1991 Ford Escort: problems, recalls and reliability
4 recalls and 327 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is electrical system (29% of complaints); the 1990 and 1992 model years look more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Jun 1994
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 327 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“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”Owner report · Electrical System · Jul 2013
“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.”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Oct 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”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Jul 2008
Show 7 more owner reports
“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.”Owner report · Steering · Apr 2008
“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”Owner report · Electrical System · Mar 2005
“Driver's automatic shoulder belt would not retract back to the locking position. Consumer is unable to wear the seat belt properly. *ak”Owner report · Seat Belts · Dec 2003
“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”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Dec 2003
“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”Owner report · Seat Belts · Dec 2003
“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”Owner report · Seat Belts · Jul 2003
“While traveling about 50mph and without prior warning consumer's vehicle hit another vehicle from behind, and driver side strap broke from the frame of the seat belt. *ak”Owner report · Seat Belts · Jun 2003
When filing, owners marked a crash in 19 of these complaints and injuries in 16 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 4 campaigns
THE OFFSET TOE ADJUSTING PIN CAN FRACTURE UNDER CONDITIONS SUCH AS TORSIONAL LOADS, FLEXING MOTION, IMPACT LOADS, AND OVERTORQUING.
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.
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.
Remedy: INSTALL A NEW FUEL PUMP SENDING ASSEMBLY.
THE ROLL PINS SECURING THE IGNITION LOCK IN THE STEERING COLUMN HOUSING CAN SEPARATE OR MOVE OUT OF POSITION.
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.
INTERFERENCE OCCUR BETWEEN BOLT THAT SECURES A FUEL LINE SHIELD TO THE LOWER PORTION OF THE DASH PANEL AND THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL.
Remedy: CUT OFF EXTRA LENGTH OF BOLT THAT PROTRUDES ABOVE SURFACE OF WELD NUT TO PREVENT INTERFERENCE.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 1991 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 1991 Ford Escort reliable?
NHTSA has 327 owner complaints and 4 recall campaigns on record for the 1991 Ford Escort. The most complained-about area is electrical system (29% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1991 Ford Escort problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 128,375 miles or less.
Does the 1991 Ford Escort have open recalls?
4 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning suspension:front. 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.