1996 Ford Escort Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 11about this part
- Share
- 5%of 205 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 brakes of the 1996 Ford Escort, 5% of the 205 complaints for this model year. 1 of these say a crash was involved, 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.
“Upon applying force to the brake pedal the brake pedal goes to the floor, brakes fade away, extended stopping distance. Consumer also states after pumping the brake pedal consumer noticed filling in the pedal. Consumer has contacted the dealer.”
NHTSA complaint #808088, filed 1997-01“Brakes: intermittent brake loss, brakes failed when driving at 15mph and attempting to stop, and there were no brakes. Car has been in shop approximately five times. Last time a master cylinder was put in ,but the problem is still there.”
NHTSA complaint #817410, filed 1997-10“The right and left front brake calipers malfunctioned, causing the rotors to be warped and the braking system to fail. Dealer replaced rotors, problem is still reoccurring. Dealer cannot determine problem.”
NHTSA complaint #824886, filed 1998-07“Theere is a loud cracking noise coming from the steering gear. Also, consumer is having problem with brakes, and the vehicle has been in the shop two times. Dealer can't determine the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #829798, filed 1998-12“Consumer has been experiencing brake problems. Vehicle has been to the dealer for repair 8 times/for replacement of the brake drum and the rotor on the right rear.”
NHTSA complaint #817028, filed 1997-10Brakes: 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 1996 Ford Escort
77 complaintsEngine cooling
30 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
19 complaintsAir bags
18 complaintsElectrical system
14 complaintsSuspension
13 complaintsFuel system
11 complaintsSteering
10 complaintsOther or unknown
6 complaintsVehicle speed control
5 complaintsSeats
4 complaintsBody and structure
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1996 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