance, one owner reported that their car's fuel pump was replaced, but the car still won't start.
Wiring issues are another common problem for the 1996 Ford Escort. These issues include wiring problems on the distributor, which may cause the car not to start or run properly. For example, one owner reported that their car's distributor pin wire was causing issues, and they needed to replace it.
In summary, the 1996 Ford Escort has several common problems, including electrical issues, engine problems, stalling, fuel pump failures, and wiring issues. These problems can cause inconvenience and safety concerns for the driver, and they may require costly repairs. Therefore, potential buyers of this car should be aware of these common issues and consider them when making a purchasing decision.
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) |
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.
What is the top speed of the Ford Escort 96 hp?
The Ford Escort III XR3 96 PS claimed top speed is 182 km/h / 113 mph.
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) |
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.
What kind of engine is in the Ford Escort?
The Ford Escort has 2 Diesel Engine and 3 Petrol Engine on offer. The Diesel engine is 1796 cc and 1753 cc while the Petrol engine is 1297 cc and 1597 cc and 1596 cc . It is available with Manual transmission.
1996 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:
- Seat belts problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Air bags problems
- Power train problems
- Electrical system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1996 Ford Escort vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1996 Ford Escort
The NHTSA has received 248 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1996 Ford Escort. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1996 Ford Escort vehicles.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-08-10
- VIN: 1FASP11J5TW
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD ESCORT. WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE, THERE WAS A FUEL ODOR IN THE CABIN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL FILLER LINE FAILED AND WOULD NEED TO BE REPAIRED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ONCE PREVIOUSLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-01-12
- VIN: 3FASP11J1TR
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: THE DRIVER SIDE MOTORIZED SEAT BELT HAS CEASED FUNCTIONING AND IS NOW STUCK MIDWAY ALONG THE TOP PART OF THE SEAT BELT TRACK. THIS BEING THE CASE THE SEAT BELT WILL NOT PROTECT THE DRIVER IN THE EVENT OF A SUDDEN STOP. IN THIS POSITION IT IS LIKELY THAT IN A SUDDEN STOP THE DRIVER'S HEAD WOULD HIT THE WINDSHIELD AND A MORE SEVERE THAN NORMAL WHIPLASH IN THE NECK WOULD OCCUR. I HAVE NOTED THAT THERE ARE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS SEAT BELT ISSUE FOR THIS VEHICLE ONLINE. I CONTACTED FORD CORPORATE AND THERE IS NO RECALL NOTICE OR CUSTOMER SATISFACTION. I THINK THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE ON FORD'S PART. AS A HEALTH CARE PROVIDER, WHO HAS WORKED IN A HOSPITAL NEUROSURGERY UNIT, THE POTENTIAL FOR A SERIOUS HEAD INJURY RESULTING FROM A MALFUNCTIONING SEAT BELT SUCH AS REPORTED ABOVE IS VERY REAL. IT SHOULD NOT BE AN OPTION FOR FORD TO NOT REPLACE SUCH A FAULTY SAFETY DEVICE - FORD SHOULD BE MANDATED TO REPLACE SUCH DEFECTIVE SAFETY DEVICES AND THERE SHOULD BE NO TIME LIMIT ON SUCH A REPLACEMENT OR RECALL. A MEDICAL LEGAL LIABILITY CASE WOULD COST FORD MORE THAN THE COST OF REPLACING THE DEFECTIVE SEAT BELT. *TR
