1991 Ford Escort Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 16about this part
- Share
- 5%of 327 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 90,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 16 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 1991 Ford Escort, 5% of the 327 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 90,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Dt: 1991, Ford, Escort hatchback. Consumer's wife came home yesterday, and said she smelled smoke. Consumer checked vehicle and found out that third brake light located at top of rear window smoked when brake was pressed. Consumer took light apart, and found same part at a junk yard. Consumer replaced heat shield and halogen bulb with one from junk yard. Consumer called Ford and gave Ford information about the incident. Ford told consumer there were no recalls, but they were going to turn it in to engineering. Consumer believed that a lower watt, cooler bulb would keep light from causing fire. …”
NHTSA complaint #10125284, filed 2005-06, 90,000 miles“Seatbelts: the motorized seat belt stick in the track, usually half way between open & close. Now they will not operate at all. I took one apart & the plastic covering the cable is deteriorating & causing the cable to stick. This is a safety issue that needs your attention immediately. You can have my seatbelt assemble for inspection, as I will have to purchase a new one for my spouse's safety. Fuel: this car was not covered under the recall #92s54, as the produduction date was too early, but it has the identical problem. I have already corrected this problem with a new fuel pump assembly. …”
NHTSA complaint #754407, filed 2001-11“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“Rear brake light gets hot, causing the plastic cover to drip all over passenger's in the rear. Also, there is an odor within the vehicle, and smoke is coming from the light.”
NHTSA complaint #834166, filed 1999-01“Their are three brake lights. From within the center light there was smoke coming out because brake light melted the plastic. Also, dealer replaced both steering tie rods.”
NHTSA complaint #842010, filed 1999-07Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 1 | 3% |
| 2001 | 1 | 1% |
| 2000 | 2 | 2% |
| 1999 | 12 | 4% |
| 1998 | 3 | 1% |
| 1997 | 12 | 2% |
| 1996 | 1 | 0% |
| 1995 | 12 | 2% |
| 1994 | 5 | 2% |
| 1993 | 5 | 1% |
| 1992 | 8 | 5% |
| 1991 | 16 | 5% |
| 1989 | 9 | 6% |
| 1988 | 11 | 8% |
| 1986 | 2 | 4% |
| 1985 | 1 | 4% |
Other parts of the 1991 Ford Escort
104 complaintsSeat belts
71 complaintsFuel system
61 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
30 complaintsVehicle speed control
19 complaintsEngine cooling
17 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 31, 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