TroubleAtlas Score
FORD ESCORT (1990–2003) Manual — Codes, Tyres & Parts
Built 1990–2003 · all production years covered on this single page
2.0L I4 • Gasoline
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TroubleAtlas Score
An independent value score for the Ford Escort (1990–2003) — reliability, safety, cost, parts, upkeep and documentation. Owing nothing to the manufacturer.
Scorecard · each voice 0–10
Reliabilityn/a
Safety & recallsn/a
Repair cost9.3
Parts & repairability4.1
Maintenance & durability5.6
Documentation & support5.9
Independent · Verified · Never for sale
Every figure on this Ford Escort (1990–2003) page is aggregated and cross-checked against more than 6.6 million real workshop operations, NHTSA records and OEM technical sources — and updated continuously. No invented estimates.
The Ford Escort (1990–2003) uses Motorcraft 5W-20 Synthetic Blend engine oil. Its battery is group 58 (BCI), rated at 590A cold-cranking amps. It is powered by a 2.0L I4 engine. Its OEM tyre size is 215/55 R16. Use the sections below for verified fluids, battery, OEM tyres, the maintenance schedule, recommended parts and the most commonly reported OBD2 fault codes for this vehicle.
Common problems
Common repairs
Scheduled maintenance
Fluids & lubricants
Battery
Fault codes (OBD2)
Dashboard lights
Parts comparator
Accessories & tools
Tyres
Recalls & TSB
Complaints
Workshops nearby
COMMON PROBLEMS
Engine overheatingFREQUENT
Engine temperature over limits — check coolant level, thermostat and radiator.
Related codes: P0217
Oil pressure sensor: low signalFREQUENT
ECU detects insufficient oil pressure — check oil level and sensor.
Related codes: P0522
Insufficient oil pressureFREQUENT
Oil pressure below critical threshold — stop the engine and check immediately.
Related codes: P0524
Engine control module (PCM) faultFREQUENT
Faulty ECU processor — requires specialist workshop diagnosis.
Related codes: P0606
Throttle actuatorFREQUENT
Throttle actuator motor circuit open — loss of throttle response.
Related codes: P2100
COMMON REPAIRS
Front brake pads
Difficulty: Easy
1.0h
€70 – €90
Rear brake pads
Difficulty: Easy
1.0h
€70 – €90
Engine oil change
Difficulty: Easy
0.5h
€35 – €45
ABS Module
Difficulty: Medium
2.0h
€140 – €180
AVERAGE INDICATIVE COSTS
Prices may vary by area and workshop.
Full service
€ 120 – € 200
Full brake service
€ 180 – € 300
Spark plug replacement
€ 80 – € 140
Electronic diagnosis
€ 40 – € 70
OFFICIAL LABOUR TIMES (OLP)
Standard labour hours from a database of 6.6M+ real shop operations, with an indicative labour-cost estimate for your country.
Brakes8 operations
| Operation | Labour hours (OLP) | Est. labour cost |
|---|---|---|
| ABS Module | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
| ABS Pump | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
| ABS Tone Ring | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| ABS Wheel Speed Sensor - Front | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| ABS Wheel Speed Sensor - Rear | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| Brake Bleed - All Four | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| Brake Booster | 3.0h | € 135–€ 225 |
| Brake Booster Check Valve | 1.0h | € 45–€ 75 |
Cooling8 operations
| Operation | Labour hours (OLP) | Est. labour cost |
|---|---|---|
| Coolant Bypass Pipe | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| Coolant Flush | 0.8h | € 36–€ 60 |
| Coolant Reservoir | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| Coolant Temperature Sensor | 1.0h | € 45–€ 75 |
| Cooling Fan Assembly | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| Cooling Fan Motor | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| Cooling Fan Relay | 1.0h | € 45–€ 75 |
| Engine Oil Cooler | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
Electrical8 operations
| Operation | Labour hours (OLP) | Est. labour cost |
|---|---|---|
| Airbag - Driver | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| Airbag - Passenger | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| Airbag - Side | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| Airbag Module/Computer | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| Alternator | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
| Alternator Belt | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| Amplifier | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| Antenna | 0.5h | € 22–€ 37 |
Engine8 operations
| Operation | Labour hours (OLP) | Est. labour cost |
|---|---|---|
| Camshaft Position Sensor | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| Camshaft R&R | 4.5h | € 202–€ 337 |
| Connecting Rod Bearings | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| Crankshaft Position Sensor | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| Crankshaft R&R | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| Cylinder Head R&R | 4.5h | € 202–€ 337 |
| Cylinder Head Resurface | 4.5h | € 202–€ 337 |
| Engine Mount - Front | 3.0h | € 135–€ 225 |
Exhaust8 operations
