1990 Ford Escort: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 101 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is electrical system (45% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall Apr 1996
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 101 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Vehicle was parked at gas pump island, ignition off. Engine compartment errupted into flames. All components contained within the engine comparment other than metal components completely melted or burned. Vehicle was manually pushed away from gas pump island while ablaze, then extinguished by hillsborough county fire department. Vehicle was towed to a secure location, nothing has been done to the vehicle since the fire. *nm”Owner report · Electrical System · Jan 2007
“The car starts fine when cold. After driving to town sometimes won't start right off,sometimes it does. Mostof the time I have to try and try.some times when it does start it revs up then dies. Then try to start again, sometime the same thing sometime will start. When started it runs just fine. *ak”Owner report · Electrical System · Sep 2003
“While driving at 25mph on flat surface and with no warning vehicle shut off. Consumer had to pull over. Dealer notified.*ak”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Aug 2002
Show 7 more owner reports
“When driving at 50 mph the vehicle suddenly accelerated without prior warning, and without driver depressing on accelerator pedal. This caused unwanted and unexpected acceleration. Consumer has contacted dealer, dealer unable to determine the cause. Please provide any further details.*ak”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Jul 2001
“Vehicle was inside of a work shop, and noticed that there was a dent inside of tire. He could put a print depression size of a dimple. Dealership is aware of problem. *ak”Owner report · Tires · Jun 2001
“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.*ak”Owner report · Electrical System · Jan 2001
“Since the ignition switched has been replaced vehicle still stalled out.noticed that the engine at idle speed loops or idles erratically.transmission also shifts sloppy have taken the car to two transmission places and found nothing.also cosmetic light on passenger side visor stays lit when flap is closed.”Owner report · Power Train · Aug 2000
“Model continental lte 3000 tire p17570r14 ; tread shreaded off a tire while driving at 55 mph, causing damage to wheelwell/tore off mud slap, and turn light housing.tire only had 28,000 miles, and stayed inflated. *ak dot# acfp3cc447. *slc”Owner report · Tires · Jun 2000
“A plastic piece of deflector under front right wheel was rubbing against the brake rotors, causing tires to overheat and catch on fire. Manufacturer notified. Provide further details. *ak plastic deflector on right front wheel assembly either cracked or loosened, rubbed against brake rotor and caught fire destroying or damaging brake line and scorching tire ( but tire did not burn) , able to extinguish before tire caught fire. *yh”Owner report · Structure · May 2000
“Had just parked vehicle in garage & left. Half hour later smelled smoke & checked out window. Noticed smoke coming from the garage. Called fire department who arrived and extinguished the flames. Only indication of origin was electrical wires could have caused fire. Vehicle was completely totaled. *ak”Owner report · Electrical System · Oct 1999
When filing, owners marked a crash in 5 of these complaints and injuries in 8 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
SPECIAL PRIMER THAT PROMOTES THE BONDING OF A URETHANE ADHESIVE TO THE GLASS WAS NOT APPLIED TO THE WINDSHIELDS BEFORE INSTALLATION.
Remedy: REMOVE AND PROPERLY INSTALL WINDSHIELD USING SPECIAL PRIMER.
THE IGNITION SWITCH COULD EXPERIENCE AN INTERNAL SHORT CIRCUIT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 1990 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact Escort by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1990 Ford Escort reliable?
NHTSA has 101 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 1990 Ford Escort. The most complained-about area is electrical system (45% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1990 Ford Escort problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 79,893 miles or less.
Does the 1990 Ford Escort have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning visibility:windshield. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.