External cracks above the number 3 cylinder (1984 models) or rocker arm cover gaskets splitting (1985 models) could allow oil to leak onto the exhaust manifold.
Engine & cooling
Ford Escort Engine problems by year
34 complaints filed with NHTSA about the Ford Escort's engine & cooling. Stalling, loss of power, oil consumption, overheating, head gaskets, timing chains and engine failure.
Engine complaints by model year
Engine recalls
Latest Escort engine complaints
2002 Ford escort. Consumer writes in regards to vehicle stopping and dying while driving *tgw the consumer stated the battery and alternator were replace three times, as well as other components. However, the stalling continued. No one has been able to determine the reason for the stalling. *Jb
I have a 2001 focus zx3 - 5sp that tends to stall when the ac is on. But it may not stall during the "initial" use period. Without warning, it will stall after the vehicle is turned off and then restarted. My service shop checked the computer codes for a problem and nothing came up. Yesterday, it was driven for about 30mins with the ac on (outside temperature around 80+ degrees). The vehicle ran fine with the rpms normal when stopped. The vehicle was turned off for about 90 mins. When attempting to restart ...
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it would stall. To get started I needed to keep foot on gas pedal (to maintain a high enough rpm to prevent the stall). If I did not keep the rpms up, vehicle would stall. While driving and stopping, I needed to keep my foot on the gas pedal to maintain the rpms. (This can be challenging with a 5-spd.) The vehicle was then parked for over four hours. It then started without problem and ran normally. During this period I did not have the ac on. I see that this may be a common problem with the focus. However, neither ford motor's customer service line nor the local ford dealer are aware of the problem. The vehicle was taken to a ford dealership (echelon ford) on 6/8/10 for a diagnostic of the problem and they could not recreate it. I was charged $108 for the shop time and still have no technical answer to this critical and potentially fatal problem... *Tr
I have a 2001 ford escort zx2. Ive had it a little over a year now. This reoccurring problem is getting very frustrating. When I start my car it sounds like its getting ready to die. It just struggles at very low rpm. I don't know if there is a way to adjust the idle but is there a fix? *Cn
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford escort purchased april 2002. The rear coil springs, struts, and egr valve were placed at an expense of $870.00. After the repair the front coil springs, and struts failed, they then added that this failure was common for her model type. The failure and current mileages were under 59,000. Updated 11/23/09. *Lj updated 11/24/09
2001 Ford has an oil leak on the top of the engine. Consumer states that ford feel that the leak is normal and that there is no responsibility for them. *Nj the consumer stated the oil leak was caused by metal chip debris or damage to the sealing surface that occurred during the manufacturing process. In order to repair the problem, the engine must be pulled out of the vehicle. *Jb updated 03/01/10
UPPER INTAKE GASKET MANIFOLD. *TR
Emissions light went on and off and the car seemed to misfire. Did not drive smooth. I was glad I was close to home. I felt the car would conk out while I was driving. *Tr
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 ford escort. The contact stated that the vehicle vibrated when idling. As of september 14, 2007, the dealer had not inspected the vehicle. The mechanic was unable to diagnose the cause of failure. Nhtsa technical service bulletin number 042410 regarding the engine was referenced. The failure mileage was 75,000 and current mileage was 85,000. Updated 12/12/07 *bf the consumer stated she began hearing squeaking noises coming from the engine. Updated 12/12/07
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 ford focus. While driving approximately 5 mph in dry conditions, the vehicle stalled. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle immediately afterwards nor on the following day. The vehicle was towed to aaa for a diagnosis. The contact stated that she is experiencing the same failure as noted in recall # 06e056000 (fuel system, gasoline). The current and failure mileages were 106,000.
2002 FORD ZX2 HEAD GASKET IS LEAKING, MILEAGE IS ONLY 54400. *JB
My car shakes, rattles and rolls - thinks it's elvis. *Nm
No warning light when oil pump failed. This non-action led to my entire engine needing to be repaired. Mileage was at apx. 45,000. Warranty ran out, must pay on my own. I feel that ford should have some responsibility with this since my warning light did not inform me of the problem. *Nm
I have a 2002 ford explorer, I saw on the news there has been reports of iddle problems. I have noticed when I reverse at times it revs up even when my foot is not on the gas. I also have had the problem when I drive on the highway at a constant speed the engine rpm all the sudden iddles fast ans revs the engine up I have to take my foot off the gas. This problems has only lasted a few seconds then goes back to normal. I have only had the car iddle fast once on the highway and I have had a problem twice when the car is put in to reverse.
(1) There were no events to lead to failure; (2) the engine cam shaft sensor continues to fail. This will be our 5th trip to the dealership for the same sensor. Each time, within 24 hours of it being fixed the engine light is back on again. We have spent over $350 on the same sensor. We have received no explanation as to why the sensor continues to fail. *Ak
Car has a hesitation when accelerating under load. This is most noticable when the car is warm and especially when using the air conditioning. Automobile was taken to a general mechanic and they were unable to find the cause of the problem. On this date, vehicle was taken to the local dealer. The dealer indicated that there are no service bulletins regarding this issue and there were no error codes in the computer. The dealer stated that they believed this to be a characteristic of the car and it is due to the...
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air conditioning compressor temporarily reducing engine power when cycling on and off. This is a dangerous condition as the car can lose power during the act of passing a vehicle or merging onto a highway.*Ak
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked daily. Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data