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 2001-02Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 1 | 10% |
| 2002 | 5 | 15% |
| 2001 | 13 | 19% |
| 2000 | 18 | 18% |
| 1999 | 35 | 11% |
| 1998 | 43 | 11% |
| 1997 | 29 | 5% |
| 1996 | 19 | 9% |
| 1995 | 36 | 6% |
| 1994 | 19 | 7% |
| 1993 | 30 | 8% |
| 1992 | 8 | 5% |
| 1991 | 30 | 9% |
| 1990 | 4 | 4% |
| 1989 | 8 | 5% |
| 1988 | 7 | 5% |
| 1987 | 1 | 2% |
| 1986 | 1 | 2% |
| 1985 | 3 | 12% |
Other parts of the 1996 Ford Escort
77 complaintsEngine cooling
30 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 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