1986 Ford Escort Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 9about this part
- Share
- 20%of 45 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the engine cooling of the 1986 Ford Escort, 20% of the 45 complaints for this model year. 6 a fire, according to the filers.
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.
“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 2008-08“Consumer became ill from the fumes that emitted from the heater/AC system. The vehicle was recalled for the heater/radiator system however the consumer remained ill.”
NHTSA complaint #10068586, filed 2004-04Engine 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 1986 Ford Escort
19 complaintsBody and structure
6 complaintsExterior lighting
2 complaintsOther or unknown
2 complaintsVehicle speed control
2 complaintsBrakes
1 complaintsEquipment
1 complaintsFuel system
1 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
1 complaintsSeat belts
1 complaintsSteering
1 complaintsSuspension
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1986 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