1989 Ford Escort

● Typical for this model

1989 Ford Escort
RENDERED 2026-09-16T17:31:43.879Z

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 PER YEAR

1989: 152 complaints

View as data table

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

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

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

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 46%

46% of complaints: electrical system — 70 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing switch and alternator/generator/regulator.

FIRE INJURY DEATH

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, 20040815

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, 20040204

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, 20030512

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 18%

18% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 27 distinct reports on file, 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, 19950221

ENGINE CHECK LIGHT CAME ON, LOSS OF ENGINE POWER, WHITE SMOKE APPEARED. 5 MINTUES AFTER PARKING, ENGINE COMPARTMENT CAUGHT ON FIRE. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. TT

NHTSA ODI report, 19950109

SEAT BELTS 13%

13% of complaints: seat belts — 19 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing webbing and buckle assembly.

CRASH FIRE INJURY DEATH

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE 8%

8% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 12 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing tank assembly and fuel pump.

FIRE

EXTERIOR LIGHTING 7%

7% of complaints: exterior lighting — 10 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing headlights and switch.

SAFETY TIMELINE

I 19891227 — EA (closed 19911231)

FAILED PASSIVE RESTRAINT

I 19901129 — DP (closed 19910131)

ENGINE STALLING

R 19960607 — electrical system

THE IGNITION SWITCH COULD EXPERIENCE AN INTERNAL SHORT CIRCUIT.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH.

Campaign 96V071000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1989 Ford Escort — pre-purchase inspection

Test/inspect for electrical system issues (70 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (27 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for seat belts issues (19 reports on file for this year).
Verify recall 96V071000 (electrical system) has been completed.

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2002 ▲ 1986 ▲ 1987

WORST YEARS

■ 1995 ■ 1997 ■ 1993

See all years ranked →

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 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.