Model year record

1990 Ford Escort

2 recall campaigns on file for this model year. 128 owner complaints on file.

Ford Escort, 1981–1990 generation
Pictured: the 1981–1990 generation. IFCAR, Public domain · Wikimedia Commons

Recalls

Recall campaignNHTSA 96V071000

Electrical system: ignition

Component
Electrical system: ignition
Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected
7,900,000
Reported to NHTSA
1996-04-25
Owners notified
1996-06-07

Defect description

THE IGNITION SWITCH COULD EXPERIENCE AN INTERNAL SHORT CIRCUIT.

Safety risk

THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE OVERHEATING, SMOKE, AND POSSIBLY FIRE IN THE STEERING COLUMN AREA OF THE VEHICLE.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH.

Recall campaignNHTSA 89V174000

Visibility: windshield

Component
Visibility: windshield
Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected
3,300
Reported to NHTSA
1989-10-13
Owners notified
1989-10-25

Defect description

SPECIAL PRIMER THAT PROMOTES THE BONDING OF A URETHANE ADHESIVE TO THE GLASS WAS NOT APPLIED TO THE WINDSHIELDS BEFORE INSTALLATION.

Safety risk

OMISSION OF THE PRIMER COULD CAUSE THE WINDSHIELD NOT TOBE PROPERLY ADHERED TO BODY, AND VEHICLE WOULD NOT COMPLY WITH FMVSS 212.

Manufacturer remedy

REMOVE AND PROPERLY INSTALL WINDSHIELD USING SPECIAL PRIMER.

Owner complaints

A complaint is one person's report to a federal agency. It is not a finding.

ComponentComplaintsMedian mileage
Electrical system: ignition: switch2039,786 mi
Electrical system: ignition12—
Electrical system: wiring: front underhood7—
Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline7—
Seat belts7—
Electrical system: wiring: interior/under dash6—
Seats4—
Electrical system3—
Electrical system: alternator/generator/regulator3—
Fuel system, gasoline3—
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly3—
Power train: manual transmission3—
Visibility: windshield3—
Electrical system: 12V/24V/48V battery2—
Electrical system: ignition: module2—
Electrical system: starter assembly2—
Engine and engine cooling: engine2—
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system2—
Equipment: appliance: air conditioner2—
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery2—
Latches/locks/linkages: doors: latch2—
Seats: front assembly: recliner2—
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: caliper2—
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: master cylinder2—
Steering: linkages: tie rod assembly2—
Structure: body2—
Vehicle speed control2—
Electrical system: wiring1—
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system: radiator assembly1—
Equipment: other: owners/service/other manual1—
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump1—
Fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system1—
Latches/locks/linkages: hatchback/liftgate: lock1—
Power train: automatic transmission1120,000 mi
Power train: clutch assembly1—
Seat belts: front: anchorage1—
Seat belts: front: buckle assembly1—
Seat belts: front: webbing1—
Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist: vacuum1—
Steering: steering wheel/handle bar1—
Steering: gear box (other than rack and pinion)1—
Steering: hydraulic power assist system1—
Structure: body: hood1—
Tires1—
Tires: tread/belt1—
Vehicle speed control: linkages1—

The 1989 model has about half as many complaints as this one. The 1991 model has about a third as many complaints as this one. These figures reflect raw complaint counts, not failure rates. Higher-selling model years naturally receive more complaints.

Other Ford Escort model years

All Ford Escort recalls by year

Safety recall repairs are provided free of charge by franchised dealers, regardless of vehicle age or mileage. This page displays aggregated data for the model year. To check recall status for a specific vehicle, search its VIN at nhtsa.gov.