1987 Ford Escort Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 28about this part
- Share
- 50%of 56 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 28 complaints about the electrical system of the 1987 Ford Escort, 50% of the 56 complaints for this model year. 19 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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“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“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 1996-09Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 2 | 6% |
| 2001 | 5 | 7% |
| 2000 | 5 | 5% |
| 1999 | 39 | 12% |
| 1998 | 43 | 11% |
| 1997 | 114 | 21% |
| 1996 | 14 | 7% |
| 1995 | 48 | 8% |
| 1994 | 30 | 11% |
| 1993 | 40 | 11% |
| 1992 | 36 | 22% |
| 1991 | 104 | 32% |
| 1990 | 46 | 46% |
| 1989 | 64 | 42% |
| 1988 | 75 | 52% |
| 1987 | 28 | 50% |
| 1986 | 19 | 42% |
| 1985 | 9 | 35% |
| 1984 | 11 | 52% |
| 1983 | 2 | 29% |
Other parts of the 1987 Ford Escort
12 complaintsSeat belts
3 complaintsSteering
3 complaintsSuspension
3 complaintsEquipment
2 complaintsFuel system
2 complaintsSeats
2 complaintsWheels
2 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
1 complaintsVehicle speed control
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1987 Ford Escort
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.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology