1988 Ford Escort Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 21about this part
- Share
- 15%of 143 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 67,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 21 complaints about the engine cooling of the 1988 Ford Escort, 15% of the 143 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 67,000 miles. 8 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Car has been stalling regardless of speed. Took to mechanic to determine problem. Mechanic has (so far) identified bad head gasket. I am second owner of this vehicle and it has only 67,000 miles on it. Very few miles for an expensive head gasket repair!!”
NHTSA complaint #10041201, filed 2003-10, 67,000 miles“Knocking noise in the engine began - dealer contacted and stated noise probably due to bent rod. Knock seems to lessen during cold weather and when oil is serviced. Windshield wipers stop intermittently during operation. Replaced the wiper motor - problem still exists.”
NHTSA complaint #746535, filed 2001-06“The consumer has experienced problems with engine. Vehicle caught on fire while it was parked outside of consumer's house. The fire department came to the scene and determined that the fire was caused by a defect in the engine. The manufacturer has yet to be contacted.”
NHTSA complaint #831474, filed 1998-12“Radiator cooling fan malfunctioned while driving, causing wire harness to catch on fire, and blow the fuseable link that shuts fuel pump off. This completely caused vehicle to shut down. Ford has been contacted.”
NHTSA complaint #871994, filed 2000-10Engine 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 1988 Ford Escort
75 complaintsSeat belts
17 complaintsExterior lighting
11 complaintsFuel system
9 complaintsSteering
9 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
7 complaintsSuspension
5 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
4 complaintsOther or unknown
3 complaintsSeats
3 complaintsBody and structure
3 complaintsVehicle speed control
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1988 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