1987 Ford Escort Problems

What owners report

The most common complaints for this 1987 Ford Escort involve ignition switches that melt, short, or smoke, with fires and lost power reported in some cases. Stalling while driving, with long waits before restarting, is also frequent, and several complaints describe recall, warranty, or parts help that was unavailable or unsatisfactory. No mileage is listed in these reports, which were filed between the mid-1990s and late 2000s.

1. 1
   Electrical system

   Ignition switch overheating and electrical fires

   • 32 complaints (57%)
   • typically at 9.5 yrs old
   • 25 mention a crash, fire or injury
   • filed 1996–2002

   Owners describe ignition switches that melted, shorted, or smoked, sometimes with a loss of power, a hot key, or a failure to start. Several complaints describe fires that started under the dashboard or from burned ignition wiring, and in another the engine kept running after shutoff before a fire began. According to complaints, a mechanic found an ignition switch melted and replaced it, and in other cases a key switch and harness were replaced after burning. No mileage is listed, and the reports describe problems that happened while driving, while parked, or after the engine was turned off.

   What to check: Check the ignition switch, key area, and wiring for heat damage, discoloration, or melted plastic, and ask whether the ignition switch was replaced on this vehicle. Confirm the VIN against recall records, since a complaint says a recall did not include the vehicle.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “The vehicle caught on fire from underneath the dashboard while parked. Vehicle was parked for about an hour, consumer got into vehicle and started it, and was driving home which is about a mile from the parked starting point, consumer then noticed a light from under the dashboard, as consumer turned into driveway the headlights went out, and then the lights began to flickering, and then the fire began, consumer went to get water but did not help.”

   NHTSA complaint #984884, filed 1996-05

   “Consumer states that she was driving vehicle and after she turned the car off the engine was still running and within (5) minutes after that the car was on fire due to a short in the ignition switch.”

   NHTSA complaint #802019, filed 1996-09
2. 2
   Electrical system

   Stalling while driving and long restart waits

   • 10 complaints (18%)
   • typically at 13.8 yrs old
   • 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
   • filed 1996–2001

   Owners describe the engine stopping while driving at any speed, sometimes after about ten to twelve miles, and in some cases waiting about 45 minutes to two hours before it restarts. Several complaints tie the stalls to a module, such as a PFI module, a GPD module, or an ignition switch module, and describe modules being replaced, sometimes more than once. According to complaints, a throttle position sensor was replaced twice without ending a very high idle that could stall the car when braking, and warranty coverage was declined after repeated module replacements. No mileage is listed, and the text describes stalls while driving and while braking to a stop, and a report says the idle problem is worse in rain or snow.

   What to check: Ask whether the engine or ignition modules have been replaced, and whether any stalling has returned after repairs. On a test drive, watch the idle speed when slowing to a stop and confirm the engine restarts normally after a short shutdown.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “When driving for 10-12 miles vehicle will stall out completely , feels as though turning off ignition. Consumer must wait about 45 minutes before can be restarted. Consumer contacted a mechanic, and reprogrammed computer, but defect occurred immediately after. Will contact mechanic again.”

   NHTSA complaint #890578, filed 2001-06

   “Consumer states since purchasing vehicle, this is fourth module part that has been replaced, consumer states that when the module gpd goes out it causes vehicle to stall while driving, consumer states manufacturer and dealership not willing to honor warranty.”

   NHTSA complaint #561867, filed 2001-07
3. 3
   Electrical system

   Recall, warranty and parts help not available

   • 7 complaints (13%)
   • typically at 10.0 yrs old
   • 4 mention a crash, fire or injury
   • filed 1996–2003

   Owners describe recalls that did not include their vehicle because of its VIN, and warranty coverage that was declined after repeated module replacements. Others say replacement seat belt parts for an older model were not available from Ford, and that a dealer asked for payment before a broken front seat latch would be addressed. An owner says the response to an earlier claim was not satisfactory and sought outside legal help to speed it up. No mileage is listed, and some reports involve repeated repairs since the vehicle was bought.

   What to check: Look up the VIN in NHTSA recall records, since a recall may not cover every vehicle from the same model. Ask whether any warranty or recall repairs remain open, and whether replacement seat belt or seat latch parts are still available.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “Nar 3-10-03 in reference to a previous claim, requesting assistance from NHTSA. However, action made wasn't satisfactory so now the consumer is there seeking legal assistance to expedite his claim.”

   NHTSA complaint #10011771, filed 2003-03

   “Ford should carry seat belt parts for older model vehicles pertaining to safety or have another manufacturer where parts could be located. Contacted Ford, and they did not have the parts.”

   NHTSA complaint #893086, filed 2001-07

Buying note. Before buying, check the VIN against NHTSA recall records and ask whether the ignition switch has been replaced, since complaints describe heat damage and fires. A test drive and a pre-purchase inspection of the ignition switch, key area, and wiring can help show whether these problems are present.

Summary written with AI from a sample of 21 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.