The 1981 Ford Escort has 4 recalls, the most serious involving the braking system: the power brake booster can separate while driving, causing a complete loss of brakes, and rear brake lines can fatigue and leak fluid, also resulting in brake failure.
On power-brake-equipped vehicles, the two shells of the brake booster may not be crimped together tightly enough, allowing them to pull apart under normal driving loads. If that separation happens, the driver loses all braking power with no gradual warning. A separate brake concern involves the rear backing plates, where attachment bolts may not be torqued to spec and can loosen over time. When a backing plate shifts against the rear brake tubes, it works the metal back and forth until one or both lines crack and brake fluid escapes, again robbing the vehicle of rear braking force. Together, these two issues represent a significant brake reliability concern across the model.
On the occupant restraint side, the front seatbelt webbing can contact a sharp leading edge on the steel reinforcement plate inside the seat back during a frontal crash. At the forces involved in even a moderate collision, that contact can abrade, cut, or completely sever the belt, leaving the occupant without restraint at exactly the moment the belt is needed most. The fourth recall affects station wagon models only, where the seatbelt anchor points may not meet the required load standards, meaning the anchors themselves could fail to hold the belt securely in a crash.
At a glance
What can fail
In a severe frontal crash, the seat belt webbing may rub against sharp edges of the front seat's steel reinforcement plates, causing it to fray, tear, or break completely.
What the fix does
No remedy description available.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
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At a glance
What can fail
The seatbelt anchors on these station wagons may not meet safety standards for properly securing seatbelts.
What the fix does
No remedy description available.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Power brake boosters may have been improperly assembled, with the rear shell misaligned relative to the front shell. This misalignment can cause inadequate crimping where the two shells join. If the booster separates during driving, the brakes will fail completely.
What the fix does
No remedy description available.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The bolts securing the rear brake backing plates may not be tightened enough to stay secure during truck transport. If they loosen, the backing plate can move and crack the brake tubes, causing brake fluid to leak completely.
What the fix does
No remedy description available.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
