Verdict · NHTSA data
A typical year for this model
The 1987 Ford Escort sits mid-pack among Escort years: 65 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 127, with 3 recalls and 7 closed investigations.
The trouble concentrates in one system: electrical system issues account for 48% of all reports (31 of 65), far ahead of engine at 14.
65
NHTSA complaints
3
Recalls
7
Investigations
1
Crash-involved
31
Fires reported
6
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 31 | 48% | ▲ up |
| Engine | 14 | 22% | ▲ up |
| Fuel System | 3 | 5% | ▲ up |
| Suspension | 3 | 5% | ▲ up |
| Seat Belts | 3 | 5% | ▲ up |
| Steering | 3 | 5% | ▲ up |
| Tires & Wheels | 2 | 3% | new |
| Seats | 2 | 3% | — flat |
| Transmission | 1 | 2% | — flat |
| Other | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Speed Control | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Climate Control (A/C & Heat) | 1 | 2% | — flat |
3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
THE FORWARD OUTBOARD PEDESTAL OF THE SEAT TRACK OF DRIVER'S SEAT MAY BE SUSCEPTIBLE TO FATIGUE FRACTURE.
Consequence
THIS COULD RESULT IN A LIMITED DEGREE OF ROCKING MOTIONOF THE DRIVERS SEAT ASSEMBLY UPON ACCELERATION OR DECELERATION, WHICH COULDCAUSE AN ACCIDENT.
Remedy
INSTALL A REINFORCEMENT ON ALL MODELS AND A NEW SEAT TRACK AS NECESSARY
Defect
SPRING LOCK FUEL LINE COUPLING MAY NOT BE PROPERLY ENGAGED.
Consequence
COUPLING COULD DISENGAGE DUE TO FUEL PRESSURE,VIBRATION, AND ENGINE MOVEMENTS; THIS WOULD CAUSE LOSS OF FUEL WHICH, INPRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, CREATES A FIRE RISK.
Remedy
INSTALL RETAINER CLIPS OVER THE COUPLINGS TO PREVENT COUPLING SEPARATION AND FUEL LEAKAGE.
Defect
LUG NUTS COULD GALL AND POSSIBLY SEIZE ON THE WHEEL STUDS WITHOUT PROVIDING ADEQUATE CLAMPING LOAD ON THE WHEELS.
Consequence
WHEEL STUDS COULD FRACTURE CREATING A RISK OF A WHEELSEPARATING WITH LITTLE FOREWARNING.
Remedy
REPLACE WHEEL LUG NUTS AND IF NECESSARY, REPLACE WHEELS AND WHEEL STUDS.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE FROM UNDERNEATH THE DASHBOARD WHILE PARKED.*AK VEHICLE WAS PARKED FOR ABOUT AN HOUR, CONSUMER GOT INTO VEHICLE AND STARTED IT, AND WAS DRIVING HOME WHICH IS ABOUT A MILE FROM THE PARKED STARTING POINT, CONSUMER THEN NOTICED A LIGHT FROM UNDER THE DASHBOARD, AS CONSUMER…”
“AFTER PARKING OWNER NOTICED INSIDE DOME LIGHT FAILED TO GO OUT. RETURNED, OPENED HOOD, NOTICED ENGINE MELTED DUE TO A FIRE. INSURANCE CO., REPLACED ENGINE. *AK”
“FORD SHOULD CARRY SEAT BELT PARTS FOR OLDER MODEL VEHICLES PERTAINING TO SAFETY OR HAVE ANOTHER MANUFACTURER WHERE PARTS COULD BE LOCATED. CONTACTED FORD, AND THEY DID NOT HAVE THE PARTS. *AK”
Its record is better than the model's norm: 65 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Escort year, with 3 recalls and no open investigations.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (31 complaints), engine (14 complaints), suspension (3 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 1987 Ford Escort. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
NHTSA opened 7 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Escort years to avoid are 1997, 1995, 1993, 1998, 1991, 1999, 1994, 1996, 1992, 1988, 1989. The cleanest record among Escort years belongs to 1981.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.