1988 Ford Escort Steering 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 steering of the 1988 Ford Escort, 6% of the 143 complaints for this model year. 1 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.
“Steering wheel retainer bolt will work its way out, causing steering column to be moveable. Tsb has been issued for redesigned bolt. Consumer failed safety inspection due to this defect.”
NHTSA complaint #855315, filed 2000-02“The rack and pinion steering came lose . Consumer states she was driving and then stopped at a stop sign as she was about to pull off to vross the street vehicle would not fo anywhere, consumer checked the emergency brake and it was down so she tried to give it some gas and turned the steering wheel toward the left and the vehicle went to the right, finally consumer got out of the vehicle because there were trucks coming toward her, so vehicle had to be pushed to the side of the road, consumer also had to gt starter replaced prior to this incident.”
NHTSA complaint #987264, filed 1996-07“While turning smoke came from underneath. Fluid ran onto hot catalytic converter. Service manager states rack and pinion and could have caused fire. Tt”
NHTSA complaint #959227, filed 1995-01Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 3 | 9% |
| 2001 | 5 | 7% |
| 2000 | 4 | 4% |
| 1999 | 16 | 5% |
| 1998 | 17 | 5% |
| 1997 | 22 | 4% |
| 1996 | 10 | 5% |
| 1995 | 19 | 3% |
| 1994 | 11 | 4% |
| 1993 | 13 | 3% |
| 1992 | 4 | 2% |
| 1991 | 12 | 4% |
| 1990 | 5 | 5% |
| 1989 | 7 | 5% |
| 1988 | 9 | 6% |
| 1987 | 3 | 5% |
| 1986 | 1 | 2% |
Other parts of the 1988 Ford Escort
75 complaintsEngine cooling
21 complaintsSeat belts
17 complaintsExterior lighting
11 complaintsFuel system
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 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