1991 FORD Escort Problems

393

Complaints Reported

Complaints by Component

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

114 complaints

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

Jul 20, 2013

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

Mar 08, 2005

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

Jul 30, 2004

Fire: 1

IGNITION SWITCH FAILURE TO TURN OFF ENGINE. SMOKE COMING INTO THE INSIDE OF VEHICLE FROM THE ENGINE. *AK

Apr 17, 2004

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

Feb 19, 2004

+ 109 more complaints for this component

SEAT BELTS

70 complaints

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

Apr 29, 2008

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

May 01, 2006

Crash: 1

Injuries: 1

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

Mar 03, 2004

DRIVER'S AUTOMATIC SHOULDER BELT WOULD NOT RETRACT BACK TO THE LOCKING POSITION. CONSUMER IS UNABLE TO WEAR THE SEAT BELT PROPERLY. *AK

Jan 29, 2004

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

Sep 12, 2003

+ 65 more complaints for this component

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

57 complaints

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.

Oct 30, 2009

Fire: 1

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

Aug 11, 2008

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

Nov 21, 2005

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

Nov 14, 2002

WHILE DRIVING THE SMELL OF GAS IS VERY STRONG.*AK CONSUMER STATED THAT THE SMELL GETS STRONGER WHEN CAR WAS ACCELERATING. *YH

Jul 15, 2002

+ 52 more complaints for this component

POWER TRAIN

32 complaints

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

Nov 27, 2002

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

Jun 15, 2001

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

Apr 18, 2001

CAR WOULDN'T STAY IN PARK SOMETIMES, IT WAS SLIPPING WHEN IT SHIFTED AND FINALLY QUIT, WITH TRANS. FLUID RUNNING OUT. *AK

Oct 02, 2000

CONSUMER WAS DRIVING VEHICLE ON STREET, STOPPED AT TRAFFIC LIGHT, LIGHT CHANGED, VEHICLE WOULD NOT MOVE./ REPAIRMAN INFORMED CONSUMER THAT A PART IN TRANSMISSION WORE OUT, CAUSING VEHICLE NOT TO MOVE. *AK

Oct 01, 1998

+ 27 more complaints for this component

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

16 complaints

POSSIBLE CAUSE OF ACCIDENT IN PARKING LOT RE NHTSA CAMPAIGN NO: 90V076000 NEVER WAS NOTIFIED BY DEALER OR FORD MOTORS. *AK

Feb 22, 2001

PULLING INTO A YARD VEHICLE TOOK OFF AND CRASHED INTO THE GARAGE. *AK

Oct 19, 1999

Crash: 1

INTERFERENCE OCCURS BETWEEN THE BOLT THAT SECURES A FUEL LINE SHIELD TO THE LOWER PORTION OF THE DASH PANEL AND THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. VEHICLE NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL 90VO76000 DUE TO VIN. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK

Jul 22, 1999

THROTTLE STUCK PRIOR TO RECALL. (90V-076))

Apr 07, 1999

SUDDEN ACCELERATION RESULTING IN A COLLISION.

Apr 14, 1998

Injuries: 1

+ 11 more complaints for this component

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

14 complaints

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

Jun 28, 2005

NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK

Sep 28, 2001

REAR WINDOW BRAKE LIGHT SHORTED CAUSING SMOKE.

Apr 15, 1999

REAR BRAKE LIGHT GETS HOT, CAUSING THE PLASTIC COVER TO DRIP ALL OVER PASSENGER'S IN THE REAR. ALSO, THERE IS AN ODOR WITHIN THE VEHICLE, AND SMOKE IS COMING FROM THE LIGHT. *AK

Jan 28, 1999

HIGH MOUNT BRAKE LIGHT BULB MELTED THE SOCKET.

