“My daughter was driving a 1991 FORD escort in downtown pittsburgh when smoke began pouring out of the dashboard behind the speedometer section. She pulled over and exited the car after turning off the ignition switch. The smoke ceased and a police officer stopped by to assist. He remained to direct traffic until the tow truck came to return the vehicle to my house. The vehicle has liability insurance only.”
Owner complaint, filed Jul 30, 2004 at 136,000 miles
“When starting the car up there was a burning smell coming from under the dash and also from under the hood. Owner had to replace the wirng harness under the hood and under the dash. Dealer has not seen vehicle. Ak”
Owner complaint, filed Nov 23, 1999
Complaints and recalls over time
By year of filing
All complaintsAbout the electrical systemRecall (red: the electrical system)NHTSA investigation opened
Complaints about the 1991 Escort peaked in 1996, with 89 filed that year. Owners had filed 0 complaints about the electrical system before the first recall that covers it, 93V057000 in April 1993; 96 more have come in since. In 2013 owners filed 1 so far.
Defect. THE OFFSET TOE ADJUSTING PIN CAN FRACTURE UNDER CONDITIONS SUCH AS TORSIONAL LOADS, FLEXING MOTION, IMPACT LOADS, AND OVERTORQUING.
Risk. THIS CAN RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLE STEERING CONTROL ANDAN ACCIDENT.
Remedy. DANA WILL PAY FOR REPLACEMENT AND LABOR COSTS OF THE ADJUSTMENT PIN WITHOUT CHARGE TO THE INSTALLING FACILITY AND THE VEHICLE OWNER. THESE PINS SHOULD BE REPLACED BY A FORD ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT PIN ASSEMBLY. OWNER OR INSTALLER INQUIRIES CONCERNING THIS RECALL CAMPAIGN SHOULD CONTACT DANA SERVICE CENTER AT 1-800-248-9606.
Electrical System › Ignition › Anti-theft › Control Module93V057000
Filed Apr 15, 199391,000 vehiclesFord Motor Company
Defect. THE ROLL PINS SECURING THE IGNITION LOCK IN THE STEERING COLUMN HOUSING CAN SEPARATE OR MOVE OUT OF POSITION.
Risk. THE IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER MAY DISENGAGE FROM THESTEERING COLUMN HOUSING WHICH COULD CAUSE THE STEERING COLUMN TO LOCK UP,RESULTING IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AND A POSSIBLE ACCIDENT.
Remedy. IF ONE OR BOTH OF THE ROLL PINS ARE MISSING OR NOT FULLY INSERTED, THE IGNITION LOCK HOUSING WILL BE REPLACED, ALONG WITH THE DOOR-LOCKS AND THE LIFTGATE OR DECK-LID LOCKS SO THAT KEY COMPATIBILITY IS MAINTAINED. IF BOTH PINS ARE PRESENT AND FULLY INSERTED, A PLASTIC SNAP-ON SLEEVE WILL BE INSTALLED AS A PRECAUTION TO PREVENT THE ROLL PINS FROM COMING OUT.
Filed Aug 19, 199222,000 vehiclesFord Motor Company
Defect. FATIGUE CRACKS CAN DEVELOP IN THE SOLDER JOINT BETWEEN THE FUEL RETURN TUBE AND THE FUEL PUMP SENDING UNIT LOCATED AT THE TOP OF THE FUEL TANK.
Risk. SHOULD A CRACK DEVELOP, FUEL VAPOR CAN ESCAPE FROM THETANK WHEN THE TANK IS FULL, AND A SMALL AMOUNT OF FUEL CAN LEAK FROM THE CRACK.FUEL LEAKS CAN RESULT IN FIRE WHEN EXPOSED TO A SOURCE OF IGNITION.
Remedy. INSTALL A NEW FUEL PUMP SENDING ASSEMBLY.
Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator Pedal90V076000
Filed Apr 17, 19906,000 vehiclesFord Motor Company
Defect. INTERFERENCE OCCUR BETWEEN BOLT THAT SECURES A FUEL LINE SHIELD TO THE LOWER PORTION OF THE DASH PANEL AND THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL.
Risk. THIS COULD CAUSE THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL TO STICK AT THE WIDE OPEN THROTTLE POSITION AND RESULT IN LOSS OF CONTROL WITH THE RISK OF A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
Remedy. CUT OFF EXTRA LENGTH OF BOLT THAT PROTRUDES ABOVE SURFACE OF WELD NUT TO PREVENT INTERFERENCE.
All 4 campaigns on file, newest first.
NHTSA investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
Before a recall there is often an investigation: NHTSA opens one when complaints or manufacturer data point to a safety defect. 6 name the 1991 Escort.
01194Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsOct 1, 2001electrical system
THIS ARITLCE IS TO PROVIDE INFORMATION ON REPLACEMENT OF OLD STYLE HOOD LAMP SWITCH TO THE RVISED MECHANICAL HOOD LAMP SWITCH. *TT
99222Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsOct 18, 1999electrical system
SUBJECT ON A WIRE HARNESS TERMINAL REPAIR KIT AVAILABLE FOR REPAIRING ELECTRICAL WIRING HARNESSES. *TT
98246Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsDec 7, 1998electrical system
FORD MOTOR COMPANY HAS RELEASED A NEW ELECTRICAL GREASE ( F8AZ - 19G208-AA ) TO REDUCE THE POSSIBILITY OF MOISTURE CORROSION AT THE TERMINALS. *YC
97111097234Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsNov 10, 1997electrical system
VEHICLES EXHIBITING A "SQUEAKING" OR "CHIRPING" FROM THE BLOWER MOTOR AT LOW BLOWER MOTOR SPEEDS. *YC
96246Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsNov 18, 1996electrical system
WIRING - ELECTRICAL DIODE IDENTIFICATION AND SERVICE REPLACEMENTS. *TW
95102Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsMay 1, 1995electrical system
VEHICLES MAY HAVE A DISCONNECT OF THE IGNITION CONTROL MODULE (ICM) CONNECTOR OR MOISTURE BUILDUP WITHIN THE CONNECTOR. *TW
Showing the newest 6 of 7 bulletins about the electrical system, and any warranty extensions or service campaigns.
What owners reported
Newest filings
Electrical System
Filed Jul 20, 2013124,750 milesVA
AFTER FILLING UP WITH GAS AND STILL BESIDE THE GAS PUMPS I ATTEMPTED TO START THE VEHICLE IN PARK. THE CAR KEPT CRANKING BUT NOT STARTING. TURNED THE IGNITION SWITCH OFF AND CAR KEPT CRANKING. PULLED THE KEY OUT AND CAR KEPT CRANKING. PUT THE KEY BACK IN AND GOT THE VEHICLE IN DRIVE WHILE CRANKING AND IT STOPPED. TURNED KEY AND VEHICLE STARTED (IN DRIVE MODE). VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP CRANKING IN PARK OR NEUTRAL MODES BUT WILL IN DRIVE MODE. WITH NO KEY VEHICLE TRIES TO START IN BOTH PARK AND NEUTRAL. MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE. I WAS SCARED WHEN IT KEPT CRANKING BESIDE THE GAS STATION TANKS THINKING I WAS GOING TO END UP BLOWING UP THE STATION. *TR
Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Mar 15, 201034,000 milesMI
THE ACCELERATOR STUCK TO THE FLOOR CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO BE IN FULL THROTTLE. THIS OCCURRED WHILE STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT. FORTUNATELY IT WAS A MANUAL TRANSMISSION AND OUT OF GEAR WHEN THE INCIDENT HAPPENED. I HAD STOMPED ON THE GAS PEDAL BY MISTAKE. I SEARCHED THE FLOOR AND ENGINE COMPARTMENT FOR ANYTHING THAT MAY HAVE PREVENTED THE ACCELERATOR FROM DISENGAGING AND FOUND NO APPARENT REASON FOR THE PHENOMENON. *TR
Fuel System, GasolineFire
Filed Oct 30, 2009151,000 milesMN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1991 FORD ESCORT. FATIGUE CRACKS HAVE DEVELOPED IN THE SOLDER JOINT BETWEEN THE FUEL RETURN TUBE AND THE FUEL PUMP SENDING UNIT LOCATED AT THE TOP OF THE FUEL TANK. THERE MUST HAVE BEEN AN INTERNAL FIRE CAUSED BY THE FAILURE, BECAUSE THE WIRING HARNESS HAD MELTED. THE VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER WAS EXCLUDED FROM RECALL # 92V117000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE MANUFACTURER AND THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED, BUT NO ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. NO REPAIRS WERE MADE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 151000.
Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Aug 11, 200883,000 milesMS
1. MY 1991 FORD ESCORT LX STATION WAGON DEVELOPED A FUEL LEAK AROUND THE FUEL TANK. 2. IT OCCURS EVERY TIME I ADD FUEL TO THE TANK. 3. I REPORTED THE PROBLEM TO FORD, INCLUDING THE EXISTENCE OF A RECALL NOTICE (NHTSA ACTION NUMBER EA92012; NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 92V117000)). FORD HAS IGNORED THE RECALL LETTER, CLAIMING THERE IS NO SUCH RECALL LETTER, AND ... IN GENERAL GIVING ME THE RUNAROUND. FRANKLY, I'M MAD AS '!@#$%. THIS PROBLEM IS A FIRE HAZARD, AND FORD IS REFUSING TO ADDRESS IT!!!!! WHAT CAN I DO?? THANKS! KES *TR
Electrical System › Alternator/Generator/Regulator
Filed May 1, 2008101,000 milesDE
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1991 FORD ESCORT LX. THE CONTACT POURED BRAKE FLUID INTO THE POWER STEERING RESERVOIR. SHE TOOK HER VEHICLE TO A MECHANIC TO HAVE THE VEHICLE BLED. THE MECHANIC REPLACED THE POWER STEERING PUMP WITHOUT AUTHORIZATION, AND NOW THE VEHICLE IS SPEWING FORTH POWER STEERING FLUID. THE ALTERNATOR WAS LOPSIDED AND ITS SCREWS WERE MISSING. THE MOTOR MOUNT WAS REMOVED AND THE CONTACT DOES NOT KNOW THE REASON. WHEN SHE ARRIVED HOME AND TURNED OFF THE VEHICLE, IT FAILED TO RESTART AFTER MANY ATTEMPTS. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT HE WOULD SEND A TOW, BUT ONE NEVER ARRIVED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 101,000.
Seat Belts
Filed Apr 29, 2008107,000 milesOH
MOTORIZED SEAT BELTS INOPERATIVE. LAP BELT DOES NOT RESTRAIN. *TR
Seat Belts › Front › AnchorageCrash1 injured1 killed
Filed May 1, 2006IN
LOST CONTROL ON WET ROAD HIT TREE HEAD-ON AND SEAT BELT CAME OUT OF TRACK ALLOWED DRIVER TO BE DECAPITATED. *NM
Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Nov 21, 2005133,000 milesCO
DT: THE CONTACT STATES THERE IS A NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN 92V117000 CONCERNING FUEL PUMP SENDING ASSEMBLY. THIS CONSUMER IS EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEMS AS INDICATED IN THE RECALL, BUT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO VIN. THE CONTACT REPAIRED THE VEHICLE AT HIS OWN EXPENSE. *AK UPDATD 01/25/06. *JB
Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights
Filed Jun 28, 200590,000 milesWA
DT: 1991, FORD, ESCORT HATCHBACK. CONSUMER'S WIFE CAME HOME YESTERDAY, AND SAID SHE SMELLED SMOKE. CONSUMER CHECKED VEHICLE AND FOUND OUT THAT THIRD BRAKE LIGHT LOCATED AT TOP OF REAR WINDOW SMOKED WHEN BRAKE WAS PRESSED. CONSUMER TOOK LIGHT APART, AND FOUND SAME PART AT A JUNK YARD. CONSUMER REPLACED HEAT SHIELD AND HALOGEN BULB WITH ONE FROM JUNK YARD. CONSUMER CALLED FORD AND GAVE FORD INFORMATION ABOUT THE INCIDENT. FORD TOLD CONSUMER THERE WERE NO RECALLS, BUT THEY WERE GOING TO TURN IT IN TO ENGINEERING. CONSUMER BELIEVED THAT A LOWER WATT, COOLER BULB WOULD KEEP LIGHT FROM CAUSING FIRE.*AK BULB HOUSING HAD HOLE MELTED THROUGH IT. REPLACED HOUSING WITH GOOD HEAT SHIELD (ORIGINAL HEAT SHIELD HAD BURNED OFF CAUSING THE PROBLEM).*SB
Electrical System › Ignition
Filed Mar 8, 2005MI
WHEN YOU TURN IGNITION OFF RADIO CONTINUES TO PLAY FOR ABOUT 10 MINUTES OR UNTIL YOU MANUALLY SHUT IT OFF, REPLACED IGNITION AND STILL HAS SAME PROBLEM.*AK
Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator PedalCrash1 injured1 killed
Filed Aug 19, 2004WI
FATALITY INVOLVING 1991 FORD ESCORT. *MR THE CONSUMERS AUNT WAS DRIVING AND WAS SEVERELY INJURED AND THE CONSUMERS MOTHER WAS KILLED IN THE ACCIDENT. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED TO KNOW IF THE VEHICLE WAS CHECKED OR CORRECTED FOR THE PROBLEM. (INSPECT THE BOLT LENGTH BEFORE DRIVEN OR DEMONSTRATED OR DELIVERED THE VEHICLE UNTIL THEY HAVE BEEN INSPECTED) THIS WAS THE CONSUMER'S AUNT'S FIRST ACCIDENT UNTIL THE PROBLEM WITH THE ACCELERATOR. THE THROTTLE LINKAGE WAS POSSIBLY DEFECTIVE. RECALL# 90V076000 *SC THERE WAS ALSO A LEAKAGE PRESENT AT THE RIGHT FRONT BRAKE CALIPER UPON INSPECTION. *JB
Electrical System › Wiring › Interior/Under DashFire
Filed Jul 30, 2004136,000 milesPA
MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING A 1991 FORD ESCORT IN DOWNTOWN PITTSBURGH WHEN SMOKE BEGAN POURING OUT OF THE DASHBOARD BEHIND THE SPEEDOMETER SECTION. SHE PULLED OVER AND EXITED THE CAR AFTER TURNING OFF THE IGNITION SWITCH. THE SMOKE CEASED AND A POLICE OFFICER STOPPED BY TO ASSIST. HE REMAINED TO DIRECT TRAFFIC UNTIL THE TOW TRUCK CAME TO RETURN THE VEHICLE TO MY HOUSE. THE VEHICLE HAS LIABILITY INSURANCE ONLY. I WAS NOT ABLE TO INVESTIGATE THE CAUSE OF THE SMOKE FOR A FEW DAYS. I NEEDED MORE INFORMATION IN HOW TO GET BEHIND THE DASHBOARD. UPON OPENING THE DASHBOARD, I FOUND THE WIRING BUNDLE LEADING TO THE DASHBOARD METERING WAS MELTED INTO A BUNDLE AND THE WIRES WERE NOT DISTINGUISHABLE IN COLOR ANY MORE. THE MELTED SECTION OF WIRING WAS FURTHER FOUND IN LEADING INTO THE LARGER BUNDLE GOING DEEPER INTO THE DASHBOARD AND INTO THE ENGINE WELL. I CONTACTED FORD CONCERNING THIS AND WAS REFERED BY THEM TO MY INSURANCE AGENT. THE CONSUMER SAFETY COMMISSION SENT ME IN YOUR DIRECTION. IS THERE ANYTHING I CAN DO BESIDES TRASH THE CAR?*AK
Electrical System › Ignition
Filed Apr 17, 2004MN
IGNITION SWITCH FAILURE TO TURN OFF ENGINE. SMOKE COMING INTO THE INSIDE OF VEHICLE FROM THE ENGINE. *AK
Seat Belts
Filed Mar 3, 2004135,000 milesCA
AUTOMATIC PASSIVE RESTRAINT SYSTEM FAILED TO OPERATE WHEN OPENING THE DOOR. MECHANISM JAMMED, AND HAD TO BE MANUALLY DISCONNECTED TO GET IN AND OUT OF THE VEHICLE. *AK *NM
Electrical System › Ignition
Filed Feb 19, 2004IN
THE CONSUMER WAS MAKING A LEFT HAND TURN WHEN THE IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER FELL ONTO THE FLOOR. THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP AND THE CONSUMER WAS FORCED TO COME TO A STOP. THE DEALER HAD BEEN CONTACTED. PLEASE DESCRIBE FURTHER. *JB *MR
Seat Belts › Front › Retractor
Filed Jan 29, 2004149,000 milesOH
DRIVER'S AUTOMATIC SHOULDER BELT WOULD NOT RETRACT BACK TO THE LOCKING POSITION. CONSUMER IS UNABLE TO WEAR THE SEAT BELT PROPERLY. *AK
Seat Belts › Front
Filed Sep 12, 2003WA
THE FRONT SEAT BELTS WERE INOPERATIVE. *JB THE VEHICLE CAME EQUIPPED WITH THE AUTOMATIC SEAT BELTS, THE SEAT BELTS FAILED IN THE OPEN POSITION.*SCC *JB
Seat Belts › Front › Buckle AssemblyCrash
Filed Jul 8, 2003TX
WHILE TRAVELING ABOUT 50MPH AND WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING CONSUMER'S VEHICLE HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE FROM BEHIND, AND DRIVER SIDE STRAP BROKE FROM THE FRAME OF THE SEAT BELT. *AK
Electrical System › Wiring › Fuses and Circuit Breakers
Filed Jun 25, 2003132,000 milesMO
CONSUMER STATES THAT THE WIRING ASSEMBLY TO THE FUEL PUMP HAS BURNED UP 3X IN THE LAST MONTH. DEALER DIAGNOSED PROBLEM AS INCORRECT SPECIFIED 30AMP FUSE FOR FUEL PUMP.*AK
Fuel System, Other › Storage › Tank Assembly
Filed Jun 3, 2003IN
VEHICLE WAS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM AS MENTIONED IN RECALL#92V17000 CONCERNING FUEL TANK. DEALER WILL NOT REPAIR VEHICLE BECAUSE IT IS NOT COVERED UNDER RECALL DUE TO VIN. *AK
Suspension › Front
Filed Apr 2, 2003120,000 milesGA
THE STEERING WHEEL WAS VERY HARD TO TURN. THERE WAS A RECALL 94E019000 WHICH DESCRIBED THE EXACT PROBLEM, THE CONSUMER'S VEHICLE EXPERIENCED. *JB
Electrical System › Ignition › Anti-theft › Control Module
Filed Feb 13, 2003MO
THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS STUCK IN ONE POSITION. POSSIBLY RELATED TO RECALL 93V057000.*JB *TS
Seat Belts › Front
Filed Nov 29, 2002MI
CONSUMER STATES THAT THE SEAT BELT WILL NOT RETRACT BACK INTO POSITION AND IT COULD CAUSE THE SEAT BELT TO BE DEFECTIVE IN THE EVENT OF AND ACCIDENT. DEALER NOTIFIED. PH
Power Train › Manual Transmission
Filed Nov 27, 2002PA
CONSUMER STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AND WITHOUT WARNING THE VEHICLE WILL STICK IN PARK AND WILL NOT SHIFT GEARS CAUSING A DISTRACTION TO THE CONSUMER. DEALER NOTIFIED. TS
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump
Filed Nov 14, 2002210,100 milesOK
CONSUMER NOTICED FUEL ON THE GROUND, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC, AND IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT GAS HAD LEAKED OUT OF THE FUEL LINE WHICH CONNECTED TO THE TANK. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. THE FUEL TANK AND PUMP WAS REPLACED.*JB
Seat Belts
Filed Jul 17, 2002MI
DRIVER'S SIDE AUTOMATIC SEAT BELTS ARE NOT WORKING PROPERLY, SEAT BELTS ARE STUCK IN PLACE. CONTACTED DEALER, AND THE DEALER WAS NOT WILLING TO DO ANYTHING.*AK
Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Jul 15, 2002PA
WHILE DRIVING THE SMELL OF GAS IS VERY STRONG.*AK CONSUMER STATED THAT THE SMELL GETS STRONGER WHEN CAR WAS ACCELERATING. *YH
Electrical System › Ignition
Filed Jul 13, 2002SC
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
Wheels › HubCrash
Filed Jun 28, 2002CA
HUB CAPS NEVER STAYED ON THE RIMS ALWAYS FELL OFF DEFECTIVE. *AK
Seats › Front Assembly › ReclinerCrash
Filed Apr 11, 2002MI
VEHICLE WAS REAR ENDED AND DRIVER'S SEATBACK COLLAPSED COMPLETELY. MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
Steering › Column Locking › Anti-theft Device
Filed Jan 7, 2002IL
STEERING WHEEL UNEXPECTEDLY LOCKS UP DURING NORMAL OPERATION OF VEHICLE WHILE IDLING OR TRAVELING 40 MPH AROUND A LONG CURVE. DEALERSHIP HAS NOT EXAMINED VEHICLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF PROBLEM, AND WAS NOT SHOWING THIS VEHICLE BEING INCLUDED IN RECALL CAMPAIGN 93V057000 (IGNITION: ANTI-THEFT). PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION / DOCUMENTATION. *AK
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery
Filed Dec 11, 2001MN
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOV EVEHICLE. *AK
Seat Belts
Filed Nov 12, 2001CO
SEATBELTS: THE MOTORIZED SEAT BELT STICK IN THE TRACK, USUALLY HALF WAY BETWEEN OPEN & CLOSE. NOW THEY WILL NOT OPERATE AT ALL. I TOOK ONE APART & THE PLASTIC COVERING THE CABLE IS DETERIORATING & CAUSING THE CABLE TO STICK. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE THAT NEEDS YOUR ATTENTION IMMEDIATELY. YOU CAN HAVE MY SEATBELT ASSEMBLE FOR INSPECTION, AS I WILL HAVE TO PURCHASE A NEW ONE FOR MY SPOUSE'S SAFETY. FUEL: THIS CAR WAS NOT COVERED UNDER THE RECALL #92S54, AS THE PRODUDUCTION DATE WAS TOO EARLY, BUT IT HAS THE IDENTICAL PROBLEM. I HAVE ALREADY CORRECTED THIS PROBLEM WITH A NEW FUEL PUMP ASSEMBLY. YOU MAY HAVE ACCESS TO THIS PART FOR YOUR INSPECTION AS WELL. LAST BUT NOT LEAST: HEADLIGHT: CLOUDY, YELLOW, AND DO NOT ALLOW LIGHT ON THE ROAD. VERY HAZARDOUS. I HAVE NOTICED THIS IS TYPICAL ON A LOT OF DIFFERENT FORD CARS & TRUCKS. I HAVE PURCHASED A SET FROM THE LOCAL WRECKING YARD, BUT DO NOT HAVE THE HEADLIGHT FOR YOU TO INSPECT. I THREW THEM AWAY. *AK
Suspension › Front › Springs › Coil Springs
Filed Oct 24, 2001IL
CONSUMER PUT GROCERY IN THE BACK OF VEHICLE, AND NOTICED REAR END RIDING LOW, AND WAS MAKING A CLUNKING NOISE. CONSUMER TOOK A LOOK UNDERNEATH AND NOTICED REAR SPRING BROKE AND SHIFTED INWARD OF VEHICLE. CONSUMER FOUND OUT FROM JUNKYARD THAT IT WAS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH ESCORTS. *AK *SLC
Electrical System › Wiring › Interior/Under DashFire
Filed Sep 28, 2001MI
