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FORD ESCORT Common Problems & Reliability

Based on 1,934 MOT tests from 219 vehicles analysed by VehicleScore. The figures below describe that VehicleScore sample. Recurring issues seen in VehicleScore MOT data are not a claim that every FORD ESCORT has the same fault.

FORD ESCORT's have a very good reliability rating of 621/999. The score was calculated from the average of every FORD ESCORT that has had a registered MOT.

We calculated all of the below figures by getting the score from each vehicle make/model/year/fuel, which are each calculated a score. We then generate the average score, taking into account factors such as mileage and emissions.

Also check BHP & performance, road tax, fuel economy, and CO2 emissions for the FORD ESCORT.

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FORD ESCORT side viewFORD ESCORT (example)
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Check a Ford Escort before you buy

Enter your registration to see available vehicle history information including service records, MOT, mileage, write-off status, outstanding finance and more.

Ford Escort side view
  • Service history

    Dealer & service records

  • MOT records

    Past & current MOT data

  • Write-off check

    Check for insurance write-offs

  • Finance check

    Outstanding finance & theft checks

Fuel TypeYearReliability ScoreAvg MileageSample Size
N/AN/A878/999Excellent87,936 miles817 vehicles
N/AN/A777/999Very good80,026 miles1,013 vehicles
N/AN/A745/999Very good81,643 miles4,028 vehicles
N/AN/A737/999Very good82,210 miles4,181 vehicles
N/AN/A721/999Very good81,779 miles747 vehicles
N/AN/A655/999Good80,197 miles670 vehicles
N/AN/A629/999Good79,757 miles2,424 vehicles
N/AN/A612/999Good78,728 miles4,046 vehicles
N/AN/A581/999Above average78,276 miles5,604 vehicles
N/AN/A562/999Above average85,628 miles1,353 vehicles
N/AN/A546/999Above average84,559 miles1,821 vehicles
N/AN/A514/999Above average85,570 miles2,119 vehicles
N/AN/A491/999Average80,330 miles3,216 vehicles
N/AN/A450/999Average90,337 miles4,687 vehicles
N/AN/A420/999Average86,264 miles529 vehicles

How reliable is the FORD ESCORT?

Based on 1,934 MOT tests from 219 vehicles analysed by VehicleScore.

Vehicles

219

MOT tests

1,934

Pass rate

76.4%

Median mileage

60,498 mi

Recurring issues seen in VehicleScore MOT data are inspection findings from this sample. They are not a statement that every FORD ESCORT has the same fault. The median VehicleScore in this sample is 609 out of 999.

Common FORD ESCORT MOT problems

These groups combine equivalent MOT comments, such as the same tyre note on different corners. Counts are comment occurrences in the sample, not a percentage of cars.

Tyre wear

VehicleScore MOT data includes 131 advisory comments and 26 failure comments in this group. Seen as both an advisory and a failure reason. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record tyres that were worn, damaged, or close to the legal tread depth when the car was inspected.

What to inspect

Check the tread depth and look for uneven wear, cracking, or damage on all four tyres.

Example MOT wording: NEARSIDE FRONT TYRE WORN CLOSE TO THE LEGAL LIMIT (4.1.E.1)

Corrosion

VehicleScore MOT data includes 52 advisory comments and 29 failure comments in this group. Seen as both an advisory and a failure reason. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record corrosion the tester could see on the body or structure. Corrosion already named on a spring, brake, or other component is counted with that component.

What to inspect

Inspect the underside, sills, and subframe for heavy corrosion, especially where an advisory mentions it.

Example MOT wording: NEARSIDE REAR SUSPENSION COMPONENT MOUNTING PRESCRIBED AREA IS EXCESSIVELY CORRODED (2.4.A.3)

Oil leak

VehicleScore MOT data includes 53 advisory comments in this group. Seen mainly as an advisory. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record an oil leak noted by the tester. Shock absorber misting is counted as a damper issue, not as an engine oil leak.

What to inspect

Look under the engine for fresh oil, and check the oil level.

Example MOT wording: OIL LEAK, BUT NOT EXCESSIVE (8.4.1 (A) (I))

Windscreen damage

VehicleScore MOT data includes 39 failure comments in this group. Seen mainly as a failure reason. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record chips, cracks, or other windscreen damage in the driver’s view.

What to inspect

Look for chips and cracks, especially in the area swept by the wipers.