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-05-03
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: I AM ADDING ANOTHER COMPLAINT TO THE VAST LIST OF PREVIOUS COMPLAINTS REGARDING MY 1996 FORD ESCORT AND THE FAILURE OF MY PASSIVE RESTRAINT SHOULDER BELT. IT HAS BEEN GIVING ME PROBLEMS FOR PROBABLY THE LAST 8-10 YEARS. IT WOULD INTERMITTENTLY STOP MID-TRACK AND "BOUNCING" THE DOOR AGAINST THE HINGE WOULD GET IT TO MOVE. TWO WEEKS AGO, IT STOPPED DEAD IN THE MIDDLE OF THE TRACK. I, TOO, COULD HEAR THE MOTOR TRYING TO MAKE IT GO. I LEFT IT ALONE AND ABOUT 4 DAYS LATER, IT RESUMED OPERATING. NOW A WEEK LATER, IT HAS FROZEN AGAIN, A LITTLE MORE FORWARD IN THE TRACK THAN PREVIOUSLY. I AM DISHEARTEN TO LEARN THAT OTHERS WHO HAVE TRIED THE PROCESS EXPLAINED IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL TO MANUALLY MOVE THE BELT IN THE TRACK HAS FAILED. I AM AT A LOSS AS TO WHY FORD, HAVING BEEN NOTIFIED OF SO MANY COMPLAINTS REGARDING THIS SAME EXACT FAILURE OF THEIR SAFETY EQUIPMENT, HAS CHOSEN TO IGNORE IT! I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER FORD PRODUCT IF THIS IS EVIDENCE OF HOW THEY TREAT THEIR FAITHFUL CUSTOMERS! CAN ANYTHING BE DONE ABOUT THIS??? *TR
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-02-22
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: 1996 FORD ESCORT, UNIT 1 WAS TRAVELING WEST BOUND ON THE OHIO TURNPIKE. UNIT 1'S HOOD OPENED AND STRUCK THE WINDSHIELD. UNIT 1 CONTINUED ON TO THE NEXT EMERGENCY PULL OFF TO FILE THE REPORT. BF (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT # 10-0142-90)*JB UPDATED 04/22/11 *BF
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-07-30
- VIN: 1FASP15J2SW
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: MY WIFE & I HAVE A 1996 FORD ESCORT WAGON THAT WE PURCHASED USED IN 2008. AT THE TIME OF PURCHASE IT HAD A SET OF 4 BRIDGESTONE INSIGNIA SL TIRES THAT STILL HAD REASONABLE TREAD DEPTH REMAINING, SO WE DECIDED TO CONTINUE TO USE THE TIRES UNTIL THE TREAD HAD WORN DOWN MORE AND NEEDED REPLACING. ON FRIDAY, JULY 30, 2010, MY WIFE WAS DRIVING DOWN THE FREEWAY AT APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH WHEN PART OF THE REAR PASSENGER-SIDE TIRE TREAD SEPARATED FROM THE TIRE AND SHOT AGAINST THE SHEET METAL ON THE INSIDE OF THE WHEEL WELL. IT RIPPED A LARGE HOLE IN THE VEHICLE'S SHEET METAL, SHOT MANY SMALL PIECES OF TIRE THROUGH THE HOLE INTO THE INTERIOR CARGO AREA IN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE, AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO STALL AT THE SAME TIME. THANKFULLY MY WIFE WAS ABLE TO HANDLE THE CAR DURING THIS CATASTROPHIC EVENT AND SUCCESSFULLY MANEUVER IT ONTO THE SHOULDER OF THE FREEWAY. WE HAD THE CAR TOWED HOME SINCE IT WOULD NO LONGER START, AND WHEN IT ARRIVED I NOTICED THE LARGE HOLE THAT HAD BEEN MADE INSIDE THE WHEEL WELL BY THE TREAD SEPARATION. THE TIRE STILL HAD PRESSURE, BUT AT THAT TIME I SAW THAT ABOUT HALF OF THE TREAD WAS COMPLETELY MISSING. SINCE THE FORD ESCORT HAS ITS FUEL CUTOUT SWITCH INSTALLED AGAINST THE PASSENGER-SIDE