1991 Ford Escort problems
Owners have filed 413 complaints about the 1991 Ford Escort with NHTSA. Electrical system accounts for 29.5% of them — the clear leader, ahead of seat belts at 17.7%.
Complaints413
Crashes22
Fires70
Injuries21
Deaths3
What owners report breaking
Electrical system 29.5% · 122
Seat belts 17.7% · 73
Fuel system, gasoline 16.2% · 67
Power train 8.5% · 35
Vehicle speed control 4.6% · 19
Exterior lighting 4.4% · 18
Engine and engine cooling 4.1% · 17
Steering 2.9% · 12
Severity
Of those complaints, 22 describe a crash, 70 describe a fire, 21 report an injury and 3 report a death.
Reading the numbers
Across the 11 model years of the Ford Escort in this data, 1991 sits 5th by complaint volume. 1997 draws the most.
Filings have fallen off, 4 in the last three years against 8 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 128,375 miles.
In owners' own words
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. Electrical system
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. Electrical system
Electrical short in the ignition, causing the wiring harness to melt, resulting in a fire. *Ak consumer states he turned ignition off and removed key, engine still continued to run, key was placed back in ignition in an attempt to turn it off, vehicle made a grinding noise and smoke began to pour out of the hood, ignition switch malfunctioned. *Slc Electrical system
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…