1991 Ford Escort Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 17about this part
- Share
- 5%of 327 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 34,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 17 complaints about the engine cooling of the 1991 Ford Escort, 5% of the 327 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 34,000 miles. 4 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The accelerator stuck to the floor causing the vehicle to be in full throttle. This occurred while stopped at a traffic light. Fortunately it was a manual transmission and out of gear when the incident happened. I had stomped on the gas pedal by mistake. I searched the floor and engine compartment for anything that may have prevented the accelerator from disengaging and found no apparent reason for the phenomenon.”
NHTSA complaint #10319837, filed 2010-03, 34,000 miles“When applying the brakes, smoke comes from the third rear brake light. Dealer found an oil pan gasket leak, and stated that this was the cause of the problem. Dealer corrected the problem. Owner still experienced a problem with the brake light continuing to smoke. Owner has disconnected the brake light.”
NHTSA complaint #824035, filed 1998-06“The vehicle hesitates when turning the ignition on and when driving between 35 to 40 MPH; also, it smells like something burning. Consumer states when she turns on ignition the vehicle hesitates for a few seconds, then she has to wait for 15 minutes before she can drive the vehicle, it also stall when at a stop sign or a light, consumer also states lights flicker when she turns on the ignition.”
NHTSA complaint #806443, filed 1996-12“While driving vehicle overheated. The fuel tank leaked fuel & the vehicle caught on fire. Happened once before. The transmission was short cutted for repairs. The dealership knew vehicle had caught fire before, but never informed present owner.”
NHTSA complaint #852124, filed 1999-10“Engine is needing to be replaced due to the crankshaft is cracked, thrust bearing is worn out, oil pan dropped off, and the flywheel is nearly all cracked.”
NHTSA complaint #555379, filed 2000-09Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 2 | 20% |
| 2002 | 11 | 33% |
| 2001 | 12 | 18% |
| 2000 | 21 | 21% |
| 1999 | 62 | 19% |
| 1998 | 49 | 13% |
| 1997 | 66 | 12% |
| 1996 | 30 | 15% |
| 1995 | 54 | 9% |
| 1994 | 30 | 11% |
| 1993 | 33 | 9% |
| 1992 | 15 | 9% |
| 1991 | 17 | 5% |
| 1990 | 12 | 12% |
| 1989 | 22 | 14% |
| 1988 | 21 | 15% |
| 1987 | 12 | 21% |
| 1986 | 9 | 20% |
| 1985 | 5 | 19% |
| 1984 | 5 | 24% |
Other parts of the 1991 Ford Escort
104 complaintsSeat belts
71 complaintsFuel system
61 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
30 complaintsVehicle speed control
19 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 28, 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