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 electrical system problems
The 1990 Ford Escort has 58 electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA — 45% of the year's total, and roughly flat versus the prior model year.
58
Electrical System complaints
45%
Share of year
0
Crash-involved
1
Related recalls
Electrical System complaints by year
Related recalls
What owners report
“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…”
Common questions
How many electrical system complaints does the 1990 Ford Escort have?
NHTSA has 58 complaints about the 1990 Ford Escort electrical system — 45% of all complaints filed for that model year.
Are there recalls for the 1990 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.