1994 Ford Escort Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 30about this part
- Share
- 11%of 279 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 74,790miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 30 complaints about the electrical system of the 1994 Ford Escort, 11% of the 279 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 74,790 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 8 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“It was hard for the consumer to turn the key in the ignition switch, making it difficult for consumer to start the vehicle. Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10071555, filed 2004-04, 55,580 miles“The contact owns a 1994 Ford Escort. The contact was unable to start the vehicle when the key was inserted into the ignition. The instrument panel lights illuminated, however, the vehicle failed to start. The contact had to disconnect the battery in order to dim the instrument panel lights. The dealer stated that the cause of failure was the ignition switch. As of june 18, 2007, the vehicle has not been repaired. The VIN, engine size, powertrain, and # of cylinders were unavailable. The current and failure mileages were 94,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10193618, filed 2007-06, 94,000 miles“Electrical system: I have no head lights, tail lights, brake lights or turn signals. Possible short in wiring. Discovered burnt wires at the top of the hatchback. Tried to do a temporary fix using boots . Did not help. The faulty wires possibly caused the main amp to blow which may have caused the alternator to go.”
NHTSA complaint #10016357, filed 2003-04“While vehicle was parked and without warning ignition started to crank, causing ignition switch to melt. Dealer found faulty ignition switch caused malfunction to burn wire on starter solenoid off causing car to turnover by itself. Brake calipers, alternator, two air conditioner power hoses, master cylinder, starter and tires (tire information unknown) had to be replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #8013315, filed 2002-07“When the consumer purchased the used vehicle, she was informed the ignition and clutch plate had been replaced and the parts were under warranty. The ignition failed and subsequently the vehicle was towed and the ignition switch was replaced. The ignition switch was replaced three times.”
NHTSA complaint #10061083, filed 2004-04Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 2 | 6% |
| 2001 | 5 | 7% |
| 2000 | 5 | 5% |
| 1999 | 39 | 12% |
| 1998 | 43 | 11% |
| 1997 | 114 | 21% |
| 1996 | 14 | 7% |
| 1995 | 48 | 8% |
| 1994 | 30 | 11% |
| 1993 | 40 | 11% |
| 1992 | 36 | 22% |
| 1991 | 104 | 32% |
| 1990 | 46 | 46% |
| 1989 | 64 | 42% |
| 1988 | 75 | 52% |
| 1987 | 28 | 50% |
| 1986 | 19 | 42% |
| 1985 | 9 | 35% |
| 1984 | 11 | 52% |
| 1983 | 2 | 29% |
Other parts of the 1994 Ford Escort
79 complaintsAir bags
54 complaintsEngine cooling
30 complaintsBrakes
22 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
19 complaintsSuspension
18 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
14 complaintsSteering
11 complaintsFuel system
8 complaintsSeats
6 complaintsTires
6 complaintsVehicle speed control
6 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1994 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