| Operation | Labour hours (OLP) | Est. labour cost |
|---|---|---|
| Air Injection Check Valve | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| Catalytic Converter - California | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
| Catalytic Converter - Direct Fit | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
| Catalytic Converter - Universal | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
| Downpipe | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
| EGR Cooler | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| EGR Tube | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| EGR Valve | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
Fuel system8 operations
| Operation | Labour hours (OLP) | Est. labour cost |
|---|---|---|
| Charcoal Canister | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| EVAP Purge Valve | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| EVAP Vent Valve | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| Fuel Cap | 0.3h | € 13–€ 22 |
| Fuel Filler Neck | 3.0h | € 135–€ 225 |
| Fuel Filter | 1.0h | € 45–€ 75 |
| Fuel Filter - In-Tank | 1.0h | € 45–€ 75 |
| Fuel Injector - Single | 3.0h | € 135–€ 225 |
HVAC8 operations
| Operation | Labour hours (OLP) | Est. labour cost |
|---|---|---|
| AC Accumulator | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
| AC Clutch Coil | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| AC Compressor | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
| AC Compressor Clutch | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
| AC Compressor Oil Add | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
| AC Condenser | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
| AC Evaporator | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
| AC Expansion Valve (TXV) | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
Steering8 operations
| Operation | Labour hours (OLP) | Est. labour cost |
|---|---|---|
| Center Link/Drag Link | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| Electric Power Steering Module | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| Electric Power Steering Motor | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| Idler Arm | 1.0h | € 45–€ 75 |
| Pitman Arm | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| Power Steering Fluid Flush | 0.5h | € 22–€ 37 |
| Power Steering Gear Box | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
| Power Steering Hose - High Pressure | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
Suspension8 operations
| Operation | Labour hours (OLP) | Est. labour cost |
|---|---|---|
| Air Line | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| Air Spring/Air Bag | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| Air Suspension Compressor | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| Air Suspension Height Sensor | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| Air Suspension Valve Block | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| Ball Joint - Lower | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
| Ball Joint - Upper | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
| Ball Joints - Upper and Lower | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
Transmission8 operations
| Operation | Labour hours (OLP) | Est. labour cost |
|---|---|---|
| Clutch Cable | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| Clutch Disc | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| Clutch Kit | 4.5h | € 202–€ 337 |
| Clutch Master Cylinder | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
| Clutch Slave Cylinder | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
| Flywheel Resurface | 4.5h | € 202–€ 337 |
| Kickdown Cable | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
| Neutral Safety Switch | 1.5h | € 67–€ 112 |
WORKSHOP LABOUR RATES BY COUNTRY
Average independent-workshop hourly labour rates, to estimate repair costs in your country.
🇩🇪Germany€95/h
🇪🇸Spain€55/h
🇫🇷France€75/h
🇮🇹Italy€45/h
🇬🇧UK£80/h
🇺🇸USA$120/h
Reference rate
€45/h
Source: Eurostat 2024
💧 FLUIDS & LUBRICANTS
🔧 SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE
Engine Oil And Filter8,000 km / 6 months
Tire Rotation8,000 km / 6 months
Chassis Lubrication8,000 km / 6 months
Brake System Inspection16,000 km
Battery And Cables Inspection16,000 km / 12 months
Exhaust System Inspection16,000 km / 12 months
Steering And Suspension Inspection16,000 km / 12 months
Cabin Air Filter24,000 km
📋 RECALLS & TSB (25)
NHTSA R/1992/038
Brake Pipes Chafing
Date: 30-06-1992
It is possible that certain brake pipes may not be secured to the vehicle underbody and may chafe on the front stabiliser bar. This could result in loss of brake fluid and reduced braking efficiency.
NHTSA R/1993/060
Tailgate Strut Brackets May Bend.
Date: 27-09-1993
There is a possibility that one or both of the brackets which attach the tailgate struts to the body 'C' pillars may bend allowing the strut to detach. This could permit the tailgate to close unexpectedly.