Jun 05, 1998

+ 9 more complaints for this component

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

14 complaints

ENGINE IS NEEDING TO BE REPLACED DUE TO THE CRANKSHAFT IS CRACKED, THRUST BEARING IS WORN OUT, OIL PAN DROPPED OFF, AND THE FLYWHEEL IS NEARLY ALL CRACKED. *SLC

Sep 13, 2000

THE HEAD GASKET FAILED IN THE ENGINE. THE REPAIR BILL WAS $627.69. I TALKED TO FORD MOTOR COMPANY'S CUSTOMER SERVICE DEPT. THEY DECLINED TO PAY FOR REPAIR EVEN THOUGH THE FAILURE IS A KNOWN DESIGN DEFECT. *AK

Jun 27, 2000

WHEN DECREASING SPEED TO A STOP OR GOING AROUND A RAMP VEHICLE WILL STALL. THIS HAPPENS ONCE A WEEK. DEALER WILL BE CONTACTED. *AK

Apr 04, 2000

WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH ON THE FREEWAY THE VEHICLE JUST CUT OFF WITH NO WARNING. DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED. *AK

Oct 21, 1998

TIMING BELT FAILED.

Jun 05, 1998

+ 9 more complaints for this component

STEERING

11 complaints

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

Jan 07, 2002

WHILE EXITING OFF A RAMP AT 35MPH THE VEHICLE MADE A CLUNKING NOISE, AND THE LEFT FRONT TIRE TURNED INWARD AND LOCKED UP. DEALER SAID THE VEHICLE NEEDED PINS AND BOLTS FOR THE ROD. *AK

Oct 25, 1999

PINS THAT HOLD THE TIE ROD IN PLACE WERE NOT LOCATED ON THIS VEHICLE AT THE TIME OF PURCHASE, CONSUMER WAS NOT AWARE. WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWY AT 35-40 MPH THE BOLT DISENGAGED, CAUSING THE STEERING TO LOCK UP, AND LOSS OF STEERING. THE DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *AK

Oct 25, 1999

THE DRAPER PULLEY BROKE AND SNAPPED, CAUSING POWER STEERING BELT TO BRAKE, RESULTING IN NO POWER STEERING. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK

Jul 29, 1999

RIGHT FRONT TIE ROD BROKE.

May 09, 1997

+ 6 more complaints for this component

SUSPENSION

8 complaints

THE STEERING WHEEL WAS VERY HARD TO TURN. THERE WAS A RECALL 94E019000 WHICH DESCRIBED THE EXACT PROBLEM, THE CONSUMER'S VEHICLE EXPERIENCED. *JB

Apr 02, 2003

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

Oct 24, 2001

CAR IS PULLING TO THE RIGHT, THIS MAKES IT HARD TO STEER VEHICLE. *AK

Mar 20, 2000

THE TRAILING ARM SEPARATED FROM VEHICLE, CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL. *AK

Jun 24, 1999

THE REAR SPRINGS BROKE. HAD NO WARNING. HAD TAKEN VEHICLE IN FOR SERVICE & WAS INFORMED BY MECHANIC, WHO NOTICED THE BROKEN REAR SPRINGS. THERE WAS NO PROBLEM WITH THE FRONT SPRINGS. THE REAR SPRINGS WERE REPLACED. *AK

Apr 22, 1999

+ 3 more complaints for this component

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

8 complaints

BRAKES REPLACED. *SLC

Sep 13, 2000

UPON APPLYING THE BRAKES PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR, AND THE VEHICLE REARENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE. DEALER COULD NOT FIND THE CAUSE. *AK

Jul 28, 1999

Crash: 1

LOCATION OF FUEL LINE WHICH IS NEAR SWAY BAR AREA ON VEHICLE CAUSES FUEL LINES TO DEVELOP PIN HOLES, RESULTING IN FUEL LEAK. *AK

Jul 30, 1998

THERE IS LOUD THUMPING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT WHEELS, MOSTLY THE RIGHT WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. *AK

Jul 12, 1996

BRAKE FAILURE, WHEN BRAKES WERE APPLIED EXPERIENCE EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE, IMPACT 12:00 POSITION SPEED UNKNOWN. TT

Oct 26, 1995

Crash: 1

+ 3 more complaints for this component

EQUIPMENT

6 complaints

AIR CONDITIONER FAILED. *SLC

Sep 13, 2000

NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK

Mar 26, 2000

AIR CONDITIONER LEAKS.

Oct 22, 1997

THE JACK FAILED, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO DROP. *AK

Jan 06, 1997

CIGARETTE LIGHTER DOES NOT FUNCTION.

