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.

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.
What owners describe
- Electrical (104): the most common themes are electrical failure (46), fire / smoke (43).
- Seat belts (71): the most common themes are noise or vibration (2).
- Fuel system (59): the most common themes are leaks (20), fire / smoke (16).
- Transmission & drivetrain (30): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (10), leaks (3).
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)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.9 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 | 33 | 28 | Regular |
| 1.8 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 | 29 | 25 | Regular |
| 1.9 L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 | 30 | 25 | Regular |
| 1.8 L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 | 27 | 23 | Regular |
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.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
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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.