Example MOT wording: WINDSCREEN WASHER PROVIDES INSUFFICIENT WASHER LIQUID (8.2.3)

Brake disc wear

VehicleScore MOT data includes 35 advisory comments in this group. Seen mainly as an advisory. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record brake discs that were worn, scored, pitted, or corroded.

What to inspect

Look at the disc faces for deep scoring, a lip at the edge, and corrosion.

Example MOT wording: NEARSIDE FRONT BRAKE DISC WORN, PITTED OR SCORED, BUT NOT SERIOUSLY WEAKENED (3.5.1I)

Emissions test issues

VehicleScore MOT data includes 23 failure comments in this group. Seen mainly as a failure reason. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record an exhaust emissions result. They are counted separately from a warning lamp or a catalytic converter note.

What to inspect

Ask for the emissions printout and whether any repair followed a failed test.

Example MOT wording: EXHAUST EMISSIONS CARBON MONOXIDE CONTENT AFTER 2ND FAST IDLE EXCESSIVE (7.3.D.3)

Exhaust

VehicleScore MOT data includes 20 failure comments in this group. Seen mainly as a failure reason. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record exhaust leaks, insecurity, or other exhaust defects found at inspection.

What to inspect

Listen for blowing from the exhaust and look for corrosion or loose mounts.

Example MOT wording: EXHAUST CARBON MONOXIDE CONTENT AFTER 2ND FAST IDLE EXCEEDS DEFAULT LIMITS (8.2.1.2 (B))

Parking brake faults

VehicleScore MOT data includes 19 failure comments in this group. Seen mainly as a failure reason. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record a parking brake that did not hold well enough or had a component defect.

What to inspect

Test that the parking brake holds the car on a slope and releases cleanly.

Example MOT wording: PARKING BRAKE: EFFICIENCY BELOW REQUIREMENTS (3.7.B.7)

FORD ESCORT MOT reliability by year

A model year is only commented on when VehicleScore has at least 5 vehicles from that year.

YearVehiclesMOT testsPass rateRecurring issues seen
2001512276.2%Corrosion, Exhaust
1998816563%Tyre wear, Exhaust
19971017477%Tyre wear, Brake disc wear
1996610875%Exhaust, Corrosion
1995710486.5%Corrosion, Exhaust
199497080%Corrosion, Registration plate condition
19931114173.8%Tyre wear, Exhaust
1992810379.6%Tyre wear, Oil leak
19901618780.7%Corrosion, Oil leak
19891517677.8%Corrosion, Exhaust
1988106170.5%Corrosion, Headlamp faults
1987114673.9%Oil leak, Exhaust
198684271.4%Corrosion, Tyre wear
1985103482.4%Corrosion, Brake disc wear
1984110—No recurring grouped MOT issue in this year sample
1980105782.5%Corrosion, Headlamp faults
19795785.7%No recurring grouped MOT issue in this year sample
197864566.7%Corrosion, Steering rack issues
197675100%No recurring grouped MOT issue in this year sample
197462290.9%No recurring grouped MOT issue in this year sample

What to check when buying a used FORD ESCORT

This is an inspection checklist based on MOT comments in the VehicleScore sample. It does not mean the car you are looking at has these defects.

  • Tyre wear. Check the tread depth and look for uneven wear, cracking, or damage on all four tyres.

  • Corrosion. Inspect the underside, sills, and subframe for heavy corrosion, especially where an advisory mentions it.

  • Oil leak. Look under the engine for fresh oil, and check the oil level.

  • Windscreen damage. Look for chips and cracks, especially in the area swept by the wipers.

  • Brake disc wear. Look at the disc faces for deep scoring, a lip at the edge, and corrosion.

  • Emissions test issues. Ask for the emissions printout and whether any repair followed a failed test.

  • Exhaust. Listen for blowing from the exhaust and look for corrosion or loose mounts.

  • Parking brake faults. Test that the parking brake holds the car on a slope and releases cleanly.

Buying a FORD ESCORT?

Common problems tell you what can affect FORD ESCORTs generally. VehicleScore can check the history of the actual car you're considering.

Where does this data come from?

VehicleScore analyses MOT histories from vehicles in its own dataset. Sample sizes vary by model, and a small sample is labelled as such. MOT data records roadworthiness and inspection defects. It does not capture every mechanical or electronic problem a car can have, and a comment on one test is not proof that the model has an inherent fault.

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