NHTSA 94V055000
Seats
Date: 26/03/1994
THE LOCK PLATE OF THE DRIVER SIDE INBOARD SEAT TRACK ADJUSTERS WERE MANUFACTURED WITH AN UNAUTHORIZED MODIFICATION TO THE FABRICATION PROCESS WHICH CAUSES THE SEAT NOT TO FULLY ENGAGE IN CERTAIN SEATING POSITIONS NEAR THE MID-POINT OF THE SEAT TRACK TRAVEL.
NHTSA 96V071000
Electrical System › Ignition
Date: 25/04/1996
THE IGNITION SWITCH COULD EXPERIENCE AN INTERNAL SHORT CIRCUIT.
NHTSA 06E026000
Exterior Lighting
Date: 23/03/2006
CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108,…
NHTSA R/1994/009
Exhaust Downpipe May Move And Contact Wiring Loom
Date: 23-05-1994
It is possible that the exhaust downpipe may separate from the upper flange and drop onto the starter motor terminal causing damage to the vehicle wiring loom. This may result in the loss of various electrical circuits.
NHTSA R/1996/022
Failure Of Braking System Vacuum Assistance
Date: 23-01-1996
The brake vacuum pump may cease to provide vacuum assistance. Should this occur greater brake pedal pressure would be needed and stopping distances may be increased.
NHTSA R/1993/009
Front Brake Discs Of Insufficient Thickness
Date: 21-01-1993
A small number of subject vehicles may have been equipped with front brake discs of insufficient metal thickness. This could adversely affect braking performance.
NHTSA 92V117000
Fuel System, Gasoline
Date: 19/08/1992
FATIGUE CRACKS CAN DEVELOP IN THE SOLDER JOINT BETWEEN THE FUEL RETURN TUBE AND THE FUEL PUMP SENDING UNIT LOCATED AT THE TOP OF THE FUEL TANK.
NHTSA R/1992/059
Insecurity Of Front Towing Eye
Date: 19-10-1992
The welds securing the front towing eye to its mounting bracket are not to specification and can result in detachment of the eye when the vehicle is under tow.
NHTSA 00V228001
Seat Belts
Date: 18/08/2000
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES, LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND MINI VANS EQUIPPED WITH TRW SEAT BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLIES. THE BUCKLE BASE OF THESE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES WERE NOT PROPERLY HEAT TREATED AND THEREFORE DO NOT PASS THE LOAD BEARING REQUIREMENT O…
NHTSA 90V076000
Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator Pedal
Date: 17/04/1990
INTERFERENCE OCCUR BETWEEN BOLT THAT SECURES A FUEL LINE SHIELD TO THE LOWER PORTION OF THE DASH PANEL AND THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL.
NHTSA 93V057000
Electrical System › Ignition › Anti-Theft › Control Module
Date: 15/04/1993
THE ROLL PINS SECURING THE IGNITION LOCK IN THE STEERING COLUMN HOUSING CAN SEPARATE OR MOVE OUT OF POSITION.
NHTSA R/1992/018
Fracture Of Horn Bracket
Date: 14-05-1992
The mounting bracket for the dual horns may fracture and allow the horns to fall from the vehicle. As well as presenting a possible hazard to other traffic this could result in the steering being momentarily affected should the vehicle run over the
NHTSA 89V174000
Visibility › Windshield
Date: 13/10/1989
SPECIAL PRIMER THAT PROMOTES THE BONDING OF A URETHANE ADHESIVE TO THE GLASS WAS NOT APPLIED TO THE WINDSHIELDS BEFORE INSTALLATION.
NHTSA 92V103000
Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights › Switch
Date: 13/07/1992
THE STOP LAMP SWITCHES COULD INTERMITTENTLY MALFUNCTION RESULTING IN THE STOP LAMPS NOT ILLUMINATING WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED.
