1991 Ford Escort Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 104about this part
- Share
- 32%of 327 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 128,375miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 104 complaints about the electrical system of the 1991 Ford Escort, 32% of the 327 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 128,375 miles. 41 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.
“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. The smoke ceased and a police officer stopped by to assist. He remained to direct traffic until the tow truck came to return the vehicle to my house. The vehicle has liability insurance only. I was not able to investigate the cause of the smoke for a few days. I needed more information in how to get behind the dashboard. …”
NHTSA complaint #10082982, filed 2004-07, 136,000 miles“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. Put the key back in and got the vehicle in drive while cranking and it stopped. Turned key and vehicle started (in drive mode). Vehicle would not stop cranking in park or neutral modes but will in drive mode. With no key vehicle tries to start in both park and neutral. Major safety issue. …”
NHTSA complaint #10525875, filed 2013-07, 124,750 miles“Consumer states that the wiring assembly to the fuel pump has burned up 3x in the last month. Dealer diagnosed problem as incorrect specified 30amp fuse for fuel pump.”
NHTSA complaint #10024878, filed 2003-06, 132,000 miles“Ignition lock completely disengaged from steering column housing (as described in NHTSA recall campaign id # 93v057000), but local Ford dealership claims that my vehicle VIN shows that my vehicle does not qualify for this safety recall. …”
NHTSA complaint #720512, filed 2000-03“The contact owns a 1991 Ford Escort lx. The contact poured brake fluid into the power steering reservoir. She took her vehicle to a mechanic to have the vehicle bled. The mechanic replaced the power steering pump without authorization, and now the vehicle is spewing forth power steering fluid. The alternator was lopsided and its screws were missing. The motor mount was removed and the contact does not know the reason. When she arrived home and turned off the vehicle, it failed to restart after many attempts. The mechanic stated that he would send a tow, but one never arrived. …”
NHTSA complaint #10226363, filed 2008-05, 101,000 milesRelated recalls
- 93V057000Apr 15, 1993The roll pins securing the ignition lock in the steering column housing can separate or move out of position.Covers: Ford Escort 1991, Mercury Tracer 1991
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 1991 Ford Escort
71 complaintsFuel system
61 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
30 complaintsVehicle speed control
19 complaintsEngine cooling
17 complaintsExterior lighting
16 complaintsSteering
12 complaintsBrakes
9 complaintsSuspension
9 complaintsEquipment
6 complaintsBody and structure
4 complaintsTires
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1991 Ford Escort
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 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