1991 Ford Escort
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Ford › Escort › 1991
These records cover every 1991 Ford Escort. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
4 recalls name the 1991 Ford Escort. Newest first.
The offset toe adjusting pin can fracture under conditions such as torsional loads, flexing motion, impact loads, and overtorquing.
Risk and remedy
Risk
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 recall campaign should contact dana service center at 1-800-248-9606.
The roll pins securing the ignition lock in the steering column housing can separate or move out of position.
Risk and remedy
Risk
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 are present and fully inserted, a plastic snap-on sleeve will be installed as a precaution to prevent the roll pins from coming out.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
Interference occur between bolt that secures a fuel line shield to the lower portion of the dash panel and the accelerator pedal.
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
Owner complaints
327 complaints20 involved a crash61 involved a fire16 injuries2 deaths
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Electrical system
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…
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
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine · Vehicle speed control
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…
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
- Fuel system, gasoline
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…
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.
- Fuel system, gasoline
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…
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
- Electrical system › Alternator/generator/regulator · Steering
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…
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.
- Seat belts
Motorized seat belts inoperative. lap belt does not restrain. *tr
- Seat belts › Front › Anchorage
Lost control on wet road hit tree head-on and seat belt came out of track allowed driver to be decapitated. *nm
- Fuel system, gasoline
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
- Exterior lighting › Brake lights
Dt: 1991, ford, escort hatchback. Consumer's wife came home yesterday, and said she smelled smoke. Consumer checked vehicle and found out that third brake light located at top of rear window smoked when brake was pressed. Consumer took light apart, and found same part at a junk yard. Consumer…
Dt: 1991, ford, escort hatchback. Consumer's wife came home yesterday, and said she smelled smoke. Consumer checked vehicle and found out that third brake light located at top of rear window smoked when brake was pressed. Consumer took light apart, and found same part at a junk yard. Consumer replaced heat shield and halogen bulb with one from junk yard. Consumer called ford and gave ford information about the incident. Ford told consumer there were no recalls, but they were going to turn it in to engineering. Consumer believed that a lower watt, cooler bulb would keep light from causing fire.*ak bulb housing had hole melted through it. Replaced housing with good heat shield (original heat shield had burned off causing the problem).*sb
- Electrical system › Ignition
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
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Caliper · Vehicle speed control › Accelerator pedal
Fatality involving 1991 ford escort. *mr the consumers aunt was driving and was severely injured and the consumers mother was killed in the accident. the consumer requested to know if the vehicle was checked or corrected for the problem. (inspect the bolt length before driven or demonstrated…
Fatality involving 1991 ford escort. *mr the consumers aunt was driving and was severely injured and the consumers mother was killed in the accident. the consumer requested to know if the vehicle was checked or corrected for the problem. (inspect the bolt length before driven or demonstrated or delivered the vehicle until they have been inspected) this was the consumer's aunt's first accident until the problem with the accelerator. the throttle linkage was possibly defective. recall# 90v076000 *sc there was also a leakage present at the right front brake caliper upon inspection. *Jb
- Electrical system › Wiring › Interior/under dash
My daughter was driving a 1991 ford escort in downtown pittsburgh when smoke began pouring out of the dashboard behind the speedometer section. She pulled over and exited the car after turning off the ignition switch. The smoke ceased and a police officer stopped by to assist. He remained to direct…
My daughter was driving a 1991 ford escort in downtown pittsburgh when smoke began pouring out of the dashboard behind the speedometer section. She pulled over and exited the car after turning off the ignition switch. The smoke ceased and a police officer stopped by to assist. He remained to direct traffic until the tow truck came to return the vehicle to my house. The vehicle has liability insurance only. I was not able to investigate the cause of the smoke for a few days. I needed more information in how to get behind the dashboard. Upon opening the dashboard, I found the wiring bundle leading to the dashboard metering was melted into a bundle and the wires were not distinguishable in color any more. The melted section of wiring was further found in leading into the larger bundle going deeper into the dashboard and into the engine well. I contacted ford concerning this and was refered by them to my insurance agent. The consumer safety commission sent me in your direction. IS there anything I can do besides trash the car?*ak
- Electrical system › Ignition
Ignition switch failure to turn off engine. Smoke coming into the inside of vehicle from the engine. *ak
- Seat belts
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
- Seat belts › Front › Retractor
Driver's automatic shoulder belt would not retract back to the locking position. consumer IS unable to wear the seat belt properly. *Ak
- Electrical system › Ignition
The consumer was making a left hand turn when the ignition lock cylinder fell onto the floor. the steering wheel locked up and the consumer was forced to come to a stop. the dealer had been contacted. please describe further. *Jb *mr
- Seat belts › Front
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
- Seat belts › Front › Buckle assembly
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
- Electrical system › Wiring › Fuses and circuit breakers · Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pump
Consumer states that the wiring assembly to the fuel pump has burned up 3X in the last month. dealer diagnosed problem as incorrect specified 30amp fuse for fuel pump.*ak
- Fuel system, other › Storage › Tank assembly
Vehicle was having the same problem as mentioned in recall#92v17000 concerning fuel tank. Dealer will not repair vehicle because it IS not covered under recall due to vin. *ak
- Suspension › Front
The steering wheel was very hard to turn. There was a recall 94e019000 which described the exact problem, the consumer's vehicle experienced. *jb
- Electrical system › Ignition › Anti-theft › Control module
The ignition switch was stuck in one position. Possibly related to recall 93v057000.*jb *ts
- Seat belts › Front
Consumer states that the seat belt will not retract back into position and it could cause the seat belt to be defective in the event of and accident. Dealer notified. Ph
- Power train › Manual transmission
Consumer stated that while driving and without warning the vehicle will stick in park and will not shift gears causing a distraction to the consumer. Dealer notified. Ts
- Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pump · Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly
Consumer noticed fuel on the ground, the vehicle was taken to a mechanic, and it was discovered that gas had leaked out of the fuel line which connected to the tank. please provide any further information. the fuel tank and pump was replaced.*jb
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Fuel pump wiring shortage
There is no summary currently available
- Fuel pump wiring shortage
There is no summary currently available
- Inadvert. Steering lockup
There is no summary currently available
- Inadver. Steering lockup
There is no summary currently available
- Fuel tank leakage
There is no summary currently available
- Fuel tank leakage
There is no summary currently available
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 6090087Information on identifying non-approved / alternate refrigerants which could cause safety, and performance concerns if installed in ford a/c systems.
