1986 Ford Escort Problems
- Complaints
- 45filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 80,150miles, 1 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 2campaigns 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
- 26 mpgcombined, 1.9L 4-cyl FWD · 23 city / 31 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1986 Ford Escort (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 45 consumer complaints for the 1986 Ford Escort. The part named most often is electrical system, with 19 complaints (42% of the total), followed by engine cooling (9) and body and structure (6). 1 of the complaints include a mileage, and 0% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 80,150 miles. Of all complaints, 2 involved a crash, 18 a fire, 3 an injury, 1 a death, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 2 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 NHTSA investigation filed under the same part.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
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 system19 42%
- Engine cooling9 20%
- Body and structure6 13%
- Exterior lighting2 4.4%
- Other or unknown2 4.4%
- Vehicle speed control2 4.4%
- Brakes1 2.2%
- Equipment1 2.2%
- Fuel system1 2.2%
Also reported: Seat belts (1), Steering (1), Suspension (1), Transmission and drivetrain (1).
Example complaints
Electrical system: “Several times over the last few months while driving with the engine temperature in the normal range on the freeway traveling at between 70-75 MPH the engine stalls and will not restart. When pulled to the side of the road after looking under the hood and removing the timing plug and allowing the ignition module to cool for about 5 minutes the engine restarts. The engine will not restart without removing the timing plug. I have replaced the ignition module and the ignition module pickup with original factory replacement parts. …”
NHTSA complaint #10007035, filed 2000-10, 80,150 milesEngine cooling: “I am writing you today about a situation that occurred july 3rd 1986 in morton grove illinois at 11:52p.m. I am the mother of a 2 year old that was burned to death in a 1986 Ford Escort that was not on in the parking lot of a grocery store. Yes it has been over 20 years, but during the course of this time I have not been able to get anyone to listen to my story. Well, this particular car was a rental from budget rental in glenview illinois and we were on a family outing. All was well and then we stopped off to get some fire works. I could only afford smoke bombs and sparkles. …”
NHTSA complaint #10236821, filed 2008-08Mileage when problems were reported
0% of the 1 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 80,150 and 80,150 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 1986 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 FWD | 1.9L 4-cyl | 4-speed manual | 26 | 35 | 29 | $2,300 |
| Escort FWD | 1.9L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 23 | 31 | 26 | $2,600 |
| Escort FWD | 1.9L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 21 | 29 | 24 | $2,800 |
| Escort FWD | 1.9L 4-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 21 | 26 | 23 | $2,900 |
| Escort FWD | 1.9L 4-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 19 | 26 | 22 | $3,050 |
| Escort Wagon FWD | 1.9L 4-cyl | 4-speed manual | 26 | 35 | 29 | $2,300 |
| Escort Wagon FWD | 1.9L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 23 | 31 | 26 | $2,600 |
| Escort Wagon FWD | 1.9L 4-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 21 | 26 | 23 | $2,900 |
| Escort FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl · diesel | 5-speed manual | 31 | 39 | 34 | $2,800 |
| Escort FS FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl · diesel | 5-speed manual | 34 | 44 | 38 | $2,500 |
| Escort Wagon FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl · diesel | 5-speed manual | 31 | 39 | 34 | $2,800 |
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
- 89V170000Oct 13, 1989SeatsCovers: Ford Escort 1985–1987, Mercury Lynx 1985–1987
The forward outboard pedestal of the seat track of driver's seat may be susceptible to fatigue fracture.
- 87V139000Sep 4, 1987Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsCovers: Ford Escort 1986–1988, Lincoln Town CAR 1986–1988, Mark VII 1986–1988 +18 more
Spring lock fuel line coupling may not be properly engaged.
Recall details for the 1986 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
- EA87023SEAT TRACKSClosed · Sep 24, 1987
- PE87028STALLINGClosed · May 1, 1987
- PE87026Seat track failureClosed · Apr 28, 1987
Technical service bulletins
No technical service bulletins are on record for the 1986 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 1986 Ford Escort have?
NHTSA recorded 45 consumer complaints for the 1986 Ford Escort as of Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1986 Ford Escort is reported most often?
Electrical system is named most often, in 19 complaints (42% of the total), followed by engine cooling with 9.
Has the 1986 Ford Escort been recalled?
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 1986 Ford Escort get?
The EPA rates the 1986 Ford Escort (Escort, 1.9L 4-cyl) at 26 mpg combined, 23 city and 31 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,600 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 1986 Ford Escort reported?
Among the 1 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 80,150 miles and the middle half falls between 80,150 and 80,150 miles; 0% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 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.