Defect
THE IGNITION SWITCH COULD EXPERIENCE AN INTERNAL SHORT CIRCUIT.
Consequence
THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE OVERHEATING, SMOKE, AND POSSIBLY FIRE IN THE STEERING COLUMN AREA OF THE VEHICLE.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH.
1988 Ford Escort electrical system problems
The 1988 Ford Escort has 85 electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA — 41% of the year's total, and up sharply from the prior model year.
85
Electrical System complaints
41%
Share of year
0
Crash-involved
1
Related recalls
Electrical System complaints by year
Related recalls
What owners report
“CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING FOR A PERIOD OF FIVE MINUTES BEFORE NOTICING SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD, CONSUMER, THEREFORE, OPENED THE HOOD AND NOTICED THE VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED THE DEALER, DEALER STATED THE CAUSE WAS DUE TO THE ALTERNATOR. *AK”
Common questions
How many electrical system complaints does the 1988 Ford Escort have?
NHTSA has 85 complaints about the 1988 Ford Escort electrical system — 41% of all complaints filed for that model year.
Are there recalls for the 1988 Ford Escort electrical system?
Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign for this model year is tied to the electrical system: 96V071000.
Related
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.