Seven problems related to engine have been reported for the 1996 Ford Escort. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
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. The people at the machine shop said they had to even replace all the pistons in the motors due to the damage caused by the defective seats. And it is all a Ford error and they know it.
While traveling at 10 mph and going through traffic light car died. Took to dealer, and they said valve seals let loose. Seal runs everything to the point that it's not repairable.
At stop light #4 cylinder dropped valve seat destroying head and all 4 pistons. Also engine check light comes on intermittently giving code 1433. Replaced solenoid as recommended by TSB and it still fails at random intervals.
Valve guide separated from head. Got into the cylinder and scored the cylinder walls and the valve droppped. Ruined the engine.
The engine was replaced due to broken valve seats inside the cylinder which damaged the pistons, the consumer feels that Ford should pay for this expense due to the low mileage of the vehicle and because the vehicle is very well maintenanced.
The vehicle had the top of the piston brake off on the no# 4 cyclinder causeing a hole to go through the engine while in the start up mode. The Ford servise manager said it was a manufacter defect in the engine and that he said he never saw anything like it. I called Ford to see assisstance in paying for this and they said no since there has not been a recall.
The vehicle had the top of the piston brake off on the no# 4 cyclinder, causing a hole to go through the engine while in the start up mode. The Ford servise manager said it was a manufacter's defect in the engine and that he said he never saw anything like it. I called Ford to see assisstance in paying for this and they said no since there has not been a recall.