1985 Ford Escort Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 19%of 26 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 75,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the engine cooling of the 1985 Ford Escort, 19% of the 26 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 75,000 miles. 2 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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. Exhaust, ignition switch, alternator, volt regulator, ignition distributor and coil replaced however fumes were still prominent.”
NHTSA complaint #8015102, filed 2002-07, 75,000 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #723533, filed 2000-06Related recalls
- 89V095000Jun 12, 1989External 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.Covers: Ford Escort 1984–1985, Mercury Lynx 1984–1985, Ford EXP 1984
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 2 | 20% |
| 2002 | 11 | 33% |
| 2001 | 12 | 18% |
| 2000 | 21 | 21% |
| 1999 | 62 | 19% |
| 1998 | 49 | 13% |
| 1997 | 66 | 12% |
| 1996 | 30 | 15% |
| 1995 | 54 | 9% |
| 1994 | 30 | 11% |
| 1993 | 33 | 9% |
| 1992 | 15 | 9% |
| 1991 | 17 | 5% |
| 1990 | 12 | 12% |
| 1989 | 22 | 14% |
| 1988 | 21 | 15% |
| 1987 | 12 | 21% |
| 1986 | 9 | 20% |
| 1985 | 5 | 19% |
| 1984 | 5 | 24% |
Other parts of the 1985 Ford Escort
9 complaintsFuel system
4 complaintsSeat belts
3 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
3 complaintsAir bags
1 complaintsBrakes
1 complaintsExterior lighting
1 complaintsSeats
1 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1985 Ford Escort
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology