1991 Ford Escort Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 12about this part
- Share
- 4%of 327 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 101,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 12 complaints about the steering of the 1991 Ford Escort, 4% of the 327 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 101,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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 miles“Steering wheel unexpectedly locks up during normal operation of vehicle while idling or traveling 40 MPH around a long curve. Dealership has not examined vehicle to determine the cause of problem, and was not showing this vehicle being included in recall campaign 93v057000 (ignition: anti-theft). Please provide any additional information / documentation.”
NHTSA complaint #8001632, filed 2002-01“Pins that hold the tie rod in place were not located on this vehicle at the time of purchase, consumer was not aware. While driving down the highwy at 35-40 MPH the bolt disengaged, causing the steering to lock up, and loss of steering. The dealer has been contacted.”
NHTSA complaint #851609, filed 1999-10“While exiting off a ramp at 35mph the vehicle made a clunking noise, and the left front tire turned inward and locked up. Dealer said the vehicle needed pins and bolts for the rod.”
NHTSA complaint #851592, filed 1999-10“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 1999-07Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 3 | 9% |
| 2001 | 5 | 7% |
| 2000 | 4 | 4% |
| 1999 | 16 | 5% |
| 1998 | 17 | 5% |
| 1997 | 22 | 4% |
| 1996 | 10 | 5% |
| 1995 | 19 | 3% |
| 1994 | 11 | 4% |
| 1993 | 13 | 3% |
| 1992 | 4 | 2% |
| 1991 | 12 | 4% |
| 1990 | 5 | 5% |
| 1989 | 7 | 5% |
| 1988 | 9 | 6% |
| 1987 | 3 | 5% |
| 1986 | 1 | 2% |
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 complaintsExterior lighting
16 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