Oct 26, 1995

+ 1 more complaint for this component

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

4 complaints

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

Jun 25, 2003

NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOV EVEHICLE. *AK

Dec 11, 2001

FUEL PUMP FAILED, AND ELECTRICAL WIRING TO FUEL PUMP AND WIRING UNDER DASH MELTED. ALSO, TWO SETS OF WIRING TO HEADLIGHTS MELTED TO BARE WIRE. HIGH CURRENT OVERHEATED THE WIRING. CONTACED FORD. AND VEHICLE IS ALMOST TOTALLED. PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION...

Aug 03, 1999

Fire: 1

WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE, IT WOULD STALL OR SHUT DOWN, WAS INFORMED IT WAS ELECTRICAL OR FUEL PUMP. *AK

Jan 07, 1997

SEATS

4 complaints

VEHICLE WAS REAR ENDED AND DRIVER'S SEATBACK COLLAPSED COMPLETELY. MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK

Apr 11, 2002

Crash: 1

DRIVER'S SEAT BACK REST IS BROKEN, WON'T LOCK UPRIGHT, BACK REST LAYS BACK. TT

Jan 24, 1996

DRIVER'S SEAT BACK REST IS BROKEN, WON'T LOCK UPRIGHT, BACK REST LAYS BACK. TT

Jan 24, 1996

WIRING UNDER REAR SEAT CAUGHT FIRE. TT

Nov 08, 1995

Fire: 1

VISIBILITY

4 complaints

WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAILED. *SLC

Sep 13, 2000

WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY REAR WINDOW CAME OUT. HAD NO PRIOR WARNING. CONTACTED MANUFACTURER & INFORMED CONSUMER THAT WARRANTY HAS EXPIRED. NOTHING CAN BE DONE ABOUT THE REAR WINDOW. *AK

Apr 10, 2000

WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAIL INTERMITTENTLY.

Feb 24, 1998

VEHICLE DESIGNED WITHOUT PASSENGER SIDE EXTERIOR REAR VIEW MIRROR, CAUSING POOR VISIBILITY. (OTHER VEHICLE ON 479638) *SKD

Jun 20, 1994

TIRES

3 complaints

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

Feb 01, 2001

TIRES FAILED CAUSING ACCIDENT.

Mar 31, 1998

BALD FRONT TIRES/REAR TIRE TREAD SEPARATION, ALSO MISALIGNMENT.

Feb 09, 1995

STRUCTURE

3 complaints

ALSO, MY ESCORT HAS HAD A WATER LEAK FOR THE PAST TWO YEARS. WHEN I CONTACT KEY FOR, I WAS TOLD THAT NO OTHER REPORTS OF THIS KIND HAD BEEN MADE. WHEN I CONTACTED A LOCAL BODY SHOP, I WAS TOLD THAT THIS WAS COMMON IN ESCORTS AND THAT THE FORD COMPANY WAS AWARE OF THIS, BUT NO EFFORT WAS BEING DONE TO CORRECT IT. IN THE MEANTIME, I RUN AROUND WITH A CATHS LITTER BOX IN MY CAR SO WHEN IT RAINS MOST OF THE WATER GETS IN THE LITTER BOX AND NOT ON MY FLOOR BOARD. HAVE ANY REPORTS OF THIS NATURE BEEN MADE?

Aug 27, 1998

Fire: 1

DOORS WON'T CLOSE PROPERLY.

Sep 12, 1997

REAR PASSENGER SIDE DOOR WILL NOT OPEN FROM OUTSIDE. TT

Apr 04, 1995

FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER

2 complaints

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

Jun 03, 2003

FUEL GAUGE FAILURE, DRIVER DOES NOT KNOW HOW MUCH GAS IS IN VEHICLE. TT

Oct 05, 1995

WHEELS

2 complaints

HUB CAPS NEVER STAYED ON THE RIMS ALWAYS FELL OFF DEFECTIVE. *AK

Jun 28, 2002

Crash: 1

CAR WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO BE FIXED AFTER AN ACCIDENT AND NOTICED THAT LUGS: NUTS AND BOLTS WERE MISSING FROM THE CAR. *AK

Aug 23, 1999

Crash: 1

INTERIOR LIGHTING

2 complaints

DASHBOARD LIGHTS FOR RPMS WENT OUT.

