Defect
THE IGNITION SWITCH COULD EXPERIENCE AN INTERNAL SHORT CIRCUIT.
Consequence
THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE OVERHEATING, SMOKE, AND POSSIBLY FIRE IN THE STEERING COLUMN AREA OF THE VEHICLE.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH.
1989 Ford Escort problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 199 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.6 times the median Escort year — the 1989 model ranks #11 of 23 Escort years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include 2 deaths and 9 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.
Electrical System leads the complaint categories with 77 reports (39% of the total).
199
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
2
Investigations
9
Crash-involved
86
Fires reported
9
Injuries
2
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 1989 compare to other Escort years?
What are the most common 1989 Ford Escort problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 77 | 39% | — flat |
| Engine | 30 | 15% | — flat |
| Seat Belts | 20 | 10% | — flat |
| Fuel System | 12 | 6% | — flat |
| Lighting | 10 | 5% | ▼ down |
| Speed Control | 9 | 5% | ▲ up |
| Transmission | 9 | 5% | ▲ up |
| Steering | 7 | 4% | ▼ down |
| Seats | 6 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Brakes | 5 | 3% | — flat |
| Suspension | 3 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Tires & Wheels | 3 | 2% | ▲ up |
| Body & Structure | 2 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Other | 2 | 1% | — flat |
| Climate Control (A/C & Heat) | 2 | 1% | ▲ up |
| Visibility & Wipers | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Latches & Locks | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
Does the 1989 Ford Escort have recalls?
1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“OWNER PICKED UP VEHICLE, DROVE TO WORK, PARKED VEHICLE IN PARKING LOT, LEFT VEHICLE AND WENT INSIDE OFFICE BUILDING, CO-WORKER INFORMED OWNER THAT VEHICLE WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES, CALLED FIRE DEPT WHO PUT FLAMES OUT. *AK FIRE DEPT STATED ENGINE COMPARTMENT WAS COMPLETELY DAMAGED, CONSUMER HAD JUST…”
“OWNER PICKED UP VEHICLE, DROVE TO WORK, PARKED VEHICLE IN PARKING LOT, LEFT VEHICLE AND WENT INSIDE OFFICE BUILDING, CO-WORKER INFORMED OWNER THAT VEHICLE WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES, CALLED FIRE DEPT WHO PUT FLAMES OUT. *AK FIRE DEPT STATED ENGINE COMPARTMENT WAS COMPLETELY DAMAGED, CONSUMER HAD JUST…”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1989 FORD ESCORT. THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH WHERE SHE WAS REAR-ENDED. THE CONTACT SUFFERED INJURIES TO HER HEAD AREA. SHE MENTIONED SHE WAS WEARING HER SEAT BELTS AT THE TIME OF THE CRASH AND BELIEVED THE FAILURE OF THE SEATBELTS CONTRIBUTED TO HER INJURIES. THE…”
“MHTSA#92-V-117-000: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. CONSUMER HAS THE SAME PROBLEM. HOWEVER,THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT RECALLED BECAUSE YEAR OF MANUFACTURING, 1989. *AK”
“CONSUMER WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND THE HEADLIGHTS WENT OUT. HAD TO PULL OFF THE ROAD AND SAT THERE UNTIL THE HEADLIGHTS CAME ON TWO HOURS LATER. CONSUMER HAD THIS PROBLEM SINCE HE BOUGHT THE CAR WHICH WAS BRAND NEW . *AK”
1989 Ford Escort — common questions
Is the 1989 Ford Escort reliable?
NHTSA data argues against it: 199 complaints put the 1989 model at #11 of 23 Escort years. It is one of the Escort years to avoid.
What are the most common 1989 Escort problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (77 complaints), engine (30 complaints), seat belts (20 complaints).
Does the 1989 Ford Escort have recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1989 Ford Escort. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
Is the 1989 Ford Escort under NHTSA investigation?
NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.
Which Ford Escort years should you avoid?
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Escort years to avoid are 1997, 1995, 1993, 1998, 1991, 1999, 1994, 1996, 1992, 1988, 1989. The cleanest record among Escort years belongs to 1981.
Related
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.