RoadVitals

1991 Ford Escort

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
327
Latest Jul 20, 2013
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
4
Latest Jun 2, 1994
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
6
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
80
16 injuries, 2 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 327 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 1991 Ford Escort, most frequently naming the electrical, seat belts and fuel system categories. 4 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 6 NHTSA investigations name it; and 59 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

4 campaigns cover this model year

View all 4

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
94E019000

SUSPENSION:FRONT

Jun 2, 1994
919 units potentially affected
The defect: THE OFFSET TOE ADJUSTING PIN CAN FRACTURE UNDER CONDITIONS SUCH AS TORSIONAL LOADS, FLEXING MOTION, IMPACT LOADS, AND OVERTORQUING.
The risk: THIS CAN RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLE STEERING CONTROL ANDAN ACCIDENT.
The 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.
DANA CORPORATIONView on NHTSA.gov
93V057000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:CONTROL MODULE

Apr 15, 1993
91,000 units potentially affected
The defect: THE ROLL PINS SECURING THE IGNITION LOCK IN THE STEERING COLUMN HOUSING CAN SEPARATE OR MOVE OUT OF POSITION.
The 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.
The 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.
FORD MOTOR COMPANYView on NHTSA.gov
92V117000

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

Aug 19, 1992
22,000 units potentially affected
The 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.
The 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.
The remedy: INSTALL A NEW FUEL PUMP SENDING ASSEMBLY.
FORD MOTOR COMPANYView on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

EA94002ClosedEngineering Analysis

FUEL PUMP WIRING SHORTAGE

Opened Jan 28, 1994
Closed Jan 31, 1995

There is no summary currently available

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:LINKAGES
PE93076ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

FUEL PUMP WIRING SHORTAGE

Opened Sep 3, 1993
Closed Jan 28, 1994

There is no summary currently available

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:LINKAGES
EA93007ClosedEngineering Analysis

INADVERT. STEERING LOCKUP

Opened Feb 26, 1993
Closed Apr 26, 1993

There is no summary currently available

STEERINGLed to recall 93V057000
PE92082ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

INADVER. STEERING LOCKUP

Opened Oct 6, 1992
Closed Feb 26, 1993

There is no summary currently available

STEERING

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

View all 327
Electrical
Filed Jul 20, 2013

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

NHTSA ID
10525875
Incident
Jul 14, 2013
Mileage
124,750 mi
Driver assistanceEngine
Filed Mar 15, 2010

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

NHTSA ID
10319837
Incident
Mar 15, 1994
Mileage
34,000 mi
Fuel system
Filed Oct 30, 2009
Fire reported

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.

NHTSA ID
10290381
Incident
Oct 11, 2008
Mileage
151,000 mi
Fuel system
Filed Aug 11, 2008

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

NHTSA ID
10237636
Incident
Jul 3, 2008
Mileage
83,000 mi
ElectricalSteering
Filed May 1, 2008

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.

NHTSA ID
10226363
Incident
Apr 26, 2008
Mileage
101,000 mi
Seat belts
Filed Apr 29, 2008

MOTORIZED SEAT BELTS INOPERATIVE. LAP BELT DOES NOT RESTRAIN. *TR

NHTSA ID
10226055
Incident
Apr 10, 2008
Mileage
107,000 mi
Seat belts
Filed May 1, 2006
Crash reported1 injury reported1 death reported

LOST CONTROL ON WET ROAD HIT TREE HEAD-ON AND SEAT BELT CAME OUT OF TRACK ALLOWED DRIVER TO BE DECAPITATED. *NM

NHTSA ID
10156478
Incident
Oct 30, 1992
Fuel system
Filed Nov 21, 2005

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

NHTSA ID
10143357
Incident
Dec 23, 2003
Mileage
133,000 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

01194

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

THIS ARITLCE IS TO PROVIDE INFORMATION ON REPLACEMENT OF OLD STYLE HOOD LAMP SWITCH TO THE RVISED MECHANICAL HOOD LAMP SWITCH. *TT

01157

INFORMATION REGARDING TRANSMISSION FLUID USAGE CHARTS. *SLC

01156

VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:HEATER CORE

SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT HEATER CORE LEAKS. *SLC

14993

SUSPENSION:REAR

SOME VEHICLES PRODUCED THROUGH JULY 1999 MAY EXHIBIT REAR SUSPENSION SPRING FAILURE WITH NO RESULTING OPERATIONAL CONCERN. *TT

00188

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE

CONCERNS WITH PREMATURE FAILURE OCCURING ON THE 1.9L MOTORCRAFT REMANUFACTURED LONGBLOCK ASSEMBLY AND SHORTBLOCK ASSEMBLY DUE TO INGESTION OF FOREIGN OBJECTS REMAINING IN THE TRANSFERRED INTAKE SYSTEM FROM THE ORIGINAL FAILED ENGINE. *JB

00187

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH

SUBJECT PERTAINING TO REVISED DOOR LATCH SWITCH SERVICE PROCEDURE. *JB

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Ford Escort by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2003101037.7
2002331043.4
2001681047.6
2000982054.2
19993252161.5
19983751155.2
19975432265.3
19962051047.7
19955765161.0
19942792056.7
19933793159.1
19921623159.4
1991Viewing3274669.4
19901012370.2
19891521262.7
19881432571.7
1987563775.1
1986452773.2
1985263973.4
1984213673.8
1983753—
1982455—
19811104—

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.