WHEEL WELL, I CHECKED TO SEE IF THAT HAD TRIPPED AND IT HAD. ONCE IT WAS RESET THE CAR WAS ABLE TO START AND THE ENGINE RAN NORMALLY. AS A RESULT OF THIS CATASTROPHIC TIRE FAILURE MY WIFE WAS PLACED IN AN INCREDIBLY DANGEROUS SITUATION, STRANDED ON THE ROAD, AND SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE WAS DONE TO OUR VEHICLE. IT IS MY UNDERSTANDING AS A FORMER AUTOMOTIVE ENGINEER THAT TIRE FAILURES OF THIS KIND ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE AND ANY TIRE THAT IS SUSCEPTIBLE TO THIS FAILURE MUST NOT BE USED. I HAVE REPLACED ALL 4 TIRES WITH NEW TIRES OF A DIFFERENT BRAND AND AM WORKING ON HAVING THE CAR REPAIRED. APPROXIMATELY 2 WEEKS PRIOR TO THIS EVENT I HAD CHECKED THE PRESSURE IN ALL 4 TIRES AND HAD INFLATED THEM JUST UNDER THE MAXIMUM LISTED ON THE SIDE OF THE TIRE (44 PSI). *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-10-10
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: FIRST MY ENGINE SEEMED TO OVERHEAT A BIT THEN EVERY ONCE IN A WHILE IT WOULD SOUND LIKE THE ENGINE WAS GRINDING ON SOMETHING AND WOULDN'T STOP.. SOUNDED LIKE A BUNCH OF CHAINS IN MY HOOD. BUT THEN ON OCCASIONS THE STUPID THING WOULDN'T SHUT OFF WHEN IT WAS MAKING THE CHAIN SOUND, EVEN WITH MY KEY OUT. IT JUST HAPPENED AGAIN AND NOW THE THING SMELLS LIKE SOMETHING IS BURNING AND I HAVE NO POWER WHAT SO EVER IN MY VEHICLE. BEFORE WHEN IT FINALLY SHUT OFF IT SOUNDED LIKE IT WAS ABOUT TO SPARK. THEN IT WAS MAKING A CLICKING NOISE THAT WASN'T COOL. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-06-14
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: I AM NOT SURE IF THIS IS THE CORRECT SECTION TO FILE THIS IN. I AM BEING UNSUCCESSFUL IN A CONTINUED EFFORT TO CORRECT A MALFUNCTION IN THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT SENSOR. I HAVE DONE ALL I KNOW TO CORRECT THIS MATTER INCLUDING CHANGING THE LIGHT BULB WITH NO SUCCESS. THIS MALFUNCTION IS CONTINUING TO CAUSE ME NOT TO PASS A SIMPLE SMOG TEST. IS THERE ANY RECORD OF THERE BEING A MANUFACTURE DEFECT TO THIS PART. *TR
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-01-11
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: 1FMDU34X7TU
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: 1996 FORD EXPLORER, 4X4. DRIVING IN DESERT WENT OVER A BUMP A LITTLE FAST, WHICH SET OFF MY AIRBAGS. MY RIDER IS IN THE HOSPITAL FOR BROKEN NOSE, CHEEK AND SOME KIND OF SMOKE INHALATION. MY WINDSHIELD IS BROKEN BECAUSE THE BAG HIT THE MIRROR WHICH THEN HIT THE WINDSHIELD. MY STEERING WHEEL IS DESTROYED, CRUISE CONTROL AND HORNS ARE OUT OF SERVICE. BEFORE I COULD DRIVE THE CAR AGAIN I HAD TO CUT THE AIRBAGS OUT. WHAT THE HELL IS THIS! NO DAMAGE TO THE CAR EXCEPT WHAT THE AIRBAGS DID. I WANT THIS ALL FIXED AT FORD'S EXPENSE. I HAVE HAD THIS CAR 10 YEARS WITH NO PROBLEMS EXCEPT; RECALLED TIRES, STEERING BARS AND BRAKES (ALL RECALL). *TR
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-11-10
- VIN: 4M2DV11W2TD
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: MY 1996 MERCURY VILLAGER DEVELOPED A FAILURE IN THE AIR FLOW SENSOR (PART $330) THAT RESULTED IN VEHICLE STALLS, INCLUDING STOPS ON THE HIGHWAY, THAT NEARLY RESULTED IN CRASHES. THE REQUIRED REPAIRS EXCEEDED $500. I KNOW FORD HAS A SIMILAR RECALL OUT NOW FOR THE 1997-2003 (/) MODELS). *TR
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-06-29
