1996 Ford Escort
WF0NXXGCANTE37100
Vehicle record for the 1996 Ford Escort (VIN WF0NXXGCANTE37100). Gray, wagon / suv, gasoline. Registered in Khmelnytskyi. 1 NHTSA recall campaign for this model year. Free specifications, registration region and recall data.
Full vehicle history report
What a full report checks for VIN WF0NXXGCANTE37100
A full report searches national title databases (NMVTIS) and licensed history providers for this VIN and shows whatever records are on file — not every vehicle has every record type. The decode, safety recalls and owner complaints above are always free.
History reports cover US-titled vehicles only. This car is registered in Ukraine, so title, salvage and odometer records from the US national title database (NMVTIS) don't apply to it. The registration record, specifications and recall data on this page are free.
At a glance
Vehicle identity & specifications
🧾 Window sticker / build sheet → All 1996 Ford Escort data →
MPG & running costs
U.S. EPA fuel-economy estimates for the 1996 Ford Escort.
Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 4 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages. Actual mileage varies with trim and driving conditions.
Crash-test safety ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 1996 Ford Escort.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program, tested as the 1996 Ford Escort 4-DR.. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.
Estimated 5-year cost to own
A rough guide to what running a 1996 Ford Escort costs over five years and 75,000 miles.
How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.
Safety recall campaigns 1
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Remedy: PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.
NHTSA Campaign #06E026000 · 23/03/2006Note: recall data comes from the U.S. NHTSA and covers the US-market version of this model. A car registered in Ukraine may have different campaigns — check with the manufacturer's local importer.
These are NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year, last checked 7 Oct 2026. They don't show whether this particular car has had the repair done — check this VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are free.
We'll email you the moment a new safety recall is issued — no spam, unsubscribe any time.
Common problems & what to inspect
Based on all 248 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1996 Ford Escort, here are the most-reported problem areas — and what to check before you buy.
💥 28 involved a crash 🔥 12 involved a fire 🚑 33 reported injuries
🔍 Check that every belt latches, retracts and locks under a sharp tug, and that none are frayed.
🔍 Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.
🔍 Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
🔍 Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
🔍 Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
🔍 Listen for clunks over bumps, check the car sits level, and look for uneven tire wear and worn shocks or struts.
Pre-purchase checklist
- Match the VIN on the dash, door jamb and title — they must be identical.
- Cold-start the engine; listen for knocks and check for blue or white exhaust smoke.
- Test-drive through all gears at low and highway speed — no slipping, shudder or pulling.
- Confirm every warning light clears at startup (none should stay on).
- Check fluids — oil, coolant, transmission — for level, color and leaks.
- Look underneath for rust, fresh undercoating or signs of collision repair.
- Always get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic.
Owner complaints 248
Complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of the 1996 Ford Escort.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD ESCORT. WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE, THERE WAS A FUEL ODOR IN THE CABIN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL FILLER LINE FAILED AND WOULD NEED TO BE REPAIRED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ONCE PREVIOUSLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMA…