NHTSA 99V276000
Power Train › Manual Transmission › Shift Pattern Indicator
Date: 12/10/1999
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE S/R OPTION. THE S/R OPTION INCLUDES, AMONG OTHER FEATURES, A 5-SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSION. ON THESE VEHICLES, THE TRANSMISSION SHIFT PATTERN IS NOT DISPLAYED IN THE OCCUPANT COMPARTMENT IN VIEW OF THE DRIVER. THIS DOES…
NHTSA 04E048000
Seat Belts › Front
Date: 12/07/2004
CERTAIN TRW DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELTS MANUFACTURED ON DECEMBER 6 AND 9, 2002, FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR 1997 FORD ESCORT 4-DOOR AND STATION WAGON PLATFORM VEHICLES, FORD'S P/N F7CZ54611B09AAC. THE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES EXHIBIT A NO-LOCK CONDITION WHICH DOES NOT COMPLY …
NHTSA 94V197000
Air Bags › Frontal
Date: 11/10/1994
TWO BOLTS THAT ATTACH THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM MODULE TO THE INSTRUMENT PANEL ARE MISSING. IN THE EVENT OF A FRONTAL IMPACT, THE MODULE CAN COME OUT OF THE INSTRUMENT PANEL.
NHTSA 94V218000
Air Bags › Frontal
Date: 10/11/1994
THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG MODULE CAN HAVE AN INADEQUATELY WELDED INFLATOR CANISTER.
NHTSA 02V323000
Air Bags › Frontal › Sensor/Control Module-Inactive
Date: 09/12/2002
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE INTEGRATED AIR BAG MONITOR (IABM) CAN BE CONTAMINATED WITH WATER OR OTHER LIQUIDS AND COULD EXPERIENCE INTERNAL ELECTRICAL SHORTING.
NHTSA R/1998/037
Unexpected Deployment Of Passenger Air Bag
Date: 09-06-1998
Unexpected passenger air bag deployment due to an electrostatic discharge through the air bag igniter.
NHTSA 97V145000
Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly
Date: 03/09/1997
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 1.9L ENGINES, BUILT AT THE HERMOSILLO ASSEMBLY PLANT AND ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN ARIZONA. CRACKS CAN DEVELOP IN THE FUEL TANK NEAR THE HEAT SHIELD ATTACHMENT RESULTING IN FUEL LEAKAGE IF THE CRACKS GO TH…
NHTSA 97V144000
Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly
Date: 03/09/1997
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 1.9L ENGINES, BUILT AT THE HERMOSILLO OR WAYNE ASSEMBLY PLANTS AND ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN NEVADA, FLORIDA, HAWAII, TEXAS, CALIFORNIA, LOUISIANA, GEORGIA, SOUTH CAROLINA, MISSISSIPPI, OKLAHOMA, ALABAMA AND …
NHTSA 94E019000
Suspension › Front
Date: 02/06/1994
THE OFFSET TOE ADJUSTING PIN CAN FRACTURE UNDER CONDITIONS SUCH AS TORSIONAL LOADS, FLEXING MOTION, IMPACT LOADS, AND OVERTORQUING.
COMMON OBD2 CODES TO CHECK
P0420
P0420
Powertrain
P0171
P0171
Powertrain
P0300
P0300
Powertrain
P0441
EVAP Incorrect Purge Flow
Powertrain
P0128
P0128
Powertrain
P0455
P0455
Powertrain
P0700
P0700
Transmission
P0507
Idle Air Control System RPM Higher Than Expected
Powertrain
P0174
System Too Lean Bank 2
Powertrain
All documented fault codes for this vehicle
The most documented diagnostic codes for this model, by system and severity. Tap a code for the full guide.
P1233
powertrain
HIGHP1651
powertrain
LOWP1650
powertrain
LOWP1641
powertrain
HIGHP1579
powertrain
HIGHP1537
powertrain
LOWP1455
powertrain
MODERATEP1451
powertrain
LOWP1409
powertrain
MODERATEP1383
powertrain
MODERATEP1285
powertrain
HIGHP1270
powertrain
LOWP1237
powertrain
HIGHP1235
powertrain
HIGHP1152
powertrain
MODERATEP1117
powertrain
LOWP1116
powertrain
LOWP1103
powertrain
MODERATEP1783
powertrain
CRITICALP1746
powertrain
HIGH
DASHBOARD WARNING LIGHTS — UNIVERSAL GUIDE
57 warning lights classified by urgency. Appears on your vehicle? Check the urgency level.
