Table 1 shows 16 common engine and engine cooling related problems of the 1996 Ford Escort. The number one most common problem is related to the engine (eight problems). The second most common problem is related to the gasoline engine (six problems).
When talking to a machine shop there is a tech bulletin stating that Ford on 94-97 when they baked the powder metal for their intake seats something went wrong and that all seats in head should be replaced. Read details...
While driving on the high way engine blewout without a prior warning, leaving vehicle without power on road. Read details...
Check engine light came on, mechanic diagnosed it as a misfire on one of the cylinders. Replaced plugs and wires, and two days later the engine "dropped a valve" destroying engine. This has happened a number of time on this engine according to the NHTSA website. Read details...