- 6089681Subject on a wire harness terminal repair kit available for repairing electrical wiring harnesses.
- 3011600Unknown
- 627747This aritlce IS to provide information on replacement of old style hood lamp switch to the rvised mechanical hood lamp switch.
- 623988Information regarding transmission fluid usage charts. *Slc
- 623944Some vehicles may exhibit heater core leaks. *Slc
- 622804Some vehicles produced through july 1999 may exhibit rear suspension spring failure with no resulting operational concern.
- 618599Concerns with premature failure occuring on the 1.9L motorcraft remanufactured longblock assembly and shortblock assembly due to ingestion of foreign objects remaining in the transferred intake system from the original failed engine.
- 618596Subject pertaining to revised door latch switch service procedure.
- 615270Some vehicles may exhibit brief spark knock on acceleration during hot weather once the engine has thoroughly warmed up.
- 614752Engineering IS reviewing passive restraint (motorized seatbelt) systems in certain vehicles.
- 613910Subject regarding passive restraint system service information.
- 613860This bulletin provides revised passive restraint system information contained in the workshop manual and the electrical and vaccum troubleshooting manual (evtm).
- 612203Information regarding the new transmission cooler flusher- service tip. *Mjs
- 610796Some vehicles may exhibit grinding noise, or greater than normal brake roughness, when applying the brakes immediately after installing motorcraft front brake pad part number BR-18 (xu2z-2v001-ra). *T
- 610688Brief information on passive restraint (motorized seatbelt) systems.
- 609692Some vehicles may exhibit grinding noises, or greater than normal brake roughness when applying the brakes immediately after installing motorcraft BR-18 front brake pad.
- 608431Information on the new flush and fill tool available through rotunda.
- 606460Experiencing a whine / buzz type noise in the speakers of the entertainment radio or two-way radio on vehicles with an in-tank electric fuel pump.
- 606420Ford motor company now recommends sae 5W-30 viscosity grade for servicing any ford gasoline-powered vehicle regardless of model year.
- 604059Ford motor company has released a new electrical grease ( F8AZ - 19g208-aa ) to reduce the possibility of moisture corrosion at the terminals.
- 603724Mass air flow (maf)- sensor contamination- service tip.
- 601343A new silicone gasket and sealant.
- 601341Experiencing a whining / buzzing noise in the speakers of the entertainment radio or two-way radio.
- 601312Information on a buzzing or rattle noise from the exhaust system.
- 601290Information on tire company telephone numbers for customer assistance.
- 601269Announcing the ford oem air conditioning retrofit kit availability.
- 601238Information on a new transmission fluid usage chart.
- 601019The front brakes may have a persistent squeal during braking at speeds below 56 km/h (35 mph).
- 601014A knocking noise proportional to wheel rotation may be heard from the front brakes during gentle braking.
- 601012The use of petroleum-based grease as a lubricant in servicing disc brakes IS no longer acceptable.
- 601010Recommended guidelines for towing behind recreational vehicles.
- 53660Vehicles exhibiting a "squeaking" or "chirping" from the blower motor at low blower motor speeds.
- 52810Authorized warranty part replacement of brake pads to correct excessive brake noise.
- 51990Blower motor- "chirping" or "squeaking" from blower motor at low speeds.
- 51987Fuel economy- customer expectations versus vehicle usage.
- 51945Fluid- transmission fluid usage charts.
- 51658Brakes- front brake "squeal" below 56 km/h (35 mph)- vehicle with 14 inch wheels.
- 51515Front brake squeal/noise during light brakie applications below 35 mph, replace the pads/shims kit.
- 51506Front brake squeal/noise during light brake applications below 35 mph, replace the pads/shims kit.
Every Ford Escort model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.