1989 Ford Escort Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 64about this part
- Share
- 42%of 152 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 104,500miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 64 complaints about the electrical system of the 1989 Ford Escort, 42% of the 152 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 104,500 miles. 46 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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. They recommended I contact Ford. When asked if there were any defects that would cause the car to burst into flames. I was told no there was not. So there was it was not investigated. While looking over this web site I have found many fires. And I was wonder if any action could be taken. …”
NHTSA complaint #10018561, filed 2003-05, 89,000 miles“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. This connector is part of the electric fuel pump harness. The connector melted, the wire harness burned and the carpet singed. There was smoke inside the vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #10086882, filed 2004-08, 150,000 miles“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. Consumer claimed it may have been the installation that caused the fire.”
NHTSA complaint #10057546, filed 2004-02, 120,000 miles“Battery charging light going on & off at times. Also on 2 separate occasions when vehicle was started fuel gauge will register above full & at same time temperature. Gauge goes up to maximum. Neither being close to be corrected. During this time I noticed keys & ignition become very hot. If turned on & off couple times it is ok again . Except occasional charging light on & off with no loss of power. Can't find cause!”
NHTSA complaint #10041688, filed 2003-10, 25 miles“Engine check engine light is on,the car stalls and jerks.I was with my car in two services. The first:pyramid shell service charged me with 400$ for some ignitions modules who were replaced.after I picked up my car in one hour I met the same problems.I brought the car back and they checked again and said that will cost me another 400$ because they have to change the computer.isaid no,because I had no trust in them and I went to john west Ford .o.k.they changed again almost the same parts and charged me with 620$.I paid everything.I just thought that will be good. …”
NHTSA complaint #719698, filed 2000-03Related recalls
- 96V071000Apr 25, 1996The ignition switch could experience an internal short circuit.Covers: Ford Escort 1988–1990, Thunderbird 1988–1993, Mercury Cougar 1988–1993 +12 more
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 2 | 6% |
| 2001 | 5 | 7% |
| 2000 | 5 | 5% |
| 1999 | 39 | 12% |
| 1998 | 43 | 11% |
| 1997 | 114 | 21% |
| 1996 | 14 | 7% |
| 1995 | 48 | 8% |
| 1994 | 30 | 11% |
| 1993 | 40 | 11% |
| 1992 | 36 | 22% |
| 1991 | 104 | 32% |
| 1990 | 46 | 46% |
| 1989 | 64 | 42% |
| 1988 | 75 | 52% |
| 1987 | 28 | 50% |
| 1986 | 19 | 42% |
| 1985 | 9 | 35% |
| 1984 | 11 | 52% |
| 1983 | 2 | 29% |
Other parts of the 1989 Ford Escort
22 complaintsSeat belts
19 complaintsFuel system
12 complaintsExterior lighting
9 complaintsVehicle speed control
9 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
8 complaintsSteering
7 complaintsSeats
6 complaintsBrakes
4 complaintsWheels
3 complaintsOther or unknown
2 complaintsBody and structure
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1989 Ford Escort
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology