MYRModel Year Report

1989 Ford Escort

● Typical for this model
1989 Ford Escort
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:41:25.908Z

This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints
152
Recalls
1

Campaigns on file for 1989

Investigations
2

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Electrical system

46% of complaints

Complaints per year

1981: 1 complaint 1981 1982: 4 complaints 1983: 7 complaints 1984: 21 complaints 1984 1985: 26 complaints 1986: 46 complaints 1987: 59 complaints 1988: 148 complaints 1989: 152 complaints 1989 152 1990: 104 complaints 1991: 335 complaints 1992: 166 complaints 1993: 383 complaints 1993 1994: 289 complaints 1995: 576 complaints 1996: 205 complaints 1996 1997: 543 complaints 1998: 375 complaints 1999: 325 complaints 1999 2000: 98 complaints 2001: 68 complaints 2002: 33 complaints 2002 2003: 10 complaints
1981: 1 complaint 1981 1982: 4 complaints 1983: 7 complaints 1983 1984: 21 complaints 1985: 26 complaints 1985 1986: 46 complaints 1987: 59 complaints 1987 1988: 148 complaints 1989: 152 complaints 1989 152 1990: 104 complaints 1991: 335 complaints 1991 1992: 166 complaints 1993: 383 complaints 1993 1994: 289 complaints 1995: 576 complaints 1995 1996: 205 complaints 1997: 543 complaints 1997 1998: 375 complaints 1999: 325 complaints 1999 2000: 98 complaints 2001: 68 complaints 2001 2002: 33 complaints 2003: 10 complaints 2003
1981: 1 complaint 1981 1982: 4 complaints 1982 1983: 7 complaints 1983 1984: 21 complaints 1984 1985: 26 complaints 1985 1986: 46 complaints 1986 1987: 59 complaints 1987 1988: 148 complaints 1988 1989: 152 complaints 1989 152 1990: 104 complaints 1990 1991: 335 complaints 1991 1992: 166 complaints 1992 1993: 383 complaints 1993 1994: 289 complaints 1994 1995: 576 complaints 1995 1996: 205 complaints 1996 1997: 543 complaints 1997 1998: 375 complaints 1998 1999: 325 complaints 1999 2000: 98 complaints 2000 2001: 68 complaints 2001 2002: 33 complaints 2002 2003: 10 complaints 2003

1989: 152 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19811
19824
19837
198421
198526
198646
198759
1988148
1989152
1990104
1991335
1992166
1993383
1994289
1995576
1996205
1997543
1998375
1999325
200098
200168
200233
200310

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Electrical system

46% · 70 reports

Most commonly citing switch and alternator/generator/regulator.

FIREINJURYDEATH
Show complaint excerpts

1989 Ford Escort hatchback - a passenger exiting the vehicle from the rear seat stepped on an electrical connector located under the carpet which caused the +12V and ground wires to short together.

NHTSA ODI report, 2004-08-15

Alternator caught on fire. Consumer took vehicle to the dealership who replaced alternator. Also, the second alternator caught on fire at the gas pump. The fire department was notified and extinguished the blaze.

NHTSA ODI report, 2004-02-04

While my daughter was driving our 1989 Ford Escort she turned l to pull into a drive way and she smelled smoke. She only got a few yards and the car burst into flames. I did contact my insurance company, but since the car was not insured for fire.

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-05-12

Engine and engine cooling

18% · 27 reports

Most commonly citing gasoline and engine.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

Notice black smoke coming from engine compartment, due to fire under the manifold. Tt

NHTSA ODI report, 1995-02-21

Engine check light came on, loss of engine power, white smoke appeared. 5 mintues after parking, engine compartment caught on fire. Please describe details.…

NHTSA ODI report, 1995-01-09

Seat belts

13% · 19 reports

Most commonly citing webbing and buckle assembly.

CRASHFIREINJURYDEATH

Fuel system, gasoline

8% · 12 reports

Most commonly citing tank assembly and fuel pump.

FIRE

Exterior lighting

7% · 10 reports

Most commonly citing headlights and switch.

Safety timeline

1 recall · 2 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. I
    1989-12-27Engineering analysisClosed 1991-12-31 Failed passive restraint
  2. I
    1990-11-29Defect petitionClosed 1991-01-31 Engine stalling
  3. R
    1996-06-07Electrical system96V071000 The ignition switch could experience an internal short circuit.

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the ignition switch.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1989 Ford Escort — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Electrical system: 70 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine and engine cooling: 27 reports on file for this year.
  • Seat belts: 19 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 96V071000 · Electrical system
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 1989 Ford Escort reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1989 Ford Escort is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1989 Ford Escort?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 46% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1989 Ford Escort have?
1 recall on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.