1988 Ford Escort Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 11about this part
- Share
- 8%of 143 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 11 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 1988 Ford Escort, 8% of the 143 complaints for this model year. 2 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.
“Recall performed on ignition switch. Immediately after the recall was performed the low beam headlights failed to come on. Dealer stated that it could not not be related. The Ford tech that did the replacement disturbed other areas in the steering column causing the failure. He/she failed to connect everything in the column.”
NHTSA complaint #731791, filed 2000-09“Light dimmer switch overloads and lights turn off. When using driving lights, they can only be turned on for about 5 to 8 minutes before headlights begin to blink on and off. With continuing use the lights will go completely off, leaving driver in the dark. In addition, fog lights malfunctioned.”
NHTSA complaint #534191, filed 1998-04“When headlights are on taillights will not work. When moving switch tail lights will work, but headlights wii not. This is the third switch. Contacted dealer, and dealer will replace switch at consumer's expense.”
NHTSA complaint #6900676, filed 2001-12“The headlight switch has been replaced about 4 times in the last 3 years. It looks like it is due to excessive heat or an electrical short in the wire connectors. The dimmer switch located inside the steering column has been replaced twice in the last year due to the same problem. The connectors to the headlight switch and the dimmer switch have turned brown due to the excessive heat and melting of the plastic connectors. After the headlight switch is replaced, the headlights work for about 4-6 months until they begin to short out, and intermittently flicker. …”
NHTSA complaint #718000, filed 2000-01Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 1 | 3% |
| 2001 | 1 | 1% |
| 2000 | 2 | 2% |
| 1999 | 12 | 4% |
| 1998 | 3 | 1% |
| 1997 | 12 | 2% |
| 1996 | 1 | 0% |
| 1995 | 12 | 2% |
| 1994 | 5 | 2% |
| 1993 | 5 | 1% |
| 1992 | 8 | 5% |
| 1991 | 16 | 5% |
| 1989 | 9 | 6% |
| 1988 | 11 | 8% |
| 1986 | 2 | 4% |
| 1985 | 1 | 4% |
Other parts of the 1988 Ford Escort
75 complaintsEngine cooling
21 complaintsSeat belts
17 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 31, 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