1991 Ford Escort Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 30about this part
- Share
- 9%of 327 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 30 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1991 Ford Escort, 9% of the 327 complaints for this model year. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“What we would like to know is if this is a recalled item is there a particular procedure for getting it repaired. And if we get it repaired other than at a Ford service center can we be reimbursed. While driving on the highway the car seemed to go into neutral even though it's automatic. The fuel gauge is broken as well.”
NHTSA complaint #711187, filed 2000-04“Speedometer cable is leaking fluid and has to be replaced. Operation of speedometer has not been affected by this problem. The consumer said, the first rplacement was traded back in for another replacement due to it not working. The second replacement is in the vehicle now still allows it to leak.”
NHTSA complaint #890446, filed 2001-06“The car starts all by itself while sitting in the car without the key into the ignition. Consumer states engine and starter could not be stopped with the keys, consumer had to go to nearest dealer to ull the battery cable to stop the engine, ignition switch had to be replaced,the starter was burned out, relay switch had to be replaced and starter coil.”
NHTSA complaint #982950, filed 1996-04“While drivig something involving the gear slipped inside the transmission which broke the case and the shaft. The automatic transmission fluid leaked in the road, and that is a safty defect. The dealer is aware of the transmission problem, and will not fix this problem.”
NHTSA complaint #823081, filed 1998-05“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 1999-10Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 1 | 10% |
| 2002 | 5 | 15% |
| 2001 | 13 | 19% |
| 2000 | 18 | 18% |
| 1999 | 35 | 11% |
| 1998 | 43 | 11% |
| 1997 | 29 | 5% |
| 1996 | 19 | 9% |
| 1995 | 36 | 6% |
| 1994 | 19 | 7% |
| 1993 | 30 | 8% |
| 1992 | 8 | 5% |
| 1991 | 30 | 9% |
| 1990 | 4 | 4% |
| 1989 | 8 | 5% |
| 1988 | 7 | 5% |
| 1987 | 1 | 2% |
| 1986 | 1 | 2% |
| 1985 | 3 | 12% |
Other parts of the 1991 Ford Escort
104 complaintsSeat belts
71 complaintsFuel system
61 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 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