1994 Ford Escort Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 22about this part
- Share
- 8%of 279 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 22 complaints about the brakes of the 1994 Ford Escort, 8% of the 279 complaints for this model year. 3 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“This vehicle has totally inadequate brakes. This is the only non-ABS car I have ever owned where the brakes cannot be locked upintentionally at any speed. I have taken the car to a dealer on two occasions and all they did was bleed and clean the brakes. I have had brake pads and shoes replaced, the entire hydraulic system bled, new master cylinder installed, pedal and booster clearances checked. Nothing makes a difference. I have seen from your other defect reports that there is a 'revised power booster and master cylinder' available. …”
NHTSA complaint #700797, filed 1998-11“While vehicle was parked and without warning ignition started to crank, causing ignition switch to melt. Dealer found faulty ignition switch caused malfunction to burn wire on starter solenoid off causing car to turnover by itself. Brake calipers, alternator, two air conditioner power hoses, master cylinder, starter and tires (tire information unknown) had to be replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #8013315, filed 2002-07“While applying the brakes pedal went to the floor. Consumer was unable to maintain control of the vehicle,it and hit another vehicle from the driver's side. No injuries reported. Consumer took vehicle to dealer for inspection, and mechanic could not duplicate the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10095444, filed 2004-10“The consumer has been experiencing problems with rear coil springs. Rear coil springs broke. Also, while driving, the brake lights illuminate consistently. In addition, the consumer has to start applying brakes at a long distance from the destination desired to stop.”
NHTSA complaint #829546, filed 1998-10“The manifold to the air conditioner blew off while driving. Also power steering went out and, there were no brakes while driving at 65 MPH. Consumer was able to pull over safely.”
NHTSA complaint #835852, filed 1999-03Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 2 | 20% |
| 2002 | 4 | 12% |
| 2001 | 5 | 7% |
| 2000 | 10 | 10% |
| 1999 | 25 | 8% |
| 1998 | 35 | 9% |
| 1997 | 42 | 8% |
| 1996 | 11 | 5% |
| 1995 | 27 | 5% |
| 1994 | 22 | 8% |
| 1993 | 36 | 10% |
| 1992 | 12 | 7% |
| 1991 | 9 | 3% |
| 1990 | 3 | 3% |
| 1989 | 4 | 3% |
| 1988 | 2 | 1% |
| 1986 | 1 | 2% |
| 1985 | 1 | 4% |
| 1984 | 1 | 5% |
| 1983 | 2 | 29% |
Other parts of the 1994 Ford Escort
79 complaintsAir bags
54 complaintsElectrical system
30 complaintsEngine cooling
30 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
19 complaintsSuspension
18 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
14 complaintsSteering
11 complaintsFuel system
8 complaintsSeats
6 complaintsTires
6 complaintsVehicle speed control
6 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1994 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