One problem related to water pump has been reported for the 1996 Ford Escort. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Consumer has multiple problems with vehicle. Engine light stays on & the vehicle won't pass inspection if the dealer can't find out what was wrong with it. There were gas smells coming from hatchback. However, dealer couldn't determine were it was coming from. As of this date 9-13-00 engine light still on, consumer replaced oxygen sensor, timing belt and water pump. Kink was found in gas line caused smell coming from front of the car. Bracket off of motor mount.