1991 Ford Escort electrical problems

104 complaints (32% of all complaints for this car).

owner complaints: 104
of this car's complaints: 32%
crashes: 0
recalls: 1

Which part fails

Ignition: switch
42
Ignition
20
Wiring
11
Wiring: front underhood
7
Wiring: interior/under dash
6
Wiring: fuses and circuit breakers
6
Starter assembly
5
Alternator/generator/regulator
4

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k

25k-50k

50k-75k

75k-100k

100k-125k

125k-150k

150k-175k

175k-200k

200k+

Ford Escort electrical problems in other years

Specific symptoms reported on the 1991 Ford Escort electrical

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Fire or smoke 28

Related recalls

Electrical system: ignition: anti-theft: control moduleReported April 15, 1993 · 91,000 vehicles affected

What is wrong: The roll pins securing the ignition lock in the steering column housing can separate or move out of position.
Risk: The ignition lock cylinder may disengage from thesteering column housing which could cause the steering column to lock up,resulting in loss of vehicle control and a possible accident.
Remedy: If one or both of the roll pins are missing or not fully inserted, the ignition lock housing will be replaced, along with the door-locks and the liftgate or deck-lid locks so that key compatibility is maintained. If both pins are present and fully inserted, a plastic snap-on sleeve will be installed as a precaution to prevent the roll pins from coming out.

Recall number 93V057000 · Recall details

What 1991 Ford Escort owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jul 20, 2013 · Electrical · 124,750 miles · VA

After filling up with gas and still beside the gas pumps I attempted to start the vehicle in park. The car kept cranking but not starting. Turned the ignition switch off and car kept cranking. Pulled the key out and car kept cranking. Put the key back in and got the vehicle in drive while cranking and it stopped. Turned key and vehicle started (in drive mode). Vehicle would not stop cranking in park or neutral modes but will in drive mode. With no key vehicle tries to start in both park and neutral. Major safety issue. I was scared when it kept cranking beside the gas station tanks thinking I was going to end up blowing up the station.

Filed May 1, 2008 · Electrical, Steering · 101,000 miles · DE

Tl*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. The failure mileage was 101,000.

Filed Mar 8, 2005 · Electrical · MI

When you turn ignition off radio continues to play for about 10 minutes or until you manually shut it off, replaced ignition and still has same problem.

Filed Jul 30, 2004 · Electrical · 136,000 miles · PA · fire

My daughter was driving a 1991 ford escort in downtown pittsburgh when smoke began pouring out of the dashboard behind the speedometer section. She pulled over and exited the car after turning off the ignition switch. The smoke ceased and a police officer stopped by to assist. He remained to direct traffic until the tow truck came to return the vehicle to my house. The vehicle has liability insurance only. I was not able to investigate the cause of the smoke for a few days. I needed more information in how to get behind the dashboard. Upon opening the dashboard, I found the wiring bundle leading to the dashboard metering was melted into a bundle and the wires were not distinguishable in color any more. The melted section of wiring was further found in leading into the larger bundle going deeper into the dashboard and into the engine well. I contacted ford concerning this and was refered by them to my insurance agent. The consumer safety commission sent me in your direction. Is there anything I can do besides trash the car?

Filed Apr 17, 2004 · Electrical · MN

Ignition switch failure to turn off engine. Smoke coming into the inside of vehicle from the engine.

Filed Feb 19, 2004 · Electrical · IN

The consumer was making a left hand turn when the ignition lock cylinder fell onto the floor. The steering wheel locked up and the consumer was forced to come to a stop. The dealer had been contacted. Please describe further. *jb

Filed Jun 25, 2003 · Electrical, Fuel system · 132,000 miles · MO

Consumer states that the wiring assembly to the fuel pump has burned up 3x in the last month. Dealer diagnosed problem as incorrect specified 30amp fuse for fuel pump.

Filed Feb 13, 2003 · Electrical · MO

The ignition switch was stuck in one position. Possibly related to recall 93v057000.*jb

Filed Jul 13, 2002 · Electrical · SC

No summary listed for above vehicle.

Filed Dec 11, 2001 · Electrical, Fuel system · MN

No summary listed for abov evehicle.

Questions about the 1991 Ford Escort electrical

Does the 1991 Ford Escort have electrical problems?

Owners have filed 104 complaints about the electrical of the 1991 Ford Escort, 32% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.

At what mileage do 1991 Ford Escort electrical problems start?

Not enough complaints include the mileage to tell.

Was there a recall on the 1991 Ford Escort electrical?

Yes, 1 recall: 93V057000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Ford Escort have the most electrical problems?

The Ford Escort model years with the most electrical complaints are 1997 (114 complaints), 1991 (104 complaints) and 1995 (48 complaints).