MYRModel Year Report

1991 Ford Escort

■ Significantly worse — known issue year
1991 Ford Escort
BUILT 2026-08-02

This year had more than double the complaints 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

Complaints per year, Ford Escort Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1991 highlighted. 1981: 1 complaints 1981 1982: 4 complaints 1983: 7 complaints 1984: 21 complaints 1984 1985: 26 complaints 1986: 45 complaints 1987: 56 complaints 1987 1988: 143 complaints 1989: 152 complaints 1990: 101 complaints 1990 1991: 327 complaints 1991 1992: 162 complaints 1993: 379 complaints 1993 1994: 279 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
1991: 327 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19811
19824
19837
198421
198526
198645
198756
1988143
1989152
1990101
1991327
1992162
1993379
1994279
1995576
1996205
1997543
1998375
1999325
200098
200168
200233
200310

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

SEAT BELTS 14%

14% of complaints: seat belts — 45 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

SHOULDER BELT RELEASED DURING AN ACCIDENT. TT

NHTSA ODI report, 19950310

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 13%

13% of complaints: electrical system — 42 distinct reports on file.

FIRE
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE 7%

7% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 24 distinct reports on file.

FIRE
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE 6%

6% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 20 distinct reports on file.

FIRE
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 6%

6% of complaints: electrical system — 20 distinct reports on file.

FIRE

SAFETY TIMELINE

▮ 1991 — complaint volume: 327
I 19911203 — PE (closed 19920415)

FUEL TANK LEAKAGE

I 19920415 — EA (closed 19920917)

FUEL TANK LEAKAGE

I 19921006 — PE (closed 19930226)

INADVER. STEERING LOCKUP

R 19921106 — fuel system, gasoline

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.

Remedy: INSTALL A NEW FUEL PUMP SENDING ASSEMBLY.

Campaign 92V117000 — check if this car was fixed

I 19930226 — EA (closed 19930426)

INADVERT. STEERING LOCKUP

R 19930625 — electrical system

THE ROLL PINS SECURING THE IGNITION LOCK IN THE STEERING COLUMN HOUSING CAN SEPARATE OR MOVE OUT OF POSITION.

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

Campaign 93V057000 — check if this car was fixed

I 19930903 — PE (closed 19940128)

FUEL PUMP WIRING SHORTAGE

I 19940128 — EA (closed 19950131)

FUEL PUMP WIRING SHORTAGE

R 19940531 — suspension

THE OFFSET TOE ADJUSTING PIN CAN FRACTURE UNDER CONDITIONS SUCH AS TORSIONAL LOADS, FLEXING MOTION, IMPACT LOADS, AND OVERTORQUING.

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 ASSE

Campaign 94E019000 — check if this car was fixed

R Date not on file — vehicle speed control

INTERFERENCE OCCUR BETWEEN BOLT THAT SECURES A FUEL LINE SHIELD TO THE LOWER PORTION OF THE DASH PANEL AND THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL.

Remedy: CUT OFF EXTRA LENGTH OF BOLT THAT PROTRUDES ABOVE SURFACE OF WELD NUT TO PREVENT INTERFERENCE.

Campaign 90V076000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1991 Ford Escort — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for seat belts issues (45 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (42 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (24 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 90V076000 (vehicle speed control) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 92V117000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 93V057000 (electrical system) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 94E019000 (suspension) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2002 ▲ 1986 ▲ 1987

WORST YEARS

■ 1995 ■ 1997 ■ 1998

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 1991 Ford Escort reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1991 Ford Escort is rated "significantly worse".

What are the most common problems with the 1991 Ford Escort?

The most-reported component is seat belts, accounting for 14% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1991 Ford Escort have?

4 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.