1992 Ford Escort: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1992 Ford Escort: 2 recalls, 162 owner complaints and up to 29 mpg combined.

Recalls
2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 1 equipment/tire recall that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Exterior lights Vehicle recall #92V103000 · 1992 · 43,000 vehicles
What's wrong: The stop lamp switches could intermittently malfunction resulting in the stop lamps not illuminating when the brakes are applied.
Why it matters: This could result in following motorists not beingsignaled that the vehicle is braking, and could result in a collision.
The fix: Replace the faulty stop lamp switches.
Fuel system Vehicle recall #92V117000 · 1992 · 22,000 vehicles
What's wrong: Fatigue cracks can develop in the solder joint between the fuel return tube and the fuel pump sending unit located at the top of the fuel tank.
Why it matters: Should a crack develop, fuel vapor can escape from thetank when the tank is full, and a small amount of fuel can leak from the crack.fuel leaks can result in fire when exposed to a source of ignition.
The fix: Install a new fuel pump sending assembly.
1 aftermarket equipment / tire recall replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Suspension Equipment recall #94E019000 · 1994 · 919 vehicles
What's wrong: The offset toe adjusting pin can fracture under conditions such as torsional loads, flexing motion, impact loads, and overtorquing.
Why it matters: This can result in loss of vehicle steering control andan accident.
The fix: Dana will pay for replacement and labor costs of the adjustment pin without charge to the installing facility and the vehicle owner. These pins should be replaced by a Ford original equipment pin assembly. Owner or installer inquiries concerning this recall campaign should contact dana service…
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 17 mention a fire, 10 injuries and 1 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Electrical (36): the most common themes are electrical failure (21), fire / smoke (15), stalls / loses power (5).
- Fuel system (35): the most common themes are leaks (21), fire / smoke (3).
- Seat belts (28): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Speed control / throttle (22): the most common themes are sudden acceleration (4).
The 1992 Ford Escort has 162 owner complaints, ranking #9 of 14 Escort model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 249). Complaints peaked in 1996 (33 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 4 years old, at a median of 111,000 miles. Neighboring years: 1991 (327 complaints, 3 recalls), 1993 (379 complaints, 1 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.9 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 26 | 34 | 29 | Regular |
| 1.9 L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 | 32 | 26 | Regular |
| 1.8 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 | 29 | 25 | Regular |
| 1.8 L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 | 27 | 23 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1992 Ford Escort.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
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FAQ
Does the 1992 Ford Escort have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 1992 Ford Escort, plus 1 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 1992 Ford Escort problems?
Owners have filed 162 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are electrical (36), fuel system (35), seat belts (28).
What gas mileage does the 1992 Ford Escort get?
EPA ratings run up to 29 mpg combined (1.9 L, Manual 5-spd), across 4 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1992 Ford Escort repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.