1991 FORD ESCORT — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data

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N/A

Safety Rating

413

Owner Complaints

22 Crashes 70 Fires 3 Deaths

4

Recalls

ACTIVE RECALL

1

Service Bulletin

5

Investigations

Overview of the 1991 FORD ESCORT

The 1991 FORD ESCORT has received a total of 413 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There have been 4 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with SUSPENSION:FRONT, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:CONTROL MODULE, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE. 1 technical service bulletin have been issued by Ford Motor Company for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Electrical Systemignitionswitch (49 complaints), Seat Belts (46 complaints), and Fuel System Gasolinedeliveryfuel Pump (24 complaints).

Recalls for the 1991 FORD ESCORT

NHTSA has recorded 4 recalls for the 1991 FORD ESCORT, potentially affecting up to 119,919 vehicles.

Recall 94E019000 — SUSPENSION:FRONT

| 919 vehicles affected

Defect: THE OFFSET TOE ADJUSTING PIN CAN FRACTURE UNDER CONDITIONS SUCH AS TORSIONAL LOADS, FLEXING MOTION, IMPACT LOADS, AND OVERTORQUING.

Consequence: THIS CAN RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLE STEERING CONTROL ANDAN ACCIDENT.

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...

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Recall 93V057000 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:CONTROL MODULE

| 91,000 vehicles affected

Defect: THE ROLL PINS SECURING THE IGNITION LOCK IN THE STEERING COLUMN HOUSING CAN SEPARATE OR MOVE OUT OF POSITION.

Consequence: THE IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER MAY DISENGAGE FROM THESTEERING COLUMN HOUSING WHICH COULD CAUSE THE STEERING COLUMN TO LOCK UP,RESULTING IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AND A POSSIBLE ACCIDENT.

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...

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Recall 92V117000 — FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

| 22,000 vehicles affected

Defect: 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.

Consequence: SHOULD A CRACK DEVELOP, FUEL VAPOR CAN ESCAPE FROM THETANK WHEN THE TANK IS FULL, AND A SMALL AMOUNT OF FUEL CAN LEAK FROM THE CRACK.FUEL LEAKS CAN RESULT IN FIRE WHEN EXPOSED TO A SOURCE OF IGNITION.

Remedy: INSTALL A NEW FUEL PUMP SENDING ASSEMBLY.

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Recall 90V076000 — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL

| 6,000 vehicles affected

Defect: INTERFERENCE OCCUR BETWEEN BOLT THAT SECURES A FUEL LINE SHIELD TO THE LOWER PORTION OF THE DASH PANEL AND THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL.

Consequence: THIS COULD CAUSE THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL TO STICK AT THE WIDE OPEN THROTTLE POSITION AND RESULT IN LOSS OF CONTROL WITH THE RISK OF A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.

Remedy: CUT OFF EXTRA LENGTH OF BOLT THAT PROTRUDES ABOVE SURFACE OF WELD NUT TO PREVENT INTERFERENCE.

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Owner Complaints for the 1991 FORD ESCORT

413 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 1991 FORD ESCORT. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.