NHTSA ODI #10864409SEAT BELTS
THE DRIVER SIDE MOTORIZED SEAT BELT HAS CEASED FUNCTIONING AND IS NOW STUCK MIDWAY ALONG THE TOP PART OF THE SEAT BELT TRACK. THIS BEING THE CASE THE SEAT BELT WILL NOT PROTECT THE DRIVER IN THE EVENT OF A SUDDEN STOP. IN THIS POSITION IT IS LIKELY THAT IN A SUDDEN STOP THE DRIVER'S HEAD WOULD HIT THE WINDSHIELD AND A MORE SEVERE THAN NORMAL WHIPLASH IN THE …
NHTSA ODI #10678517SEAT BELTS
I AM ADDING ANOTHER COMPLAINT TO THE VAST LIST OF PREVIOUS COMPLAINTS REGARDING MY 1996 FORD ESCORT AND THE FAILURE OF MY PASSIVE RESTRAINT SHOULDER BELT. IT HAS BEEN GIVING ME PROBLEMS FOR PROBABLY THE LAST 8-10 YEARS. IT WOULD INTERMITTENTLY STOP MID-TRACK AND "BOUNCING" THE DOOR AGAINST THE HINGE WOULD GET IT TO MOVE. TWO WEEKS AGO, IT STOPPED DEAD IN TH…
NHTSA ODI #10459733LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
1996 FORD ESCORT, UNIT 1 WAS TRAVELING WEST BOUND ON THE OHIO TURNPIKE. UNIT 1'S HOOD OPENED AND STRUCK THE WINDSHIELD. UNIT 1 CONTINUED ON TO THE NEXT EMERGENCY PULL OFF TO FILE THE REPORT. BF (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT # 10-0142-90)*JB UPDATED 04/22/11 *BF
NHTSA ODI #10395048TIRES
MY WIFE & I HAVE A 1996 FORD ESCORT WAGON THAT WE PURCHASED USED IN 2008. AT THE TIME OF PURCHASE IT HAD A SET OF 4 BRIDGESTONE INSIGNIA SL TIRES THAT STILL HAD REASONABLE TREAD DEPTH REMAINING, SO WE DECIDED TO CONTINUE TO USE THE TIRES UNTIL THE TREAD HAD WORN DOWN MORE AND NEEDED REPLACING. ON FRIDAY, JULY 30, 2010, MY WIFE WAS DRIVING DOWN THE FREEWAY…
NHTSA ODI #10348239ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
FIRST MY ENGINE SEEMED TO OVERHEAT A BIT THEN EVERY ONCE IN A WHILE IT WOULD SOUND LIKE THE ENGINE WAS GRINDING ON SOMETHING AND WOULDN'T STOP.. SOUNDED LIKE A BUNCH OF CHAINS IN MY HOOD. BUT THEN ON OCCASIONS THE STUPID THING WOULDN'T SHUT OFF WHEN IT WAS MAKING THE CHAIN SOUND, EVEN WITH MY KEY OUT. IT JUST HAPPENED AGAIN AND NOW THE THING SMELLS LIKE SOME…
NHTSA ODI #10245079ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I AM NOT SURE IF THIS IS THE CORRECT SECTION TO FILE THIS IN. I AM BEING UNSUCCESSFUL IN A CONTINUED EFFORT TO CORRECT A MALFUNCTION IN THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT SENSOR. I HAVE DONE ALL I KNOW TO CORRECT THIS MATTER INCLUDING CHANGING THE LIGHT BULB WITH NO SUCCESS. THIS MALFUNCTION IS CONTINUING TO CAUSE ME NOT TO PASS A SIMPLE SMOG TEST. IS THERE ANY RECORD O…
NHTSA ODI #10231921AIR BAGS
1996 FORD EXPLORER, 4X4. DRIVING IN DESERT WENT OVER A BUMP A LITTLE FAST, WHICH SET OFF MY AIRBAGS. MY RIDER IS IN THE HOSPITAL FOR BROKEN NOSE, CHEEK AND SOME KIND OF SMOKE INHALATION. MY WINDSHIELD IS BROKEN BECAUSE THE BAG HIT THE MIRROR WHICH THEN HIT THE WINDSHIELD. MY STEERING WHEEL IS DESTROYED, CRUISE CONTROL AND HORNS ARE OUT OF SERVICE. BEFORE…
1 injured · NHTSA ODI #10215325+ 240 more complaints on record.
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Frequently asked questions
Can I find out who owns this vehicle from the VIN?
No — and no legitimate service can. Linking a VIN or plate to a named owner is restricted by the U.S. Driver's Privacy Protection Act, the EU GDPR and equivalent laws. CarLogs shows the vehicle only — specs, recalls, problems and value — never the person.
Are there safety recalls on the 1996 Ford Escort?
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for the 1996 Ford Escort model year. That covers the model year, not this individual car: to see whether a specific vehicle still needs a recall repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are free.
What is the 1996 Ford Escort safety rating?
NHTSA gives the 1996 Ford Escort crash-test ratings of frontal 4★ (out of 5; this model year pre-dates NHTSA's overall score).
What fuel economy does the 1996 Ford Escort get?
The 1996 Ford Escort has U.S. EPA estimates of 22–30 mpg combined, depending on engine and trim (4 versions).
Recall data checked 7 Oct 2026 · Sources: NHTSA (recalls & complaints), U.S. EPA (fuel economy), NHTSA vPIC (specifications). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.