1984 Ford Escort Problems
- Complaints
- 21filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 5,000miles, 1 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 3campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 25 mpgcombined, 1.6L 4-cyl · 22 city / 30 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1984 Ford Escort (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 21 consumer complaints for the 1984 Ford Escort. The part named most often is electrical system, with 11 complaints (52% of the total), followed by engine cooling (5) and seat belts (4). 1 of the complaints include a mileage, and 100% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 5,000 miles. Of all complaints, 8 a fire, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns and 0 technical service bulletins for this model year. Electrical system complaints overlap with 1 NHTSA investigation filed under the same part. Engine cooling complaints overlap with 1 recall campaign and 2 NHTSA investigations filed under the same part.
This model year has fewer than 25 complaints on record, so the numbers below can change a lot with a few new reports.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Electrical system11 52%
- Engine cooling5 24%
- Seat belts4 19%
- Brakes1 4.8%
- Fuel system1 4.8%
Example complaints
Electrical system: “While driving vehicle it just stopped running withoutwarning. Consumer took vehicle to dealer, and they stated it was the ignition. When the tfi overheated it caused the vehicle to stop running. Also, driver's side seatbelt will not connect. Passenger's side seatback broke and will not go up. Please provide any further information.”
NHTSA complaint #896014, filed 2001-09Engine cooling: “Nhtsa recall# 09v095000/ manufacturer's recall 89s66. Consumer got a recall notice on vehicle, and dealer didn't have parts. Also, dealer will put another engine in consumer's vehicle, but consumer had to pay 1300.00 out of pocket for exhaust that goes with engine.”
NHTSA complaint #895921, filed 2001-09Brakes: “Vacuum pump (brakes) housing is broken and pump does not work. Contacted Ford in sept 2001 but have had no success in them helping to locate this part. No salvage yard or auto parts store has it. Car is in very good condition but it would be very dangerous to drive with brakes in this condition.”
NHTSA complaint #10002682, filed 2003-01Mileage when problems were reported
100% of the 1 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 5,000 and 5,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 1984 Ford Escort version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Escort | 1.6L 4-cyl | 4-speed manual | 28 | 39 | 32 | $2,100 |
| Escort | 1.6L 4-cyl | 4-speed manual | 23 | 32 | 27 | $2,500 |
| Escort | 1.6L 4-cyl | 4-speed manual | 23 | 31 | 26 | $2,600 |
| Escort | 1.6L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 22 | 30 | 25 | $2,700 |
| Escort | 1.6L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 21 | 31 | 25 | $2,700 |
| Escort | 1.6L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 21 | 29 | 24 | $2,800 |
| Escort | 1.6L 4-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 21 | 27 | 24 | $2,800 |
| Escort | 1.6L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 21 | 30 | 24 | $2,800 |
| Escort | 1.6L 4-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 21 | 26 | 23 | $2,900 |
| Escort | 2.0L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 35 | 47 | 39 | $2,450 |
| Escort | 2.0L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 31 | 39 | 34 | $2,800 |
| Escort Wagon | 1.6L 4-cyl | 4-speed manual | 23 | 31 | 26 | $2,600 |
| Escort Wagon | 1.6L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 22 | 30 | 25 | $2,700 |
| Escort Wagon | 1.6L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 21 | 31 | 25 | $2,700 |
4 more EPA-rated versions are not shown.
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 89V095000Jun 12, 1989Engine and engine cooling › EngineCovers: Ford Escort 1984–1985, Mercury Lynx 1984–1985, Ford EXP 1984
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.
- 84V123000Oct 10, 1984Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsCovers: Ford Escort 1984, Mercury Lynx 1984
The brake line may be positioned too close to an engine bracket. Normal engine movements may cause the bracket to rub against the brake line.
- 83V134000Dec 20, 1983Seat belts › Front › AnchorageCovers: Ford Escort 1984, Mercury Marquis 1984, Ford Bronco II 1984 +15 more
The bolts that attach the d-shaped ring for the shoulder belt are inadequately supported by the material in which they are mounted. The attachment does not comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 210, "seat belt assembly…
Recall details for the 1984 Ford Escort → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
- EA88038Rear safety belt fitClosed · Aug 29, 1988
- DP88007Rear seat belt complianceClosed · Jan 11, 1988
- PE87028STALLINGClosed · May 1, 1987
- EA87005FIRESClosed · Dec 1, 1986
- DP86016STALLINGClosed · Jul 24, 1986
Technical service bulletins
No technical service bulletins are on record for the 1984 Ford Escort.
Other model years of the Ford Escort
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 10 | 18,785 | 0 | — | 25 | — | Not enough data |
| 2002 | 33 | 51,600 | 0 | — | 26 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2001 | 68 | 40,600 | 0 | — | 26 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2000 | 98 | 57,810 | 1 | — | 26 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1999 | 325 | 67,856 | 1 | — | 25 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1998 | 375 | 75,000 | 0 | — | 25 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1997 | 543 | 78,000 | 1 | — | 28 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1996 | 205 | 86,000 | 0 | — | 25 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1995 | 576 | 99,650 | 4 | — | 26 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1994 | 279 | 82,937 | 1 | — | 26 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1993 | 379 | 82,170 | 1 | — | 25 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1992 | 162 | 111,000 | 2 | — | 26 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1991 | 327 | 128,375 | 3 | — | 25 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1990 | 101 | 79,893 | 2 | — | 27 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1989 | 152 | 100,000 | 1 | — | 27 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1988 | 143 | 67,000 | 2 | — | 28 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1987 | 56 | — | 3 | — | 28 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1986 | 45 | 80,150 | 2 | — | 26 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1985 | 26 | 75,000 | 3 | — | 26 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1984 | 21 | 5,000 | 3 | — | 25 | — | Stable |
| 1983 | 7 | — | 5 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
All Ford Escort model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1984 Ford Escort have?
NHTSA recorded 21 consumer complaints for the 1984 Ford Escort as of Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1984 Ford Escort is reported most often?
Electrical system is named most often, in 11 complaints (52% of the total), followed by engine cooling with 5.
Has the 1984 Ford Escort been recalled?
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 1984 Ford Escort get?
The EPA rates the 1984 Ford Escort (Escort, 1.6L 4-cyl) at 25 mpg combined, 22 city and 30 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,700 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 1984 Ford Escort reported?
Among the 1 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 5,000 miles and the middle half falls between 5,000 and 5,000 miles; 100% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.