Electrical Systemignitionswitch
Complaints: 49 22 Fires
Seat Belts
Complaints: 46 3 Crashes 5 Injuries
Fuel System Gasolinedeliveryfuel Pump
Complaints: 24 8 Fires
Fuel System Gasolinestoragetank Assembly
Complaints: 21 2 Fires
Electrical Systemignition
Complaints: 20 3 Fires
Power Trainautomatic Transmission
Complaints: 17 1 Fire
Electrical Systemwiring
Complaints: 13 6 Fires
Vehicle Speed Control
Complaints: 13 4 Crashes 3 Injuries
Fuel System Gasoline
Complaints: 9 2 Fires
Seat Beltsfrontanchorage
Complaints: 9 2 Crashes 1 Fire 2 Injuries 1 Death
Seat Beltsfrontretractor
Complaints: 9
Electrical Systemwiringfront Underhood
Complaints: 7 4 Fires 1 Injury
Electrical Systemwiringfuses And Circuit Breakers
Complaints: 7 2 Fires
Electrical Systemwiringinteriorunder Dash
Complaints: 7 6 Fires
Engine And Engine Coolingenginegasoline
Complaints: 7 3 Fires
Steeringlinkagestie Rod Assembly
Complaints: 7 1 Crash
Vehicle Speed Controlaccelerator Pedal
Complaints: 6 1 Crash 1 Injury 1 Death
Electrical Systemstarter Assembly
Complaints: 5 1 Fire
Engine And Engine Coolingengine
Complaints: 5
Exterior Lightingbrake Lights
Complaints: 5 1 Fire
Exterior Lightingbrake Lightsswitch
Complaints: 5 1 Crash
Fuel System Gasolinedelivery
Complaints: 5
Electrical System
Complaints: 4 1 Fire
Electrical Systemalternatorgeneratorregulator
Complaints: 4 1 Fire
Equipmentapplianceair Conditioner
Complaints: 4
Seat Beltsfrontwebbing
Complaints: 4 3 Crashes 7 Injuries
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Components
Complaints: 4 2 Crashes 1 Injury
Suspensionfront
Complaints: 4
Exterior Lightingback Up Lights
Complaints: 3
Exterior Lightingheadlights
Complaints: 3
Fuel System Gasolinefuel Injection System
Complaints: 3 2 Fires
Power Trainautomatic Transmissionparkneutral Start Interlock Switch
Complaints: 3
Power Trainautomatic Transmissiontorque Converter
Complaints: 3
Power Trainaxle Assembly
Complaints: 3
Seat Beltsfrontbuckle Assembly
Complaints: 3 1 Crash
Seatsfront Assemblyrecliner
Complaints: 3 1 Crash
Structurebodydoor
Complaints: 3
Tires
Complaints: 3
Electrical Systemhorn
Complaints: 2
Electrical Systemignitionanti Theftcontrol Module
Complaints: 2
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust System
Complaints: 2
Fuel System Gasolinedeliveryhoses Linespiping And Fittings
Complaints: 2 1 Fire
Fuel System Other
Complaints: 2
Interior Lighting
Complaints: 2
Power Train
Complaints: 2
Power Trainmanual Transmission
Complaints: 2
Seat Beltsfront
Complaints: 2
Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slip
Complaints: 2
Visibilitywindshield Wiperwasher
Complaints: 2
Air Bags
Complaints: 1
Electrical System12v24v48v Batterycables
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemwiring Rear Compartmenttrunk
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingcooling System
Complaints: 1 1 Fire
Engine And Engine Coolingcooling Systemfan
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Control
Complaints: 1
Equipmentelectrical
Complaints: 1
Equipmentmechanicalaccessory Scissorscrewbottle Jacklift
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightingheadlightsswitch
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightingtail Lights
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasolinecarburetor System
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasolinestorageauxillary Tankselector Devices
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasolinestoragetank Assemblyfiller Pipe And Cap
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Otherstoragetank Assembly
Complaints: 1
Latcheslockslinkagesdoorslatch
Complaints: 1
Power Trainautomatic Transmissiongear Position Indication Prndl
Complaints: 1
Power Trainautomatic Transmissionlever And Linkagecolumn Shift
Complaints: 1
Power Trainaxle Assemblyaxle Shaft
Complaints: 1
Power Traindrivelineconstant Velocity Joint
Complaints: 1
Power Traindrivelinedriveshaft
Complaints: 1
Seatsfront Assemblypower Adjust
Complaints: 1 1 Fire
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdisc
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdisccaliper
Complaints: 1 1 Crash 1 Injury 1 Death
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentshoses Linespiping And Fittings
Complaints: 1
Steering
Complaints: 1
Steering Steering Wheelhandle Bar
Complaints: 1
Steeringcolumn Lockinganti Theft Device
Complaints: 1
Steeringhydraulic Power Assistpump
Complaints: 1
Steeringlinkages
Complaints: 1
Structurebody
Complaints: 1 1 Fire
Suspension
Complaints: 1
Suspensionfrontcontrol Arm
Complaints: 1
Suspensionfrontspringscoil Springs
Complaints: 1
Suspensionrear
Complaints: 1
Suspensionrearspringsleaf Spring Assembly
Complaints: 1
Tirestreadbelt
Complaints: 1
Unknown Or Other
Complaints: 1
Visibilityglass Siderear
Complaints: 1
Wheelshub
Complaints: 1 1 Crash
Wheelslugsnutsboltsstuds
Complaints: 1 1 Crash
Wheelsrim
Complaints: 1

Most Recent Complaints

#10525875 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | | 124,750 miles
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
#10319837 | ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE | | 34,000 miles
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
#10319837 | VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | | 34,000 miles
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
#10290381 | FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE | | 151,000 miles Fire
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.
#10237636 | FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE | | 83,000 miles
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

View all Electrical Systemignitionswitch complaints →

Safety Rating for the 1991 FORD ESCORT

NHTSA has not yet tested the 1991 FORD ESCORT in its New Car Assessment Program.

Technical Service Bulletins for the 1991 FORD ESCORT

Ford Motor Company has issued 1 technical service bulletin (TSBs) for the 1991 FORD ESCORT. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.

942312 — POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

VEHICLES MAY HAVE A HARSH 1-2 OR 2-3 SHIFT. *TW

NHTSA Investigations for the 1991 FORD ESCORT

NHTSA has opened 5 investigations into potential safety defects in the 1991 FORD ESCORT.

Investigation PE93076 — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:LINKAGES Closed

Opened:

FUEL PUMP WIRING SHORTAGE

Investigation EA93007 — STEERING Closed

Opened:

INADVERT. STEERING LOCKUP

Investigation PE92082 — STEERING Closed

Opened:

INADVER. STEERING LOCKUP

Investigation EA92012 — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:LINKAGES Closed

Opened:

FUEL TANK LEAKAGE

Investigation PE91150 — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:LINKAGES Closed

Opened:

FUEL TANK LEAKAGE

Other Model Years of the FORD ESCORT

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Other FORD Models

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