1988 Ford Escort engine and engine cooling problems
21 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the engine and engine cooling on the 1988 Ford Escort — 15% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“Car has been stalling regardless of speed. Took to mechanic to determine problem. Mechanic has (so far) identified bad head gasket. I am second owner of this vehicle and it has only 67,000 miles on it. Very few miles for an expensive head gasket repair!! *jb”
filed Oct 3, 2003
“Knocking noise in the engine began - dealer contacted and stated noise probably due to bent rod. Knock seems to lessen during cold weather and when oil is serviced. Windshield wipers stop intermittently during operation. Replaced the wiper motor - problem still exists.*ak”
filed Jun 18, 2001
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related service bulletins
Concerns with premature failure occuring on the 1.9l motorcraft remanufactured longblock assembly and shortblock assembly due to ingestion of foreign objects remaining in the transferred intake system from the original…
00188 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Sep 4, 2000A new silicone gasket and sealant. *yc
9874 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Apr 13, 1998
Engine and Engine Cooling problems in other Escort years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 Escort | 11 | 33% |
| 2001 Escort | 12 | 18% |
| 2000 Escort | 21 | 21% |
| 1999 Escort | 62 | 19% |
| 1998 Escort | 49 | 13% |
| 1997 Escort | 66 | 12% |
| 1996 Escort | 30 | 15% |
| 1995 Escort | 54 | 9% |
| 1994 Escort | 30 | 11% |
| 1993 Escort | 33 | 9% |
| 1992 Escort | 15 | 9% |
| 1991 Escort | 17 | 5% |
Other reported problem areas on the 1988 Ford Escort
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.