Ford Escort reliability
The Ford Escort fails its MOT less often than most cars over 10 years old: 24.3% of 11,064 tests failed in 2023, against 39.7% on average.
12 DVSA recalls for the Ford Escort
Most cover a batch of cars built in a set period, and dealers fix them free. Sweep’s check shows the recalls for a car’s age and whether the DVSA has one outstanding.
Loss of steering power assistance
The power assisted steering pump drive pulley may crack or break up. this could result in the steering being heavy/stiff to operate.
Fix: Fit a modified drive pulley to the affected vehicles.
Recalled models: ESCORT · 2,858 vehicles
Unexpected deployment of passenger air bag
Unexpected passenger air bag deployment due to an electrostatic discharge through the air bag igniter.
Fix: Recall affected vehicles and fit ground wire to passenger air bag
Recalled models: ESCORT · 15,780 vehicles
Failure of braking system vacuum assistance
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.
Fix: The affected vehicles are being recalled to Ford dealers to have the brake pump manufacturing codes checked. Vacuum pumps within certain ranges will be replaced with new units. This campaign supersedes recall R1995/081 and includes all the vehicles alrea
Recalled models: ESCORT · 56,864 vehicles
Possibility of rear brake cylinders being insecure
It is possible that the two bolts securing the rear brake cylinder to the brake back plate may not have been fully tightened. If the bolts were to come loose the efficiency of that brake circuit could be impaired.
Fix: Recall the affected vehicles to tighten the subject bolts to the correct specification.
Recalled models: ESCORT · 11,760 vehicles
Chafing of brake hoses
The hydraulic hoses to the rear brake calipers may have been incorrectly routed. This could result in contact between the hose and the suspension system with consequent damage to the hose.
Fix: Recall the affected vehicles to check and where necessary re-route the subject hoses. Any damaged hoses will be replaced.
Recalled models: ESCORT · 364 vehicles
Incorrectly rated tyres
S maximum speed rated tyres have been fitted. As the vehicle maximum capability exceeds the maximum speed rating of the S rated tyre vehicle stability could be adversely affected on a vehicle travelling in excess of the speed rating.
Fix: Recall the affected vehicles and replace the tyres with T maximum speed rated examples.
Recalled models: ESCORT · 18 vehicles
Exhaust downpipe may move and contact wiring loom
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.
Fix: Recall the affected vehicles for replacement of the exhaust downpipe with the current production component.
Recalled models: ESCORT · 17,556 vehicles
Tailgate strut brackets may bend.
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.
Fix: Recall the affected vehicles for reinforcement of both strut brackets and replacement of any brackets found to be bent.
Recalled models: ESCORT · 23,485 vehicles
Front brake discs of insufficient thickness
A small number of subject vehicles may have been equipped with front brake discs of insufficient metal thickness. This could adversely affect braking performance.
Fix: Recall the affected vehicles for examination of the front brake discs. Where any disc does not meet the manufacturers dimensional specification both front discs will be renewed.
Recalled models: ESCORT · 769 vehicles
Insecurity of front towing eye
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.
Fix: Recall the affected vehicles for inspection of the welds which secure the front towing eye. Where these are not to specification the welds will be reworked as per the manufacturers instructions.
Recalled models: ESCORT · 86,584 vehicles
Brake pipes chafing
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.
Fix: Recall the affected vehicles. Re-route and secure the subject brake pipes using additional clips. Damaged brake pipes will be replaced where required
Recalled models: ESCORT · 2,041 vehicles
Fracture of horn bracket
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
Fix: Recall affected vehicles and replace the original horn bracket with a stronger version.
Recalled models: ESCORT · 3,007 vehicles
Checking a Ford Escort before you buy
Look at the parts above at the viewing, and read the car’s own MOT history: advisories for the same parts suggest the problem is already starting. Sweep’s free check shows every MOT, advisory and mileage reading for a registration.