WHILE TRAVELING AT 45 MPH TO HOME NOTICED A STRONG SMELL OF SOMETHING BURNING FROM DASH AREA. VEHICLE TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP WHO INFORMED CONSUMER THAT A FIRE BROKE OUT FROM A WIRING HARNESS UNDER THE DASH. DEALER/MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED, AND INFORMED CONSUMER THAT NO RECALL WAS FOUND ON THAT VEHICLE. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
Exterior Lighting › Headlights
Filed Sep 28, 2001VA
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
Electrical System › Ignition › Switch
Filed Sep 25, 2001NY
IGNITION SWITCH IS FAULTY, CONSUMER FEELS A FULL RECALL IS NEEDED AND STATES THAT VEHICLE COULD STALL IN TRAFFIC. *SLC
Electrical System › WiringFire
Filed Aug 21, 2001VA
ENGINE HAD BEEN CUT OFF ABOUT 15 MINUTES. SOMEONE TOLD CONSUMER VEHICLE WAS SMOKING. IGNITION AREA AND DASHBOARD WERE BURNING. CONSUMER HAD NOT CONTACTED DEALER. *AK CONSUMER STATES THAT ALL OF THE DASH AREA AROUND THE IGNITION WAS DESTROYED. *SLC
Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly
Filed Aug 16, 2001AZ
AFTER FILLING FUEL TANK HAD NOTICED A FUEL SMELL INSIDE VEHICLE. ALSO, AFTER DRIVING FOR WHILE COULD STILL SMELL FUEL. DECIDED TO CHECK UNDER VEHICLE, AND FOUND A FUEL LEAK IN TANK THAT SHOWED A CRACK ABOVE MUFFLER. CONSUMER CONTACTED DEALER. PLEASE PROVIDE MORE INFORMATION.*AK
Power Train
Filed Jun 15, 2001PA
SPEEDOMETER CABLE IS LEAKING FLUID AND HAS TO BE REPLACED. OPERATION OF SPEEDOMETER HAS NOT BEEN AFFECTED BY THIS PROBLEM. *AK THE CONSUMER SAID, THE FIRST RPLACEMENT WAS TRADED BACK IN FOR ANOTHER REPLACEMENT DUE TO IT NOT WORKING. THE SECOND REPLACEMENT IS IN THE VEHICLE NOW STILL ALLOWS IT TO LEAK. *YH
Seat Belts
Filed May 21, 2001CO
RETRACTORS ON FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE SEATBELTS HAVE GOTTEN STUCK AND NO LONGER FUNCTION. DEALER HAS REPAIRED DRIVER'S SIDE.*AK
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery
Filed May 11, 2001WI
I ALSO HAVE ANOTHER 1991 ESCORT WITH THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THE FUEL PUMPAND WIRING.BOTH CARS WIRES SHORTED WHERE THE WIRES GO THROUGH THE SENDING UNIT INTO THE TANK.THERE WAS EVIDENCE OF ARCING ON THE INSIDE OF THE FUELTANK NEXT TO THE FUELPUMP,WHY THE FUELTANK DIDN'T EXPLODE IS BEYOND ME.THE GROUND WIRES WERE BURNED ALL THE WAY UNDER THE DASH, MOST OF THE ITEMS OF THE CAR DON'T WORK NOW . OTH CARS FUELPUMPS SHORTED OUT WHERE THE WIRES GO THROUGH
Electrical System › Wiring › Front UnderhoodFire
Filed May 3, 2001MI
VEHICLE WAS PARKED 2 WEEKS WHEN IT STARTED SMOKING FROM UNDER HOOD. CONTACTED FIRE DEPARTMENT. FLAMES SEEN IN FRONT OF VEHICLE WERE EXTINGUISHED. FIRE DEPARTMENT GAVE INDICATION THAT ELECTRICAL WIRING CAUSED THE PROBLEM. VEHICLE WAS TOTALED.*AK
Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Park/Neutral Start Interlock Switch
Filed Apr 18, 2001NY
