Used Car Expert Fault Guides tell you the common Ford Escort faults and wear items that can become problems and big bills for their owner.
Independent research indicated that using our fault guides to check a car before you buy it can save you an average of £300 in surprise bills and hidden problems.
That's because our Ford Escort fault guides are written so that anyone can understand them – even if you know nothing about cars and have no tools. For every common fault, we tell you what to look for, what it means and what it costs.
Select your Ford Escort fault guide:
Ford Escort (1990 - 2001) Fault Guide
Ford Escort (1990 - 2001) Fault Guide
We know of 38 FORD Escort (1990 - 2001) faults which our fault check guide makes it easy for you to spot and avoid.
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8 engine faults
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1 suspension wear items or faults
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9 interior problems
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6 bodywork issues
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14 recalls
Here's an example fault on the FORD Escort (1990 - 2001)
What to look for:
Check the paperwork to see if the cam belt has been changed on schedule. On HCS engines, there was a timing chain, not a cam belt. That doesn't need changing. On CVH/PTE (all 1.4s and most 1990-92 1.6s) and V-Tec (16v badged) engines the cam belt must be changed within 40,000 miles or 70,000 miles. However, many cam belts (on the CVH diesels in particular) have been known to break at shortly after 20,000 miles, so you should consider an early change.
What it means:
If the cam belt and associated parts (such as water pump and tensioner) have not been changed, and the mileage is over these boundaries, the cam belt is likely to fail soon and will cause expensive damage to the engine. Usually the engine has to be replaced or at least re-built.
What to do
Ensure that the cam belt is changed before the car is driven anywhere if it is coming close to its interval. Changing the belt will cost £275.
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