1990 Ford Escort problems
Owners have filed 128 complaints about the 1990 Ford Escort with NHTSA. Electrical system accounts for 45.3% of them — far more than any other system, ahead of engine and engine cooling at 9.4%.
Complaints128
Crashes8
Fires49
Injuries15
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Electrical system 45.3% · 58
Engine and engine cooling 9.4% · 12
Seat belts 7.8% · 10
Fuel system, gasoline 7.8% · 10
Seats 4.7% · 6
Steering 3.9% · 5
Service brakes, hydraulic 3.9% · 5
Power train 3.9% · 5
Severity
Of those complaints, 8 describe a crash, 49 describe a fire and 15 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 11 model years of the Ford Escort in this data, 1990 draws comparatively few complaints; 1997 is the outlier year.
Filings have fallen off, 6 in the last three years against 21 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 79,893 miles.
In owners' own words
This was an original part that failed and caught on fire. It burned the part itself up, the wiring, and stuff under the dash. This could have been fatal as this part is located inside the steering wheel. Has there been a recall on this part. I do not have the vin with me at work. I will get it from my daughter so that I can forward to you. Electrical system
About one hour after arriving home from work someone knocked on my door to notify me that the 1990 Ford Escort that I had purchased used on march 31,1999 was smoking. I called the fire department, by this time flames were shooting from under the hood and the horn was blaring. The fire was extingushed , but the car is now totally useless. Electrical system
There was a recall listed on this make and year, but the owner never received a notice. On apr.9,1998, The vehicle caught on fire around the steering column. The vehicle was total loss. Contacted the dealer and they will not get back in touch with the owner. Would like to have an engineer call and talk about this problem (96v-071000). Electrical system
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…