1996 Ford Escort Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 2%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 4 complaints about the body and structure of the 1996 Ford Escort, 2% of the 205 complaints for this model year.
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.
“Several months after purchase the vehicle started making this popping or cracking sound at low speeds and on side to side movements and on uneven terrain. Dealer has not found the cause but yet changed all shock absorbers and finally informed me it was design flaw for 96 models - chassis and body - will send me a bulletin but never received one. The noise persist and much louder.”
NHTSA complaint #705652, filed 1999-04“Seat belt became stuck midway on numerous occasions, finally it came off the track. I do not have a seat belt to wear now. Engine check light problem began at under 10,ooo mi vehicle was brought into dealer was repaired (maybe? Or was it only reset?) oxygen sensor' s (2 )had to be replaced to pass emission test. Not covered under warranty. Passenger door had problem took to dealer who sort of fixed it. At least one could open it from the inside. But it was difficult. Eventually problem resurfaced. …”
NHTSA complaint #724888, filed 2000-07Body and structure: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 1 | 10% |
| 2002 | 1 | 3% |
| 2001 | 2 | 3% |
| 1999 | 7 | 2% |
| 1998 | 14 | 4% |
| 1997 | 8 | 1% |
| 1996 | 4 | 2% |
| 1995 | 6 | 1% |
| 1994 | 4 | 1% |
| 1993 | 9 | 2% |
| 1991 | 4 | 1% |
| 1990 | 3 | 3% |
| 1989 | 2 | 1% |
| 1988 | 3 | 2% |
| 1986 | 6 | 13% |
Other parts of the 1996 Ford Escort
77 complaintsEngine cooling
30 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
19 complaintsAir bags
18 complaintsElectrical system
14 complaintsSuspension
13 complaintsBrakes
11 complaintsFuel system
11 complaintsSteering
10 complaintsOther or unknown
6 complaintsVehicle speed control
5 complaintsSeats
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