1988 Ford Escort Fuel system Problems
- Complaints
- 9about this part
- Share
- 6%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 9 complaints about the fuel system of the 1988 Ford Escort, 6% of the 143 complaints for this model year. 4 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
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.
“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 2000-10“Vehicle may not start at times. Sometimes fuel pump won't work, ignition switch is faulty, and sometimes switch sticks in on position instead of returing to right position.”
NHTSA complaint #877083, filed 2000-12Related recalls
- 87V139000Sep 4, 1987Spring lock fuel line coupling may not be properly engaged.Covers: Ford Escort 1986–1988, Lincoln Town CAR 1986–1988, Mark VII 1986–1988 +18 more
Fuel system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2001 | 2 | 3% |
| 2000 | 2 | 2% |
| 1999 | 13 | 4% |
| 1998 | 22 | 6% |
| 1997 | 16 | 3% |
| 1996 | 11 | 5% |
| 1995 | 140 | 24% |
| 1994 | 8 | 3% |
| 1993 | 49 | 13% |
| 1992 | 37 | 23% |
| 1991 | 61 | 19% |
| 1990 | 9 | 9% |
| 1989 | 12 | 8% |
| 1988 | 9 | 6% |
| 1987 | 2 | 4% |
| 1986 | 1 | 2% |
| 1985 | 4 | 15% |
| 1984 | 1 | 5% |
| 1983 | 1 | 14% |
Other parts of the 1988 Ford Escort
75 complaintsEngine cooling
21 complaintsSeat belts
17 complaintsExterior lighting
11 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