CONSUMER PUT VEHICLE IN PARK POSTION ON AN INCLINE, CONSUMER GOT OUT OF VEHICLE, AND VEHICLE STARTED TO ROLL BACKWARDS. GEAR SHIFT WAS STILL IN PARK.*AK
Seat Belts
Filed Apr 4, 2001NC
ELECTRONIC SEATBELT DOES NOT WORK, THIS IS A HAZARD, IF I HAVE A WRECK, I'M A GONNER!*AK
Seat Belts
Filed Mar 10, 2001MO
DRIVER'S SIDE SHOULDER BELT LOCKED HALFWAY DOWN TRACK, PRIOR TO FAILURE THE BELT RARELY WORKED AS IT WAS INTENDED TO. *AK
Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Feb 22, 2001CA
POSSIBLE CAUSE OF ACCIDENT IN PARKING LOT RE NHTSA CAMPAIGN NO: 90V076000 NEVER WAS NOTIFIED BY DEALER OR FORD MOTORS. *AK
Electrical System › Wiring › Front UnderhoodFire
Filed Feb 10, 2001OH
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
Tires
Filed Feb 1, 2001RI
TIRE SIZE 175R7013, REPLACEMENT TIRE, DOT NUMBER NOT AVAILABLE, TIRES HAVE 40 THOUSAND MILES ON THEM, AND HAVE EIGHTY PERCENT OF TREAD LIFE AVAILABLE. CONSUMER HAS NOTICED BUBBLES FORMING ON BOTH DRIVER SIDE AND PASSENGER SIDE TIRES. *AK *SLC
Electrical System › Ignition
Filed Jan 30, 2001CA
CONSUMER HAS READ IN MEDIA THAT THIS MODEL HAS A PROBLEM WITH IGNITION MODULE, IT COULD CATCH FIRE AT ANYTIME. *AK
Complaints 1-50 of 327, newest first, reproduced as filed.
It is not among the Escort years to avoid. Owners filed 327 complaints, against about 279 for a typical Escort year. The most common complaint is about the electrical system (29%).
What is the most common problem with the 1991 Ford Escort?
The electrical system: 96 of the 327 complaints (29%) are about it. Owners most often say it smokes or smells of burning (17%), stalls (5%) and drains the battery or stops charging (5%). The typical report comes at 132,000 miles.
How many recalls does the 1991 Ford Escort have?
4 safety recalls on file with NHTSA, the most recent filed Jun 2, 1994. The largest, 93V057000, covered 91,000 vehicles. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.
At what mileage do 1991 Ford Escort problems start?
Half of the complaints that record an odometer reading came in before 132,000 miles.
Has NHTSA investigated the 1991 Ford Escort?
Yes, 6 times. The latest, EA94002 ("FUEL PUMP WIRING SHORTAGE"), was opened Jan 28, 1994 and closed Jan 31, 1995.
Are there service bulletins for the 1991 Ford Escort?
The manufacturer filed 59 technical service bulletins and other notices for it with NHTSA, most of them about the brakes (11), the engine (8) and the transmission (8). A bulletin is a repair instruction to dealers, not a recall: the fix is usually free only under warranty.
Reading this record
2 deaths reported in complaints filed with NHTSA.
Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.
Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.
Most recent recall on file: Jun 2, 1994. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.