Show all dashboard warning lights
🔴 IMMEDIATE STOP — pull over
Oil Pressure WarningEngine
Engine Temperature WarningCooling
Brake System WarningBrakes
Immobilizer / Key FaultSecurity
Low Oil Pressure (Ford)Engine
🟠 WARNING — check soon
Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) / Check EngineEngine
Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF)Emissions
Battery / Charging SystemElectrical
Low Fuel WarningFuel
ABS WarningBrakes
Brake Pad Wear IndicatorBrakes
Electronic Parking Brake (EPB)Brakes
Power Steering WarningSteering
ESC / Stability Control FaultChassis
Tire Pressure Warning (TPMS)Chassis
Transmission Temperature WarningTransmission
Transmission / Gearbox FaultTransmission
Airbag / SRS WarningActive safety
EGR / Exhaust Gas Recirculation FaultEmissions
Catalytic Converter / Emissions FaultEmissions
AdBlue / DEF Level LowEmissions
Coolant Level LowCooling
Hybrid / EV System WarningHybrid
EV Charge System FaultHybrid
12V Battery (Hybrid/EV Auxiliary)Hybrid
Suspension Fault / Air SuspensionSuspension
CAN Bus / Network Communication FaultNetwork
Water in Fuel FilterFuel
Diesel Injector FaultFuel
Steering Angle Sensor FaultSteering
Turbo / Boost Pressure FaultEngine
Regenerative Braking Fault (Hybrid/EV)Hybrid
🟡 MONITOR
Fuel Cap / Evap SystemEmissions
4WD / AWD SystemDrivetrain
Bulb Failure WarningLighting
Headlight Range / Leveling FaultLighting
Service / Maintenance DueMaintenance
A/C System FaultHvac
Clutch Wear WarningTransmission
Cruise Control / ACC FaultADAS
AdvanceTrac Off (Ford)Chassis
SYNC System Fault (Ford)Electrical
🔵 INFORMATION
Engine Temperature Low (Blue)Cooling
Glow Plug / Diesel PreheatEngine
Traction Control / ESC OffChassis
Seatbelt ReminderActive safety
Rear Fog Light IndicatorLighting
Lane Departure / LDWS WarningADAS
Forward Collision Warning (FCW/AEB)ADAS
Blind Spot Monitor FaultADAS
Rear Parking Sensor / Camera FaultADAS
Windshield Washer Fluid LowMaintenance
Door Open WarningBody
Hood / Trunk Open WarningBody
Gear Shift Indicator (Manual)Transmission
Sport / Performance Mode ActiveTransmission
MyKey Speed Limit (Ford)Electrical
REPORTED COMPLAINTS & PROBLEMS (NHTSA)
3513 owner complaints filed with the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the Ford Escort across model years 1990–2003. These are real, verified reports submitted by vehicle owners.
483 crash reports 293 fires 447 injuries 21 deaths
Complaints by model year (most reported first)
Model year 1995575
Model year 1997543
Model year 1993383
Model year 1998374
Model year 1991339
Model year 1999325
Model year 1994289
Model year 1996205
Most reported components (all years)
Seat Belts568
Electrical System518
Air Bags454
Engine And Engine Cooling395
Fuel System347
Gasoline325
Sample reports
THE AUTOMATIC SEATBELTS IN MY ESCORT DO NOT WORK PROPERLY AND ONE OF THEM HAS NOT FOR OVER A YEAR. I PAID AROUND $120 TO GET A NEW PART TO FIX THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT IN 2000 AND IT BROKE AGAIN 8 MONTHS LATER, WE RETURNED IT TO FORD… (MY 1995)
WHILE DRIVING THE SEAT BELT MECHANISM ON THE DRIVER SEAT MALFUNCTIONED CAUSING THE SEAT BELT TO BECOME VERY TIGHT AND NOT RELEASE CAUSE UNKNOWN. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. (MY 1995)
STU TISCHLER REPORTS. ALL SEAT BELTS,SHOULDER AND LAP, DON'T RESTRAIN THE PASSENGER IN ALL POSITIONS. THEY GIVE WHEN TUGGED ON. DEALER IS NOT AWARE OF THE PROBLEM, AND PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK (MY 1991)
MASTER CYLINDER LEAKS OUT OF PROPORTIONAL VALVE, CAUSING A LOSS OF BRAKING WHILE DRIVING. *AK CONSUMER STATES VEHICLE DOES NOT HAVE A CATALOUGE PART NUMBER ON THE DEALER'S PARTS LIST THIS PART CAN NOT BE REPLACED AND THE OWNER OF THE VEH… (MY 1993)
Source: NHTSA complaints database (U.S. data.gov). Figures cover production years 1990–2003.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Ford Escort have any safety recalls?
