MYRModel Year Report

1990 Ford Escort

▲ Better than typical
1990 Ford Escort
RENDERED 2026-11-01T14:45:19.070Z

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
104
Recalls
2

Campaigns on file for 1990

Investigations
3

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Electrical system

49% 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 1987 1988: 148 complaints 1989: 152 complaints 1990: 104 complaints 1990 104 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 1990: 104 complaints 1990 104 1991: 335 complaints 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 1990: 104 complaints 1990 104 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

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% · 51 reports

Most commonly citing switch and ignition.

FIREINJURY
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, 2007-02-19

Electrical fire.

NHTSA ODI report, 1995-02-16

While driving, noticed smoke coming from under hood, then engine caught fire, fire dept suspects electrial system as culprit. Tt

NHTSA ODI report, 1995-01-03

Engine and engine cooling

13% · 13 reports

Most commonly citing gasoline and exhaust system.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

Engine fire, caused vehicle to explode.

NHTSA ODI report, 1994-05-17

Seat belts

10% · 10 reports

Most commonly citing webbing and buckle assembly.

CRASHINJURY
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, 2010-08-21

Also filed under Structure

Fuel system, gasoline

9% · 9 reports

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, 1995-02-07

Seats

5% · 5 reports

Most commonly citing recliner.

CRASHINJURY

Safety timeline

2 recalls · 3 investigations · oldest first

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

  1. R
    1989-10-25Visibility89V174000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. I
    1994-11-04Preliminary evaluationClosed 1995-02-24 Fires in steering column
  3. I
    1994-11-25Preliminary evaluationClosed 1995-03-24 Front brake fires
  4. I
    1995-02-24Engineering analysisClosed 1996-09-30 Fires in steering column
  5. 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

1990 Ford Escort — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Electrical system: 51 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine and engine cooling: 13 reports on file for this year.
  • Seat belts: 10 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 89V174000 · Visibility
  • 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 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 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.