1996 Ford Escort Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 14about this part
- Share
- 7%of 205 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 51,367miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 14 complaints about the electrical system of the 1996 Ford Escort, 7% of the 205 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 51,367 miles. 6 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.
“I am not sure if this is the correct section to file this in. I am being unsuccessful in a continued effort to correct a malfunction in the check engine light sensor. I have done all I know to correct this matter including changing the light bulb with no success. This malfunction is continuing to cause me not to pass a simple smog test. Is there any record of there being a manufacture defect to this part.”
NHTSA complaint #10231921, filed 2008-06, 20,734 miles“Spontaneous vehicle combustion: y 1996 Ford Escort was stuck 3 hrs. In traffic jam on major nassau county, ny route in middle of snow storm. Fire started from engine compartment, spreading to dashboard. Had fire dept. Not quickly arrived on scene to extinguish fire, a chain reaction of exploding vehicles might have ensued involving hundreds of drivers. Fire dept. Described fire as electrical in origin.”
NHTSA complaint #10049439, filed 2003-12, 82,000 miles“Consumer saw smoke coming from under the dash and could smell the electrical wire burning, consumer disconnected a fuse to stop the fire, the wire was burned from under the dash back to the rear of the vehicle, claim 05-4562-613.”
NHTSA complaint #6900785, filed 2002-01“Consumer saw smoke coming from under the dash and could smell electrical wires burning, consumer disconnected a fuse to stop the fire, wire is burned from under the dash back to the rear of the vehicle, claim 05-4562-613.”
NHTSA complaint #6900484, filed 2000-11“Consumer states auto caught fire , burning his back seat and everything in the back seat. Consumer states he observed burned wires in his truck of his auto.”
NHTSA complaint #8009060, filed 2002-05Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 2 | 6% |
| 2001 | 5 | 7% |
| 2000 | 5 | 5% |
| 1999 | 39 | 12% |
| 1998 | 43 | 11% |
| 1997 | 114 | 21% |
| 1996 | 14 | 7% |
| 1995 | 48 | 8% |
| 1994 | 30 | 11% |
| 1993 | 40 | 11% |
| 1992 | 36 | 22% |
| 1991 | 104 | 32% |
| 1990 | 46 | 46% |
| 1989 | 64 | 42% |
| 1988 | 75 | 52% |
| 1987 | 28 | 50% |
| 1986 | 19 | 42% |
| 1985 | 9 | 35% |
| 1984 | 11 | 52% |
| 1983 | 2 | 29% |
Other parts of the 1996 Ford Escort
77 complaintsEngine cooling
30 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
19 complaintsAir bags
18 complaintsSuspension
13 complaintsBrakes
11 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 28, 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