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.
1990 Ford Escort problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
A typical year for this model
The 1990 Ford Escort sits mid-pack among Escort years: 128 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 128, with 2 recalls and 3 closed investigations. Complainants reported 15 injuries in total across these filings.
The trouble concentrates in one system: electrical system issues account for 45% of all reports (58 of 128), far ahead of engine at 12.
128
NHTSA complaints
2
Recalls
3
Investigations
8
Crash-involved
49
Fires reported
15
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 1990 compare to other Escort years?
What are the most common 1990 Ford Escort problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 58 | 45% | — flat |
| Engine | 12 | 9% | ▼ down |
| Seat Belts | 10 | 8% | ▼ down |
| Fuel System | 10 | 8% | — flat |
| Seats | 6 | 5% | — flat |
| Brakes | 5 | 4% | — flat |
| Steering | 5 | 4% | ▼ down |
| Transmission | 5 | 4% | ▼ down |
| Body & Structure | 3 | 2% | ▲ up |
| Speed Control | 3 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Visibility & Wipers | 3 | 2% | ▲ up |
| Latches & Locks | 3 | 2% | ▲ up |
| Tires & Wheels | 2 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Climate Control (A/C & Heat) | 2 | 2% | — flat |
| Other | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
Does the 1990 Ford Escort have recalls?
2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
SPECIAL PRIMER THAT PROMOTES THE BONDING OF A URETHANE ADHESIVE TO THE GLASS WAS NOT APPLIED TO THE WINDSHIELDS BEFORE INSTALLATION.
Consequence
OMISSION OF THE PRIMER COULD CAUSE THE WINDSHIELD NOT TOBE PROPERLY ADHERED TO BODY, AND VEHICLE WOULD NOT COMPLY WITH FMVSS 212.
Remedy
REMOVE AND PROPERLY INSTALL WINDSHIELD USING SPECIAL PRIMER.
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“THIS WAS AN ORIGINAL PART THAT FAILED AND CAUGHT ON FIRE. IT BURNED THE PART ITSELF UP, THE WIRING, AND STUFF UNDER THE DASH. THIS COULD HAVE BEEN FATAL AS THIS PART IS LOCATED INSIDE THE STEERING WHEEL. HAS THERE BEEN A RECALL ON THIS PART. I DO NOT HAVE THE VIN WITH ME AT WORK. I WILL GET IT FROM…”
“AFTER VEHICLE HAD BEEN DRIVEN ON INTERSTATE OWNER WENT TO A REST STOP. WHEN OWNER RETURNED VEHICLE WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. FIRE CAME FROM ENGINE COMPARTMENT.CAUSE UNKNOWN. *AK”
“OWNER STATES WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE SHE HAD AN ACCIDENT, VEHICLE HIT TREE, OWNER NOTES THAT THE REAR SFETY BELT ON THE PASSENGER'S SIDE CAME LOOSE AND SON WA STHROEN OUT OF HIS SEAT BEFORE VEHICLE HIT TREE. ALSO, SEAT BACK COLLAPSED AND HATCHBACK CAME OPEN. *AK”
“OWNER STATES WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE SHE HAD AN ACCIDENT, VEHICLE HIT TREE, OWNER NOTES THAT THE REAR SFETY BELT ON THE PASSENGER'S SIDE CAME LOOSE AND SON WA STHROEN OUT OF HIS SEAT BEFORE VEHICLE HIT TREE. ALSO, SEAT BACK COLLAPSED AND HATCHBACK CAME OPEN. *AK”
1990 Ford Escort — common questions
Is the 1990 Ford Escort reliable?
It is close to typical for the Escort: 128 NHTSA complaints, 2 recalls, and 3 investigations on file.
What are the most common 1990 Escort problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (58 complaints), engine (12 complaints), seat belts (10 complaints).
Does the 1990 Ford Escort have recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1990 Ford Escort. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
Is the 1990 Ford Escort under NHTSA investigation?
NHTSA opened 3 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.