Equal-exposure complaint evidence and changes in the reported problem mix
1986 vs 1987 FORD ESCORT
NHTSA Consumer Complaints complaints · snapshot 2026-08-21
Share shifts show how a vehicle's problem mix changed. They do not measure reliability, and complaint counts are not normalized for sales volume.
First 479 months on market for each model year
Exposure window calculated through Aug 22, 2026
Age-matched reports
▲ 24.4% more reports in the equal exposure window
NHTSA Consumer Complaints complaints · snapshot 2026-08-21
Component share shift
Bars start at the neutral midpoint. Left means a smaller share; right means a larger share.
View component share data as a table
| Component | 1986 share | 1987 share | Share change |
|---|---|---|---|
| STRUCTURE | 8.9% | not reported | ▼ 8.9 pts smaller share |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 42.2% | 48.2% | ▲ 6.0 pts larger share |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 4.4% | not reported | ▼ 4.4 pts smaller share |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 4.4% | not reported | ▼ 4.4 pts smaller share |
| WHEELS | not reported | 3.6% | ▲ 3.6 pts larger share |
| SUSPENSION | 2.2% | 5.4% | ▲ 3.1 pts larger share |
| SEAT BELTS | 2.2% | 5.4% | ▲ 3.1 pts larger share |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 2.2% | not reported | ▼ 2.2 pts smaller share |
| ENGINE | 20.0% | 21.4% | ▲ 1.4 pts larger share |
| STEERING | 2.2% | 3.6% | ▲ 1.4 pts larger share |
| FUEL SYSTEM | 2.2% | 3.6% | ▲ 1.4 pts larger share |
| POWER TRAIN | 2.2% | 1.8% | ▼ 0.4 pts smaller share |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 86.7% | 85.7% | ▼ 1.0 pts smaller share |
NHTSA Safety Recalls recalls · snapshot 2026-08-22
Recall campaigns
Campaign components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Campaign components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE and WHEELS
NHTSA Consumer Complaints complaints · snapshot 2026-08-21
Safety signals
- ◆ Fires
- 18 → 26
- ◆ Injuries
- 3 → 6