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 electrical system problems
The 1989 Ford Escort has 77 electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA — 39% of the year's total, and roughly flat versus the prior model year.
77
Electrical System complaints
39%
Share of year
0
Crash-involved
1
Related recalls
Electrical System complaints by year
Related recalls
What owners report
“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…”
Common questions
How many electrical system complaints does the 1989 Ford Escort have?
NHTSA has 77 complaints about the 1989 Ford Escort electrical system — 39% of all complaints filed for that model year.
Are there recalls for the 1989 Ford Escort electrical system?
Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign for this model year is tied to the electrical system: 96V071000.
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.