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Transmission and drivetrainPart report

1996 Ford Escort Transmission and drivetrain Problems

Complaints
19about this part
Share
9%of 205 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 19 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1996 Ford Escort, 9% of the 205 complaints for this model year. 1 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.

“Speedometer jumps erratically at speeds above 50 MPH. Not covered under extended warranty although brochure leads you to believe so. Dealership knew it was the speedometer itself and not a dry cable because of history of same problems. 2nd problem; at appox 80,000 miles the drivers side rear seat belt would not retract. I recognize that things do break, but when the passenger side rear seat belt wouldn't retract just a few months later, I came to the conclusion that there is a design defect.”

NHTSA complaint #747121, filed 2001-06

“While driving car, the vehicle stopped pulling. When checked, I was told by the inspector that the clutches in the transmission were burnt out. He told me it would cost $27oo to repair. I contacted Ford about the extended warranty I purchased on the car was no good because I surpassed the mileage. What they didn't tell me was that the car is initially covered for the first 100,000 miles and the extra warranty I purchased was to give me an extension of 60, 000 miles or whichever comes first. …”

NHTSA complaint #721772, filed 2000-04

“In february of 1999 started noticing a clicking sound from the speedometer. Problem persisted and noise started becoming a grind. Took in for service march 1999 with mileage at 37962. Replaced speedometer cable. Noise stopped and then speedometer needle started again to act erratically.”

NHTSA complaint #718881, filed 2000-02

“While driving speedometer becomes erratic; speedometer accelerates three times, actual speed being driven. Cannot determine mileage on vehicle. Vehicle also makes strang noise. Please provide any further information.”

NHTSA complaint #8002072, filed 2002-01

“Speedodometer operates erratically, does not register correct levels of speed. Has beeen replaced once. Cause unknown. Consumer waiting for new part to be shipped for second replacement.”

NHTSA complaint #880949, filed 2001-02

Transmission and drivetrain: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2003110%
2002515%
20011319%
20001818%
19993511%
19984311%
1997295%
1996199%
1995366%
1994197%
1993308%
199285%
1991309%
199044%
198985%
198875%
198712%
198612%
1985312%

Other parts of the 1996 Ford Escort

Seat belts
77 complaints
Engine cooling
30 complaints
Air bags
18 complaints
Electrical system
14 complaints
Suspension
13 complaints
Brakes
11 complaints
Fuel system
11 complaints
Steering
10 complaints
Other or unknown
6 complaints
Vehicle speed control
5 complaints
Seats
4 complaints
Body 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