Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1995 Ford Escort owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Since we bought this used program vehicle, we have had to replace the tires at least 4-5 times, the back top brake light numerous times (fuse) the brakes at least twice and when my son was hit during the winter the airbags did not deploy and he had back injuries his passenger had chest pains from the seat belts, we did replace the timing belt this year and than in July the engine stopped working and the mechanic (pride auto) stated that the engine was damaged this occured while driving appx. 25 hrs per mile. The dealership refused to help us stating that we got 99,000 miles out of it. We are voluntarily returning the vehicle, they are giving us a hard time about it.
Consumer has replaced ignition switch 3 times within 5 years. Vehicle has caught on fire once from ignition, the day after the starter had been replaced. Starter, starter solenoid, ignition switch(which had melted to the switch), and o2 sensor have been replaced, consumer states that the problem started when trying to start vehicle with the engine being cold, it would crank several times, but never start until turning key off and back on. Vehicle experienced problems with engine light becoming illuminated, dealer diagnosed the problem as a faulty fuel pump, however the engine light still comes on occasionally. Pcv valve was also replaced.
While driving, the engine light illuminated on the dashboard. The vehicle was taken to an independent shop where they replaced a plastic sensor, which had melted on the intake manifold. Please provide further information.
We please send me two signature cards for both vehicles just bought this car for are daughter on 7/01/01 what was funny is the ignition switch was bad when we got it then 9 day's later the raidiator satrted to leak the same place my 92 taurus was leaking from the drive side seal of the raidiator so I called Ford and I wanted to know why there making parts that are failing in not one car made but two different car's and I also was told but various mechanics that Ford knows of these problems with both the taurus and Escort but won't fix the problem why would two different cars from the same manufacture have the same problems Ford knows the parts are defective and alot of other people around the us have had the same problems with the 3 main things transmission raidaitor and egnition switchs so why are you not looking in to this consumer fraud I'll be glad to file a civil suit against Ford …
The vehicle had been running and idling hard two weeks prior to the incident. After taking it in for service, the spark plug wires were replaced and I was told the problem had been fixed. 2 days later while driving at 45mph the car suddenly lost almost all power and would not go over 30mph. If left idling too long it would cut off completely. Vehicle was towed to private garage and upon inspection it was discovered that one of the valves had dropped into a cylinder, thus destryoyng the piston. I have had several mechnics tell me that this is something they have seen before and that this model of engine is"known" for this.
Sometimes when I have driven the car and get back in it within an hour or 2 it the car will start but will not hold an idle. In order for me to get the car going I have to have my foot on the clutch and gas at the same time and after 10-15 min it will 'catch' and stay running. The problem has been there since the car was new and I took it in to waldorf Ford and they looked at it when it was under warrenty and they said their was no problem at all. I was wondering if this falls within the lawsuit that in pending in maryland. Please contact as soon as possible to see if this can be resolvedthank you
The ignition switch has had to be replaced 5 times on my car. I'm a single mom and on limited income and have had to go without car months at a time. I have to have the switch replaced for around $150 each time plus towing. I have not kept the old parts because I did not know I needed to. On this same car the timing belt has gone out twice since I have owned it, for three years now. Is this due to the car or is there something wrong when repaired?
Vehicle overheats when air conditioner is running. Temperature gauge goes to hot. Also, air conditioner will be cool when first starting the car. But, if vehicle slows down air will become warm. Then, vehicle starts to spudder, and jerk foward. Consumer took vehicleto a mechanic and had relays/ sensors, thermostat/ coolant fan , and radiator replaced more than once since 1999. Please provide any further information.
We are just suprised that the car would need a valve job after all it is only 5 years old. We bought it with the origanal warrenty and purchased an extended warrenty to 60,000 miles which has now expired. We have been good with daily maintnence and have had the car in on many warrenty repairs. Have heard that Ford has been having some complaints on the cylinders malfunctioning.
Every time I stop at a stop sign/light, the car dies. At times just trying to back out of the drive way the car dies. A friend has a 95 Escort and he has had the same problem and is unable to find the cause. Another friend has a 95 probe and she has the same problem and could not find the reason. Is there a defect in the 95 fords?
Engine complaints in other Escort years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 1995 Ford Escort?
NHTSA has 54 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 1995 Ford Escort, 9% of the model year's 576 complaints. The component named most often is engine › gasoline (22 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1995 Ford Escort engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 1995 Ford Escort, though it has 4 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1995 Ford Escort engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 111,000 miles, and 25% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 3 fires and 2 injuries to engine & cooling problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.