- Number Of Injuries: 2
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1FMDU34X0TZ
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: TIRE ON 2 CASES BLEW THE TREAD AND BELT, THE LATER OF THE TWO INCIDENCES WHICH RESULTED IN A CRASH THAT TOTALED THE VEHICLE, AND RESULTED IN TWO INJURIES TO BOTH THE DRIVER AND THE PASSENGER. BOTH NEEDED TO BE HOSPITALIZED.*AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1901-01-01
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: 1996 FORD ESCORT HAS HAD CYLINDER HEAD AND GASKET REPLACED FOUR TIMES. THE VEHICLE HAS LOW MILEAGE AND NOW IT'S JUST SITTING. **CC *NM
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-01-10
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: TIRE SEPARATION WITH CHUNKS OF TIRE GONE LEAVING RADIAL BELT EXPOSE. THIS IS THE SECOND TIRE, SAME COMPANY AND SAME TIRE THAT HAS SEPARATED. BOTH LEAVING LARGE AREAS OF RADIAL BELT EXPOSED. HAVE PICTURES. NO ACCIDENT NO INJURIES, DRIVING IN HEAVY TRAFFIC WHEN BOTH EVIDENTLY SEPARATED BASED ON NOISE AND SHAKING. *JB
WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-07-09
- Components: WHEELS
- Summary: 1996 FORD ESCORT'S LEFT FRONT WHEEL FELL OFF WHILE DRIVING. *TS THE LEFT FRONT QUARTER PANEL WAS DESTROYED AND THE FRONT BUMPER AND HOOD BUCKLED/DENTED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. *NM
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-12-20
- VIN: 2FMDA5148TB
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH WAS LEAKING FLUID. THERE IS A NHTSA RECALL ON OTHER FORD VEHICLES. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A SERVICE DEALER, THE REPAIR WERE MADE FOR A FEE. ALSO EVERY 25000 MILES, THE OIL PAN GASKET NEEDED TO BE CHANGED DUE A SMALL LEAK. THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. THIRD, THE EXHAUST AND INTAKE MANIFOLDS WERE LEAKING CAUSING A NOXIOUS SMELL INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO THE SAME SERVICE DEALER. THE DEALER REPLACED BOTH MANIFOLDS, AND DETERMINED THAT THERE WAS AN OIL LEAK DRIPPING ONTO THE EXHAUST SYSTEM.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-01-10
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: 3FASP11JXTR
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: THE AUTOMATIC SEAT BELT IN MY 1996 FORD ESCORT FAILED TO MOVE SEVERAL TIMES UPON OPENING THE DOOR. ON ONE OCCASION WHEN IT FAILED TO RELEASE I WENT TO GET UP UNDER IT WHEN IT MOVED FORWARD DRAGGING ME WITH IT AND INJURING MY NECK. *JB
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-06-02
- VIN: 1FASP11J3TW
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT RETRACTER DOES NOT RETRACT. *JB
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-05-12
- VIN: 3FASP11JXTR
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: THE HEAD LIGHT LENSES ON THE FRONT OF MY 96 FORD ESCORT FROM THE HEAT OF THE BULBS BEING EVENTUALLY START TO MELT I BELIEVE THIS IS A PROBLEM OF POOR QUALITY ON FORDS PART. *JB
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-12-11
- VIN: 2FALP74W1TX
