VehicleVerdict

1991 Ford Escort electrical system problems

The 1991 Ford Escort has 123 electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA — 30% of the year's total, and up sharply from the prior model year.

123

Electrical System complaints

30%

Share of year

0

Crash-involved

1

Related recalls

Electrical System complaints by year

Related recalls

93V057000Electrical SystemApril 15, 1993 · 91,000 units

Defect

THE ROLL PINS SECURING THE IGNITION LOCK IN THE STEERING COLUMN HOUSING CAN SEPARATE OR MOVE OUT OF POSITION.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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 INSTALLED AS A PRECAUTION TO PREVENT THE ROLL PINS FROM COMING OUT.

What owners report

ELECTRICAL SHORT IN THE IGNITION, CAUSING THE WIRING HARNESS TO MELT, RESULTING IN A FIRE. *AK CONSUMER STATES HE TURNED IGNITION OFF AND REMOVED KEY, ENGINE STILL CONTINUED TO RUN, KEY WAS PLACED BACK IN IGNITION IN AN ATTEMPT TO TURN IT OFF, VEHICLE MADE A GRINDING NOISE AND SMOKE BEGAN TO POUR…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · September 4, 1996 · fire

Common questions

How many electrical system complaints does the 1991 Ford Escort have?

NHTSA has 123 complaints about the 1991 Ford Escort electrical system — 30% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 1991 Ford Escort electrical system?

Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign for this model year is tied to the electrical system: 93V057000.

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.