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1986 Ford Escort Pony 2dr Hatchback

The 1986 Ford Escort Pony 2dr Hatchback is a 1.9-liter inline-4 hatchback with a 4-speed manual and front-wheel drive. It starts at $6,360 MSRP and is rated at 26 mpg combined.

EPA fuel-economy estimates are 26 mpg city and 35 mpg highway (26 mpg combined).

The Escort measures 166.0 inches long on a 94.2-inch wheelbase and has a curb weight of 2,158 lb.

Spec Value
Vehicle
Body TypeHatchback
PowertrainGas
Price
MSRP$6,360 ($18,859 *)
Engine
Engine Type1.9L inline-4, carbureted, naturally aspirated
Displacement1.9 L
Drivetrain
Drive TypeFront-Wheel Drive
Transmission
Transmission4-speed manual
Fuel Economy
City26 MPG
Highway35 MPG
Combined26 MPG
Recommended FuelRegular unleaded
Tires & Wheels
Wheels Front13 in
Wheels Rear13 in
Dimensions & Weight
Length166 in
Width65 in
Height53 in
Wheelbase94.2 in
Curb Weight2,158 lbs
Interior
Headroom Front38 in
Headroom Rear37 in
Legroom Front41 in
Legroom Rear35 in
Shoulder Room Front51 in
Shoulder Room Rear51 in
Hip Room Front51 in
Hip Room Rear51 in
* Amount adjusted for inflation to 2026 dollars

Safety & Recalls

NCAP safety ratings

Not crash-tested by NHTSA for this model year.

Recalls

2 recalls on file with NHTSA for the 1986 Ford ESCORT. Not every recall applies to every trim or VIN — check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Oct 13, 1989 · SEATS

THE FORWARD OUTBOARD PEDESTAL OF THE SEAT TRACK OF DRIVER'S SEAT MAY BE SUSCEPTIBLE TO FATIGUE FRACTURE.

Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN A LIMITED DEGREE OF ROCKING MOTIONOF THE DRIVERS SEAT ASSEMBLY UPON ACCELERATION OR DECELERATION, WHICH COULDCAUSE AN ACCIDENT.

Remedy: INSTALL A REINFORCEMENT ON ALL MODELS AND A NEW SEAT TRACK AS NECESSARY

NHTSA campaign 89V170000

Sep 4, 1987 · FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

SPRING LOCK FUEL LINE COUPLING MAY NOT BE PROPERLY ENGAGED.

Consequence: COUPLING COULD DISENGAGE DUE TO FUEL PRESSURE,VIBRATION, AND ENGINE MOVEMENTS; THIS WOULD CAUSE LOSS OF FUEL WHICH, INPRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, CREATES A FIRE RISK.

Remedy: INSTALL RETAINER CLIPS OVER THE COUPLINGS TO PREVENT COUPLING SEPARATION AND FUEL LEAKAGE.

NHTSA campaign 87V139000

46 owner complaints to NHTSA for the 1986 Ford ESCORT

Owner Complaints

46 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1986 Ford ESCORT (2 mention a crash, 18 a fire, 3 an injury). See all on nhtsa.gov

Most-cited areas
Electrical System19
Engine And Engine Cooling8
Structure6
Exterior Lighting2
Unknown Or Other2
Vehicle Speed Control2
A complaint can cite more than one area.
Most recent complaints
Aug 4, 2008 · Engine And Engine Cooling Fire 1 death
“I AM WRITING YOU TODAY ABOUT A SITUATION THAT OCCURRED JULY 3RD 1986 IN MORTON GROVE ILLINOIS AT 11:52P.M. I AM THE MOTHER OF A 2 YEAR OLD THAT WAS BURNED TO DEATH IN A 1986 FORD ESCORT THAT WAS NOT…”
Apr 20, 2004 · Engine And Engine Cooling
“CONSUMER BECAME ILL FROM THE FUMES THAT EMITTED FROM THE HEATER/AC SYSTEM. *PH THE VEHICLE WAS RECALLED FOR THE HEATER/RADIATOR SYSTEM HOWEVER THE CONSUMER REMAINED ILL. *NM”
Jun 4, 2002 · Electrical System
“WHILE DRIVING AT 45MPH VEHICLE SHUTS OFF WITH NO WARNING. CONSUMER IS UNABLE TO GET IT STARTED. CAUSE UNKNOWN. DEALER NOTIFIED.*AK”
Aug 17, 2001 · Unknown Or Other
“WHILE TRAVELING NOTICED THAT ENGINE INDICATOR LIGHT WOULD FLASH ON AND STAY ON THROUGH OUT TRAVEL .DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED, TECHNICIAN CUT INDICATION LIGHT OFF 4 TIME WITH COST TO CUSTOMER. PLEASE…”
Oct 15, 2000 · Unknown Or Other
“NO SUMMARY”

Complaints are unverified reports submitted to NHTSA by owners. They cover the whole model year, not a specific trim, and a count alone doesn't show how common a problem is.

Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov), matched as 1986 FORD ESCORT. US-market vehicles only; data cached for up to 7 days.

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