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: ON SUNDAY DECEMBER 11, 2005 WHILE TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY I EXPIRED A SUDDEN SPIKE IN TEMPERATURE ON MY 1996 FORD CROWN VICTORIA. AFTER TAKING MY CAR TO A FORD DEALERSHIP I WAS INFORMED THAT MY "PLASTIC" INTAKE MANIFOLD HAD CRACKED. I HAVE RESEARCHED THE CURRENT INVESTIGATION AND HAD NEVER RECEIVED ANY SORT OF CUSTOMER NOTIFICATION FROM FORD. I HEARD ABOUT THE MANIFOLD ISSUE FROM A FELLOW EMPLOYEE. THE TOTAL COST OF REPAIRS FOR THIS FAULTY MANIFOLD WAS $978.00. I FEEL IF THEY KNEW THEY NEEDED TO UPDATE IT WITH AN ALUMINUM MANIFOLD THAN THEY KNEW THE PLASTIC ONES WERE FAULTY.*JB
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-02-01
- VIN: 1FASP15J0TW
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: THREE SEAT BELTS OF 5 IN MY 1996 FORD ESCORT DO NOT WORK. THE SPRINGS OF THE SHOULDER HARNESS OF THE TWO REAR SEAT BELTS DO NOT WORK. THE ESCORT WAS UNDER WARRANTY BUT FORD REFUSED TO FIX WITHOUT SUBSTANTIAL COST FOR THE PARTS BECAUSE SEAT BELTS WERE NO LONGER COVERED. THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE SHOULDER HARNESS MOTOR DOES NOT WORK PROPERLY, CAUSING THE SHOULDER HARNESS TO NOT BE IN A SAFE POSITION. NO INJURIES AT THIS POINT. IF THERE WAS AN ACCIDENT PASSENGERS AND DRIVER WOULD NOT BE ADEQUATELY PROTECTED BY SEAT BELTS. INCIDENT DATE BELOW IS APPROXIMATE DATE REAR SEAT BELTS FAILED. *JB
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-09-27
- VIN: 1FASP11JXTW
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: I DO NOT HAVE ANY EVENTS LEADING UP TO THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE CONSISTED OF MY SEAT BACK ON THE DRIVERS SIDE SNAPPING AT THE BASE. AFTER PULLING THE SEAT COVER OFF I NOTICED THAT THE STAINLESS STEEL FRAME ON THE SEAT COMPLETELY BROKE/SNAPPED ALLOWING THE SEAT TO FALL BACK UNCONTROLLABLY. I WAS DRIVING AT THE TIME AND ALMOST WRECKED. I REPLACED THE SEAT WITH A LIKE SEAT FROM A USED VEHICLE. *NM
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-06-03
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1FMEU15N8TL
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: ON 06/03/2005, A GOVERNMENT OWNED, 1996 FORD BRONCO, WAS OBSERVED ON FIRE WHILE PARKED IN A PARKING GARAGE. THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN TURNED OFF AND PARKED FOR APPROXIMATELY EIGHT HOURS WHEN THE FIRE OCCURRED. THE FIRE WAS OBSERVED AT THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE, AND BURNED FOR SEVERAL MINUTES BEFORE IT COULD BE EXTINGUISHED. THE FIRE WAS BELIEVED TO HAVE BEEN CAUSED BY THE CRUISE CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-05-23
- VIN: 1FALP62WXTH
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,EQUIPMENT
- Summary: INTAKE MANIFOLD WAS REPLACED ON 1996 THUNDERBIRD IN 2000. IT IS NOW CRACKED, AND AFTER SPENDING 550.00 TO FIND THAT OUT, THERE IS NOTHING FORD WILL DO EVEN THOUGH IT IS ON CAMPAIGN (97M91). NOW I CAN NOT DRIVE MY CAR.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-05-21
- VIN: 1FASP15J1TW
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: WE ARE THE OWNERS OF A 1996 FORD ESCORT WAGON VIN: [XXX]. WE HAVE BEEN THE ONLY OWNERS OF THIS VEHICLE. WE ARE WRITING TO COMPLAIN ABOUT THE FAILURE OF THE LAP SHOULDER SAFETY BELTS IN THE REAR SEAT ON BOTH SIDES. BOTH OF THE REAR LAP SHOULDER BELT RETRACTOR MECHANISMS HAVE FAILED WITHIN A SHORT TIME OF EACH OTHER. THIS MEANS THE SEAT BELTS WILL NO LONGER RETRACT OR PULL TIGHT WHEN SOMEONE TRIES TO USE THE REAR SEAT BELTS. THE REASON WE FEEL COMPELLED TO COMPLAIN ABOUT THIS FAILURE IS THAT