MotorDeets

1991 Ford Escort: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 1991 Ford Escort: 3 recalls, 327 owner complaints and up to 28 mpg combined.

3vehicle recalls
327owner complaints
20mention a crash
28best combined mpg
1991 Ford Escort
Photo: Calreyn88 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Recalls

3 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 1 equipment/tire recall that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.

Speed control / throttle Vehicle recall #90V076000 · 1990 · 6,000 vehicles

What's wrong: Interference occur between bolt that secures a fuel line shield to the lower portion of the dash panel and the accelerator pedal.

Why it matters: This could cause the accelerator pedal to stick at the wide open throttle position and result in loss of control with the risk of a vehicle accident.

The fix: Cut off extra length of bolt that protrudes above surface of weld nut to prevent interference.

Fuel system Vehicle recall #92V117000 · 1992 · 22,000 vehicles

What's wrong: Fatigue cracks can develop in the solder joint between the fuel return tube and the fuel pump sending unit located at the top of the fuel tank.

Why it matters: Should a crack develop, fuel vapor can escape from thetank when the tank is full, and a small amount of fuel can leak from the crack.fuel leaks can result in fire when exposed to a source of ignition.

The fix: Install a new fuel pump sending assembly.

Electrical Vehicle recall #93V057000 · 1993 · 91,000 vehicles

What's wrong: The roll pins securing the ignition lock in the steering column housing can separate or move out of position.

Why it matters: 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.

The fix: 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…

1 aftermarket equipment / tire recall replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Suspension Equipment recall #94E019000 · 1994 · 919 vehicles

What's wrong: The offset toe adjusting pin can fracture under conditions such as torsional loads, flexing motion, impact loads, and overtorquing.

Why it matters: This can result in loss of vehicle steering control andan accident.

The fix: Dana will pay for replacement and labor costs of the adjustment pin without charge to the installing facility and the vehicle owner. These pins should be replaced by a Ford original equipment pin assembly. Owner or installer inquiries concerning this recall campaign should contact dana service…

Most-reported problems

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 61 mention a fire, 16 injuries and 2 deaths were reported.

Electrical104
Seat belts71
Fuel system59
Transmission & drivetrain30
Speed control / throttle19
Engine & cooling17
Exterior lights16
Steering12

What owners describe

The 1991 Ford Escort has 327 owner complaints, ranking #5 of 14 Escort model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 249). Complaints peaked in 1996 (93 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 5 years old, at a median of 128,375 miles. Neighboring years: 1990 (101 complaints, 2 recalls), 1992 (162 complaints, 2 recalls).

Engines & fuel economy (EPA)

EngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyComb.Fuel
1.9 L 4-cylManual 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive253328Regular
1.8 L 4-cylManual 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive232925Regular
1.9 L 4-cylAutomatic 4-spdFront-Wheel Drive223025Regular
1.8 L 4-cylAutomatic 4-spdFront-Wheel Drive212723Regular

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1991 Ford Escort.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
Check 1991 Ford Escort manual
Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
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ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
Check 1991 Ford Escort manual
Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
Check 1991 Ford Escort manual

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FAQ

Does the 1991 Ford Escort have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 3 vehicle recalls for the 1991 Ford Escort, plus 1 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common 1991 Ford Escort problems?

Owners have filed 327 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are electrical (104), seat belts (71), fuel system (59).

What gas mileage does the 1991 Ford Escort get?

EPA ratings run up to 28 mpg combined (1.9 L, Manual 5-spd), across 4 engine and transmission combos.

Where can I get a 1991 Ford Escort repair manual?

eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.

Other Escort years

19901991199219931994199519961997199819992000200120022003