Yes — 17 official NHTSA recall campaign(s) affect this model, mainly: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION, VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:CONTROL MODULE. Check the recalls section for your exact year/VIN.
What does fault code P0300 mean on the Ford Escort?
Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire Detected This code is among the most documented for this model — tap it in the OBD2 section for the full step-by-step guide.
What does fault code P0128 mean on the Ford Escort?
Coolant temperature below thermostat regulating temperature — thermostat stuck open or faulty This code is among the most documented for this model — tap it in the OBD2 section for the full step-by-step guide.
What does fault code P0011 mean on the Ford Escort?
A Camshaft Position Timing Over-Advanced or System Performance (Bank 1) This code is among the most documented for this model — tap it in the OBD2 section for the full step-by-step guide.
Are engine problems common on the Ford Escort?
Yes — 439 of 3040 real owner reports filed with NHTSA mention the engine. One owner reported: “WHILE TRAVELING ON A FREEWAY AT THE SPEED LIMIT OF 65 MILES PER HOUR, I ENDED UP IN A SKID ON DRY PAVEMENT. I DON'T REMEMBER HOW I GOT INTO THE SKID DUE TO HEAD INJURIES RECEIVED IN THE RESULTING ACCI…” See the owner-reported complaints section below for more.
Are airbags problems common on the Ford Escort?
Yes — 464 of 3040 real owner reports filed with NHTSA mention the airbags. One owner reported: “I BOUGHT A USED CAR THROUGH EBAY FROM ADAM FROM EAST COAST MOTORS USED CAR DEALER FOR $1200. HE ADVERTISED THE CAR AS HAVING ANTI-LOCK BRAKES AND DRIVERS SIDE AIRBAG, BOTH SAFETY FEAURES WHICH I N…” See the owner-reported complaints section below for more.
Are electrical problems common on the Ford Escort?
Yes — 488 of 3040 real owner reports filed with NHTSA mention the electrical. One owner reported: “1990 FORD ESCORT WITH 1.9 L ENGINE, THROTTLE-BODY FUEL INJ, AND MAN 5-SPEED TRANSM. APPROX 8 HWY MILES FROM HOME, PASSING THRU SMALL TOWN WITH 25-MPH LIMIT, SIGNAL LIGHT, AND RR CROSSING, THE FORD'S E…” See the owner-reported complaints section below for more.
What tyres does the Ford Escort (1990–2003) use?
The original OEM tyre size for the Ford Escort (1990–2003) is 215/55 R16. Compatible alternative sizes: ["185/60R14", "245/45R19", "175/70R13", "175/65R14", "195/50R15"]. See the Tyres section on this page to compare offers from the main suppliers.
What is the right battery for the Ford Escort (1990–2003)?
The battery specified for the Ford Escort (1990–2003) is group 58 (BCI), with a cold cranking rating of 590A. See the Battery section on this page for the main cross-references between brands.
What engine oil should I use on the Ford Escort (1990–2003)?
The engine oil specification for the Ford Escort (1990–2003) is Motorcraft 5W-20 Synthetic Blend. Always use the viscosity grade approved by the manufacturer: a different oil can reduce engine protection and void the warranty. Check the change interval in the Maintenance section.
Which OBD2 fault codes are commonly documented for the Ford Escort (1990–2003)?
Commonly documented OBD2 codes across many vehicles include: P0420, P0300, P0171. Find the full description, likely causes and estimated repair costs in the OBD2 Codes section on this page.
How often should the Ford Escort (1990–2003) be serviced?
Routine maintenance for the Ford Escort (1990–2003) typically includes an oil change every 6,000–9,000 miles (10,000–15,000 km), an air filter every 12,000–18,000 miles (20,000–30,000 km) and a brake inspection every 12,000 miles (20,000 km). Check the full plan with specific intervals in the Scheduled Maintenance section on this page.
Have a specific fault code on your Ford Escort (1990–2003)? Search the code in the OBD2 section of this page or use the full TroubleAtlas DTC database. Need tyres? Compare prices and compatible sizes in the TroubleAtlas comparator.