MYRModel Year Report

1991 Ford Escort

■ Significantly worse — known issue year
1991 Ford Escort
BUILT 2026-10-10

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
335
Recalls
4

Campaigns on file for 1991

Investigations
6

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Electrical system

35% 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 1991: 335 complaints 1991 335 1992: 166 complaints 1993: 383 complaints 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 1990: 104 complaints 1991: 335 complaints 1991 335 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 1991: 335 complaints 1991 335 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

1991: 335 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

35% · 116 reports

Most commonly citing switch and ignition.

FIREINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

My daughter was driving a 1991 Ford Escort in downtown pittsburgh when smoke began pouring out of the dashboard behind the speedometer section. She pulled over and exited the car after turning off the ignition switch.

NHTSA ODI report, 2004-07-30

Main fuse block caught fire.

NHTSA ODI report, 1994-07-27

After filling up with gas and still beside the gas pumps I attempted to start the vehicle in park. The car kept cranking but not starting. Turned the ignition switch off and car kept cranking. Pulled the key out and car kept cranking.

NHTSA ODI report, 2013-07-20

Seat belts

21% · 71 reports

Most commonly citing retractor and anchorage.

CRASHFIREINJURYDEATH
Show complaint excerpts

While traveling about 50MPH and without prior warning consumer's vehicle hit another vehicle from behind, and driver side strap broke from the frame of the seat belt.

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-07-08

Shoulder belt released during an accident. Tt

NHTSA ODI report, 1995-03-10

Fuel system, gasoline

20% · 66 reports

Most commonly citing fuel pump and tank assembly.

FIRE

Power train

10% · 33 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission and axle assembly.

FIRE

Vehicle speed control

6% · 19 reports

Most commonly citing accelerator pedal.

CRASHINJURYDEATH
Show complaint excerpts

Fatality involving 1991 Ford Escort. *mr the consumers aunt was driving and was severely injured and the consumers mother was killed in the accident. The consumer requested to know if the vehicle was checked or corrected for the problem.

NHTSA ODI report, 2004-08-31

While driving, at approx 15MPH, suddenly engine surged then accelerated out of control, brakes seemed ineffective. Tt

NHTSA ODI report, 1995-04-20

Also filed under Service brakes, hydraulic

Safety timeline

4 recalls · 6 investigations · oldest first

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

  1. ▮
    1991Complaint volume 335 complaints filed for this model year.
  2. I
    1991-12-03Preliminary evaluationClosed 1992-04-15 Fuel tank leakage
  3. I
    1992-04-15Engineering analysisClosed 1992-09-17 Fuel tank leakage
  4. I
    1992-10-06Preliminary evaluationClosed 1993-02-26 Inadver. Steering lockup
  5. R
    1992-11-06Fuel system, gasoline92V117000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  6. I
    1993-02-26Engineering analysisClosed 1993-04-26 Inadvert. Steering lockup
  7. R
    1993-06-25Electrical system93V057000 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…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  8. I
    1993-09-03Preliminary evaluationClosed 1994-01-28 Fuel pump wiring shortage
  9. I
    1994-01-28Engineering analysisClosed 1995-01-31 Fuel pump wiring shortage
  10. R
    1994-05-31Suspension94E019000 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…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  11. R
    Date not on fileVehicle speed control90V076000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1991 Ford Escort — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Electrical system: 116 reports on file for this year.
  • Seat belts: 71 reports on file for this year.
  • Fuel system, gasoline: 66 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 90V076000 · Vehicle speed control
  • Recall 92V117000 · Fuel system, gasoline
  • Recall 93V057000 · Electrical system
  • Recall 94E019000 · Suspension
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

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 electrical system, accounting for 35% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1991 Ford Escort have?
4 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.