Jan 14, 1997

DOME LIGHT FUNCTIONS INTERMITTENTLY. *DSH

Oct 26, 1995

POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

2 complaints

STARTER KEPT ENGAGING WITH ENGINE RUNNING, WIRES UNDERHOOD BURNED OUT, FUSE STILL INTACT, NO SAFETY DEVICE TO CUT OFF SWITCH. *AK CONSUMER STATES THE STARTER SOLENOID WAS STUCK IN THE CLOSED POSITION, EVEN THOUGH THE VEHICLE ENGINE WAS RUNNING, THIS CAUSED A STRANGE SOUND UNDER THE HOOD, CONSUMER SHUT OFF THE IGNITION AND REMOVED THE KEY, THE STARTER CONTINUED TO TURN THE ENGINE, THIS HAPPENED THREE TIMES IN COLD ENGINE STARTS TWICE THE STARTER DISENGAGED AFTER 3 OR 4 MINTUES AFTER THE FOURTH TIME IT THEN RETURNED TO NORMAL AS CONSUMER KEPT DRIVING TO THE STOP, THE NEXT MORNING MECHANIC STARTED IT UP AND THE WIRES WERE BURNED AND CHARRED AND OTHER DAMAGE OCCURED INCLUDING THE TACHOMETER.*JB

Dec 02, 1996

THE CAR STARTS ALL BY ITSELF WHILE SITTING IN THE CAR WITHOUT THE KEY INTO THE IGNITION. *AK CONSUMER STATES ENGINE AND STARTER COULD NOT BE STOPPED WITH THE KEYS, CONSUMER HAD TO GO TO NEAREST DEALER TO ULL THE BATTERY CABLE TO STOP THE ENGINE, IGNITION SWITCH HAD TO BE REPLACED,THE STARTER WAS BURNED OUT, RELAY SWITCH HAD TO BE REPLACED AND STARTER COIL.*JB

Apr 18, 1996

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

1 complaint

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

Mar 15, 2010

STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

1 complaint

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.

May 01, 2008

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

1 complaint

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

Aug 19, 2004

Crash: 1

Injuries: 1

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,SEAT BELTS

1 complaint

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

Nov 12, 2001

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,POWER TRAIN

1 complaint

WHAT WE WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IS IF THIS IS A RECALLED ITEM IS THERE A PARTICULAR PROCEDURE FOR GETTING IT REPAIRED. AND IF WE GET IT REPAIRED OTHER THAN AT A FORD SERVICE CENTER CAN WE BE REIMBURSED. WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY THE CAR SEEMED TO GO INTO NEUTRAL EVEN THOUGH IT'S AUTOMATIC. THE FUEL GAUGE IS BROKEN AS WELL. *AK

Apr 07, 2000

TIRES,WHEELS

1 complaint

I WAS DRIVING ON 295 NOT SURE NORTH OR SOUTH, GETTING READY TO GET OF THE HIGHWAY AT EXIT 11. AT THE BEGINNING OF THE EXIT THEY WHERE A POT HOLE IN THE ROAD, I HIT THE POTHOLE AND PUT A BIG DENT IN MY FRONT RIGHT RIM (RIMS WHERE CUSTOM 16" X 7") THEN TIRE WENT FLAT. *AK

Feb 17, 2000

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN

1 complaint

WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE OVERHEATED. THE FUEL TANK LEAKED FUEL & THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. HAPPENED ONCE BEFORE. THE TRANSMISSION WAS SHORT CUTTED FOR REPAIRS. THE DEALERSHIP KNEW VEHICLE HAD CAUGHT FIRE BEFORE, BUT NEVER INFORMED PRESENT OWNER. *AK

Oct 28, 1999

Fire: 1

AIR BAGS

1 complaint

DESIGN OF MOTOR RESTAINT WILL ALWAYS FAIL. UPON RETRACTION, RUBBERIZED CORD WILL EVENTUALLY PULL OUT!