UNTIL AROUND 9 MONTHS AGO, WE RARELY (A HANDFUL OF TIMES AT THE MOST) USED THE REAR LAP SHOULDER SEAT BELTS. IN AUGUST 2004 WE SWITCHED OUR SON'S CAR SEAT OVER TO A BOOSTER SEAT, MOVED THE SEAT FROM THE MIDDLE TO THE DRIVER'S SIDE AND STARTED USING THE LAP SHOULDER SAFETY BELT. IN EARLY NOVEMBER WE WERE FORCED TO MOVE OUR SON'S BOOSTER SEAT TO THE PASSENGER SIDE BECAUSE THE DRIVER'S SIDE BELT FAILED TO RETRACT AND WAS UNUSABLE. TODAY WE WERE DRIVING HOME IN OUR CAR WHEN WE HEARD A LOUD METALLIC NOISE FROM THE REAR OF THE CAR, AND WE NOTICED THAT THERE WAS SOMETHING WRONG WITH OUR SON'S LAP SHOULDER SEAT BELT. WHEN WE STOPPED TO SEE WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS WE DISCOVERED THAT THE SAME THING THAT HAPPENED TO THE DRIVER'S SIDE LAP SHOULDER SEAT BELT HAD HAPPENED TO THE PASSENGER SIDE ONE AS WELL. SO, IN THE NINE MONTHS SINCE WE SWITCHED OVER TO THE TWO POINT SYSTEM ON OUR SON'S BOOSTER SEAT, WHERE THE SEAT BELT WAS REGULARLY DEPLOYED AND RETRACTED, THE RETRACTOR MECHANISM HAS BROKEN ON BOTH SIDES. THIS SEEMS LIKE A SUSPICIOUSLY CONCURRENT EVENT. WE BELIEVE THE RETRACTOR MECHANISMS ON THE REAR SEAT BELTS WERE EITHER DEFECTIVE OR WERE INSTALLED INCORRECTLY WHEN OUR CAR WAS BUILT. BOTH MECHANISM BROKE WHILE THE SEAT BELT WAS ON OUR SON, NOT WHILE WE WERE PUTTING ON THE SEAT BELT. THE SEAT BELT WAS ALREADY BUCKLED AND IN PLACE WHEN THEY FAILED. *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-02-02
- VIN: 1FASP10J6TW
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR FAILURE AT APPROXIMATELY 86,000 MILES. SYSTEM FAILURE CREATES A SAFETY HAZARD IN EVENT OF CRASH. *JB
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-07-22
- VIN: 1FASP15J7TW
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: THE FRONT AUTOMATIC SEAT BELTS FAILED TO RETRACT FULLY, AND THE REAR SEAT BELTS FAILED TO RETRACT AT ALL. THIS MADE IT IMPOSSIBLE TO RESTRAINT THE OCCUPANTS OR A CHILD SAFETY SEAT. *AK *NM
1996 Ford Escort recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1996 Ford Escort.
- Manufacturer: PRO-A MOTORS, INC.
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
- Consequence: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
- Remedy: PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.
Negative 1996 Ford Escort car reviews
Positive 1996 Ford Escort car reviews
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After ending up with the last car I thought I'd ever want (a '96 Ford Escort), I have been more than surprised at the reliability of this car! When I first bought it (with 73K miles), I took two long road trips half way across the country and back without incident! The gas mileage was great and the ride wasn't bad!
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I bought my Escort brand new over 10 years ago and it only had 76 miles on it. After the initial nitpicking during the warranty period, it has performed well and still gets over 30 mpg. I have done some repairs myself, such as replacing the struts, heater core, radiator, and timing belt (twice), but parts are cheap for this car. With 172,000 miles on it, I have never doubted its reliability. This car has been a big part of my life and has sentimental value to me. The only thing I regret is choosing the sunset red (pink) color, which was cool at the time but not so much now.
