1991 Ford Escort Seat belts Problems
- Complaints
- 71about this part
- Share
- 22%of 327 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 135,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 71 complaints about the seat belts of the 1991 Ford Escort, 22% of the 327 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 135,000 miles. 8 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.
“Automatic passive restraint system failed to operate when opening the door. Mechanism jammed, and had to be manually disconnected to get in and out of the vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #10057240, filed 2004-03, 135,000 miles“I was involved in a little accident. I was going 20 MPH on impact and my automatic seat belt broke out of the track.I was not seriously hurt but could have been crippled.what can I do? My seat belt and track are now junk and I am worried about driving a Ford again because of the seat belt thing.”
NHTSA complaint #737034, filed 2000-11“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“The driver's side shoulder restraint in the '91 Escort attaches to a sliding mechanism above the door window. This mechanism moves forward when the door is opened to free the driver and retracts to secure the driver when the door is closed. Ours is now broken. Ford disclaims any responsibility for repairing this necessary safety feature. Dwp.”
NHTSA complaint #725427, filed 2000-07“Driver automatic seat belt will not work. Sometimes when door is opened, not allowing person to get out, and a noise could be heard, like it was still working. But, won't work. Same problem started happening on the passenger's side. The cable in the body frame broken creating a chocke hazard for the child.”
NHTSA complaint #867855, filed 2000-08Seat belts: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2001 | 2 | 3% |
| 2000 | 11 | 11% |
| 1999 | 16 | 5% |
| 1998 | 17 | 5% |
| 1997 | 12 | 2% |
| 1996 | 77 | 38% |
| 1995 | 152 | 26% |
| 1994 | 79 | 28% |
| 1993 | 109 | 29% |
| 1992 | 28 | 17% |
| 1991 | 71 | 22% |
| 1990 | 10 | 10% |
| 1989 | 19 | 13% |
| 1988 | 17 | 12% |
| 1987 | 3 | 5% |
| 1986 | 1 | 2% |
| 1985 | 3 | 12% |
| 1984 | 4 | 19% |
| 1983 | 1 | 14% |
Other parts of the 1991 Ford Escort
104 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 Nov 1, 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