Vehicle was parked at gas pump island, ignition off. Engine compartment errupted into flames. All components contained within the engine comparment other than metal components completely melted or burned. Vehicle was manually pushed away from gas pump island while ablaze, then extinguished by hillsborough county fire department. Vehicle was towed to a secure location, nothing has been done to the vehicle since the fire.
1990 Ford Escort: fire, smoke or burning smell
33 of the 101 complaints about the 1990 Ford Escort describe fire, smoke or burning smell.
- owner complaints
- 33
- of this car's complaints
- 33%
- recalls
- 1
Is there a fix? There is 1 recall and 4 service bulletins for this area of the car. See below
Fire, smoke or burning smell by model year
What owners say
This was an original part that failed and caught on fire. It burned the part itself up, the wiring, and stuff under the dash. This could have been fatal as this part is located inside the steering wheel. Has there been a recall on this part. I do not have the VIN with me at work. I will get it from my daughter so that I can forward to you.
A plastic piece of deflector under front right wheel was rubbing against the brake rotors, causing tires to overheat and catch on fire. Manufacturer notified. Provide further details. *ak plastic deflector on right front wheel assembly either cracked or loosened, rubbed against brake rotor and caught fire destroying or damaging brake line and scorching tire ( but tire did not burn) , able to extinguish before tire caught fire.
Had just parked vehicle in garage & left. Half hour later smelled smoke & checked out window. Noticed smoke coming from the garage. Called fire department who arrived and extinguished the flames. Only indication of origin was electrical wires could have caused fire. Vehicle was completely totaled.
About one hour after arriving home from work someone knocked on my door to notify me that the 1990 ford escort that I had purchased used on march 31,1999 was smoking. I called the fire department, by this time flames were shooting from under the hood and the horn was blaring. The fire was extingushed , but the car is now totally useless.
There was a recall listed on this make and year, but the owner never received a notice. On apr.9,1998, the vehicle caught on fire around the steering column. The vehicle was total loss. Contacted the dealer and they will not get back in touch with the owner. Would like to have an engineer call and talk about this problem (96v-071000).
Turn ignition on, heard crackling sound, then noise went to a poplin sound, smoke came from hood and vent inside, flames now evitable, resulting in totalled.
After vehicle had been driven on interstate owner went to a rest stop. When owner returned vehicle was engulfed in flames. Fire came from engine compartment.cause unknown.
Alternator failed four times, twice setting vehicle on fire.
Consumer's vehicle caught on fire due to electrical system. Investigator determined the the fire started in the ignition. Vehicle was totally lost.
Flames started shooting up from under the car. Flames came from fuel line leak.
Car caught on fire, possible due to faulty ignition switch.
Service bulletins that may apply
- This aritlce is to provide information on replacement of old style hood lamp switch to the rvised...
- Subject on a wire harness terminal repair kit available for repairing electrical wiring harnesses
- Ford motor company has released a new electrical grease ( F8AZ - 19G208-AA ) to reduce the possibility of...
- Wiring - electrical diode identification and service replacements
Related recalls
Electrical system: ignition
- What is wrong
- The ignition switch could experience an internal short circuit.
- Risk
- This condition could cause overheating, smoke, and possibly fire in the steering column area of the vehicle.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the ignition switch.
Recall number 96V071000 · Recall details
Questions about the 1990 Ford Escort fire or smoke
Is fire, smoke or burning smell a common problem on the 1990 Ford Escort?
33 of 101 owner complaints about the 1990 Ford Escort (33%) mention fire, smoke or burning smell. The model year with the most reports is 1997.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 1990 Ford Escort?
There is 1 recall and 4 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 1990 Ford Escort
VIN decoder
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