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You have an amazing car! It has been with you for two years and has never given you any problems. The AC and heat are phenomenal, and the gas mileage is great. You even drove it through two bad winters and it still never failed. It's understandable that you don't want to sell it. Your father urged you to purchase a brand new car after you graduated college, but you're afraid it won't be as reliable as this one. It's always hard to let go of something that has been so dependable.
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Congratulations on your purchase of a used 1996 Escort! With only 40,000 miles, it sounds like you got a great deal on a reliable car that will take you places. I've noticed a lot of elderly people driving around in similar subcompacts, which is a testament to their durability and longevity. You made a wise choice and I'm sure your Escort will last you for many years to come. If anyone is looking for a great car, I highly recommend the 96 Escort. It's a classic with great mileage, a sleek design, and easy maintenance.
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This car is the best on gas, with cheap parts that are easy to fix. I love my Ford Escort and don't need a new car.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1996 Ford Escort problems:
Common problems on 1.9L 2nd gen Escorts? | FEOA Forums
Sep 30, 2009 ... Common problems on 1.9L 2nd gen Escorts? ... 94' Ford Escort LX. Mods: Front strut tower ... This one? 1995 LX wagon, w/'96 engine, transmission, ...
Ford Escort Automatic Transmission: Q&A on Common Problems
Nov 13, 2007 ... The most common failure in this transmission is the 2-4 band which is used to acquire 2nd and 4th gears. Also a failed shift solenoid 1 can ...
1996 ford escort no spark problem | FEOA Forums
Sep 12, 2006 ... Follow the ground wire from the battery, if the ground is bad to the frame that's your problem, my '97 did this because the ground at the body ...
1996 Ford Escort Problems and Complaints - 6 Issues
Top 1996 Ford Escort Problems · The Constant Control Relay Module May Fail · Valve Seats on Cylinder Head May Fall Out and Cause Rough Running/Noise.
Q&A: 1996 Ford Escort 1.8 Zetec Engine - Expert Answers
Nov 21, 2008 ... this is one of the most common problems on zetec engined escorts, the fault is with the idle speed control valve, (ISCV) over time it ...
Other years of Ford Escort
Are you having problems with your 1996 Ford Escort?
Shaun Leuschke 2024-11-28
Hi there! I noticed some people have been writing positive things about the escort, but I have to say my experience was quite different. Unfortunately, it was the worst car I have ever owned. Despite taking good care of it and doing regular maintenance, I had problem after problem after problem. Eventually, the engine gave out at just 85,000 miles. I spoke with some mechanics and they told me that this is just how the Ford engine is made, not to last. Thanks for listening to my experience!
Johnathon Haag 2024-11-17
This car won't die. It has had a few minor, expectable problems such as brakes, tires, battery, etc. But the engine is tough, the mileage is great, and it has never missed a start in its 8 years of life. I am now looking for another one for my son, same year. I know what to expect from the Escort.
Wiley Beer 2024-11-01
I'm so glad to hear that your purchase has been such a reliable one! It's great to know that even after three years, you haven't had any major issues with it, aside from regular oil changes and basic maintenance.
Rogers Rogahn 2024-10-08
I have owned the car for 5.5 years and have driven it for 100,000 miles. Despite encountering some issues in the past 2 years, I have invested over $3,000 in maintenance to keep it running. However, the car still does not perform optimally. While it has served me well, it appears to be reaching the end of its lifespan.
Neil DuBuque 2024-08-17
The 1.9 engine has been known to have some reliability issues. In my experience, I had to have the heads rebuilt at 70,000 miles and the entire engine blew at 80,000 miles. Unfortunately, it seems that many others have reported similar issues with the heads as early as 50,000 miles, but Ford has not taken any action to address the problem. It may be worth considering other options, such as a Honda.