Sep 03, 1999

STEERING,EXTERIOR LIGHTING

1 complaint

THEIR ARE THREE BRAKE LIGHTS. FROM WITHIN THE CENTER LIGHT THERE WAS SMOKE COMING OUT BECAUSE BRAKE LIGHT MELTED THE PLASTIC. ALSO, DEALER REPLACED BOTH STEERING TIE RODS. *AK

Jul 09, 1999

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

1 complaint

WITH REGARD FUEL LINES AND THROTTLE LINKAGES; IT IS POSSIBLE VEHICLE HAS BOTH OF THESE PROBLEMS SO THAT I CAN HAVE THEM FIXED. IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE I SHOULD KNOW ABOUT THIS CAR? IT WASN'T UNTIL YESTERDAY THAT I FOUND THIS GREAT INFORMATIONAL WEB-SITE THAT I CAME ACROSS THIS INFORMATION. I THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME AND THIS GREAT WEB-SITE. THANK YOU. DAN & DAWN MCMULLAN (719) 635-4917 AND DAN'S CELL PHONE (719) 338-2429. *AK

Jul 06, 1999

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1 complaint

NO SUMMARY LISTE DFOR THIS VEHICLE. *AK

Feb 16, 1999

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,EXTERIOR LIGHTING

1 complaint

WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES, SMOKE COMES FROM THE THIRD REAR BRAKE LIGHT. DEALER FOUND AN OIL PAN GASKET LEAK, AND STATED THAT THIS WAS THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. DEALER CORRECTED THE PROBLEM. OWNER STILL EXPERIENCED A PROBLEM WITH THE BRAKE LIGHT CONTINUING TO SMOKE. OWNER HAS DISCONNECTED THE BRAKE LIGHT. *AK

Jun 08, 1998

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE

1 complaint

POWER DOOR LOCKS DON'T WORK PROPERLY. ALSO, IGNITION LOCK MOVES AROUND AND KEY DOESN'T WORK PROPERLY. *AK

Oct 21, 1997

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SEAT BELTS

1 complaint

MOTORIZED SHOULDER STRAPS TIGHTENED TOO MUCH AND TOO QUICKLY ALMOST STRANGLING DRIVER'S WIFE; ALSO, STARTER , SITUATED IN A "HEAT SINK" BENEATH MANIFOLD/NEXT TO FIREWALL, OVERHEATED AND BURNED ITSELF OUT. *AK

Jan 23, 1997

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

1 complaint

REAR DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR FAILS TO OPEN.

Jan 14, 1997

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

1 complaint

THE VEHICLE HESITATES WHEN TURNING THE IGNITION ON AND WHEN DRIVING BETWEEN 35 TO 40 MPH; ALSO, IT SMELLS LIKE SOMETHING BURNING. *AK CONSUMER STATES WHEN SHE TURNS ON IGNITION THE VEHICLE HESITATES FOR A FEW SECONDS, THEN SHE HAS TO WAIT FOR 15 MINUTES BEFORE SHE CAN DRIVE THE VEHICLE, IT ALSO STALL WHEN AT A STOP SIGN OR A LIGHT, CONSUMER ALSO STATES LIGHTS FLICKER WHEN SHE TURNS ON THE IGNITION.*JB

Dec 17, 1996

SUSPENSION,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER,SEAT BELTS

1 complaint

THE FUEL GAUGE IS NOT WORKING RIGHT; ALSO THE FRONT SUSPENSION IS OFF ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE AND SEAT BELT RETRACTOR STOPPED WORKING .*AK CONSUMER STATES FUEL GUAGE READS FULL ALL THE TIME, FRONT WHEEL BOUNCE WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD OR A VIBRATING SOUND, SEAT BELT ON DRIVER'S SIDE STOPPED WORKING.*JB

Nov 13, 1996

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4.3/5.0

62 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

How many problems does the 1991 FORD Escort have?

The 1991 FORD Escort currently has 393 owner-reported complaints according to NHTSA database. These complaints are organized by component to help identify common issues.

What are the most common problems with 1991 FORD Escort?

The most common problems reported for the 1991 FORD Escort are organized by component above. Each component section shows owner-reported issues, crash reports, and fire incidents to help identify patterns and problem areas.

Where does this 1991 FORD Escort problem data come from?

All problem and complaint data for the 1991 FORD Escort comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.