MYRModel Year Report

1990 Ford Escort

▲ Better than typical
1990 Ford Escort
RENDERED 2026-09-16T17:16:18.664Z

This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than 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

Complaints per year, Ford Escort Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1990 highlighted. 1981: 1 complaints 1981 1982: 4 complaints 1983: 7 complaints 1984: 21 complaints 1984 1985: 26 complaints 1986: 46 complaints 1987: 59 complaints 1987 1988: 148 complaints 1989: 152 complaints 1990: 104 complaints 1990 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 2003
1990: 104 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 49%

49% of complaints: electrical system — 51 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing switch and ignition.

FIRE INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

VEHICLE WAS PARKED AT GAS PUMP ISLAND, IGNITION OFF. ENGINE COMPARTMENT ERRUPTED INTO FLAMES. ALL COMPONENTS CONTAINED WITHIN THE ENGINE COMPARMENT OTHER THAN METAL COMPONENTS COMPLETELY MELTED OR BURNED.

NHTSA ODI report, 20070219

ELECTRICAL FIRE. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 19950216

WHILE DRIVING, NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER HOOD, THEN ENGINE CAUGHT FIRE, FIRE DEPT SUSPECTS ELECTRIAL SYSTEM AS CULPRIT. TT

NHTSA ODI report, 19950103

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 13%

13% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 13 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing gasoline and exhaust system.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

ENGINE FIRE, CAUSED VEHICLE TO EXPLODE. *SKD

NHTSA ODI report, 19940517

SEAT BELTS 10%

10% of complaints: seat belts — 10 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing webbing and buckle assembly.

CRASH INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

WHILE TRAVELING ON A FREEWAY AT THE SPEED LIMIT OF 65 MILES PER HOUR, I ENDED UP IN A SKID ON DRY PAVEMENT. I DON'T REMEMBER HOW I GOT INTO THE SKID DUE TO HEAD INJURIES RECEIVED IN THE RESULTING ACCIDENT.

NHTSA ODI report, 20100821

Also filed under STRUCTURE

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE 9%

9% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 9 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing tank assembly and delivery.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

CAR WAS PARK IN A LOT AND CAR CAUGHT FIRE. TT

NHTSA ODI report, 19950207

SEATS 5%

5% of complaints: seats — 5 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing recliner.

CRASH INJURY

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 19891025 — visibility

SPECIAL PRIMER THAT PROMOTES THE BONDING OF A URETHANE ADHESIVE TO THE GLASS WAS NOT APPLIED TO THE WINDSHIELDS BEFORE INSTALLATION.

Remedy: REMOVE AND PROPERLY INSTALL WINDSHIELD USING SPECIAL PRIMER.

Campaign 89V174000 — check if this car was fixed

I 19941104 — PE (closed 19950224)

FIRES IN STEERING COLUMN

I 19941125 — PE (closed 19950324)

FRONT BRAKE FIRES

I 19950224 — EA (closed 19960930)

FIRES IN STEERING COLUMN

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

1990 Ford Escort — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (51 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (13 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for seat belts issues (10 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 89V174000 (visibility) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 96V071000 (electrical system) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2002 ▲ 1986 ▲ 1987

WORST YEARS

■ 1995 ■ 1997 ■ 1993

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 1990 Ford Escort reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1990 Ford Escort is rated "better than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 1990 Ford Escort?

The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 49% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1990 Ford Escort have?

2 recalls on file for this model year.

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