We found the following complaints for FORD ESCORT (1990)
Read complaints for FORD ESCORT (1990)
Vehicle suddenly caught on fire after being parked for 5 mintues due to an electrical short. Tt
Vehicle was parked at gas pump island, ignition off. Engine compartment errupted into flames.all components contained within the engine comparment other than metal components completely melted or burned.vehicle was manually pushed away from gas pump island while ablaze, then extinguished by hillsborough county fire department. Vehicle was towed to a secure location, nothing has been done to the vehicle since the fire.
Electrical fire.
Battery failures, resulting in intermittent stalling.
I have gone through 14 alternators and 6 battries since i drove it off the showroom floor in the fall of 1990!rusty eck searched for the problem but could never find it1even suggested taking it to "electrical specialty shops"they too can not find the problem!it has been suggested that the problem may be buried in the "wiring loom"!no one knows for sure, but i have all of the work-orders and receipts from over the years as proof!i am handicapped and this car works wonderfully for me otherwise!it is in excellent condition and runs perfect -- again, otherwise!however, i cannot trust it on the open-road!when the "check engine" light comes on, its about to blow another alternator -- like now -#15!!!why can't ford find this problem and fix it?has it ever been a problem on other 1990 escorts?i bought my daughter an 1989 escort lx and it never had any major problems, not one!she drove it for well over 125,000 miles then traded it in on a 1998 sable recently!please help me!i can't afford to purchase another auto, besides i don't want another one!sincerely, dr. James a. Gray, sr.
Alternator replaced 11 times.
I have gone through 14 alternators and 6 battries since i drove it off the showroom floor in the fall of 1990!rusty eck searched for the problem but could never find it1even suggested taking it to "electrical specialty shops"they too can not find the problem!it has been suggested that the problem may be buried in the "wiring loom"!no one knows for sure, but i have all of the work-orders and receipts from over the years as proof!i am handicapped and this car works wonderfully for me otherwise!it is in excellent condition and runs perfect -- again, otherwise!however, i cannot trust it on the open-road!when the "check engine" light comes on, its about to blow another alternator -- like now -#15!!!why can't ford find this problem and fix it?has it ever been a problem on other 1990 escorts?i bought my daughter an 1989 escort lx and it never had any major problems, not one!she drove it for well over 125,000 miles then traded it in on a 1998 sable recently!please help me!i can't afford to purchase another auto, besides i don't want another one!sincerely, dr. James a. Gray, sr.
Alternator failed four times, twice setting vehicle on fire.
After i purchased my ford escort,the first thing i noticed was the windshield made noise as i would drive, it sounded like it was popping out of the car,and then the windsheild cracks at the top seam of the car . I called ford to be told they were not responsible.next my ignition starts malfunctioning, sometimes the key wont go in, other times the ignition will turn on without a key , the key is torn up, the ignition unit recently wont turn the key in it ,i have actually been stuck in public cause the ignition would not work. I really do not understand why? but both my bucket seats in the car break at the same time? i'm driving the car, and the next thing i know is that i'm laying in my daughters lap in the back seat., this was a very, scary experience. Thank god no one was hurt, are the seats supposed to malfunction in this way?last my hatchback rattles , it acts like the hinges at the top are breaking , and the hatchback lock stop unlocking the hatchback, i called ford and was told they would send me information, but this never happened. Can you help me?
While traveling about 55mph on the highway vehicle stalledwithout prior warning.
After i purchased my ford escort,the first thing i noticed was the windshield made noise as i would drive, it sounded like it was popping out of the car,and then the windsheild cracks at the top seam of the car . I called ford to be told they were not responsible.next my ignition starts malfunctioning, sometimes the key wont go in, other times the ignition will turn on without a key , the key is torn up, the ignition unit recently wont turn the key in it ,i have actually been stuck in public cause the ignition would not work. I really do not understand why? but both my bucket seats in the car break at the same time? i'm driving the car, and the next thing i know is that i'm laying in my daughters lap in the back seat., this was a very, scary experience. Thank god no one was hurt, are the seats supposed to malfunction in this way?last my hatchback rattles , it acts like the hinges at the top are breaking , and the hatchback lock stop unlocking the hatchback, i called ford and was told they would send me information, but this never happened. Can you help me?
While driving down road auto cuts off-no accidents yet.
Ignition fire.
Since the ignition switched has been replaced vehicle still stalled out.noticed that the engine at idle speed loops or idles erratically.transmission also shifts sloppy have taken the car to two transmission places and found nothing.also cosmetic light on passenger side visor stays lit when flap is closed.
Since the ignition switched has been replaced vehicle still stalled out.noticed that the engine at idle speed loops or idles erratically.transmission also shifts sloppy have taken the car to two transmission places and found nothing.also cosmetic light on passenger side visor stays lit when flap is closed.
Ignition failed. *sd
Ignition short resulting in a fire.
Merging into traffic on freeway, car lost power, it didn't stall immediately because i had brakes for awhile to get off the road and stop.there was no warning, the drive-train just lost power.further inspection showed that fuel was being injected.i could turn the key, it would fire and die.had i been in the middle of the freeway, there likely could've been an accident.i called ford, they knew about the specific problem and said "sorry, we haven't been ordered to repair that yet."apparently, there has been a number of these problems, because the dealerships even knew exactly what i was talking about, they said i'd have to pay about $250.00 for them to fix the defect.another person i know has had to repair his three times already.this is a dangerous problem that ford knows about, a serious accident waiting to happen.it is very costly to tow and have the problem repaired.ford said that they know that a judge in ca ordered them to fix and pay for the problem, ford said they didn't have to do what a state judge ordered of them, only what a federal judge or the nhtsa.please help us on this.
Consumer's vehicle caught on fire due to electrical system.investigator determined the the fire started in the ignition. Vehicle was totally lost.
At a stop the vehicle will cut off,have a hard time in starting and it backfires.please describe details.
Computer failure.
Computer failed, causing vehicle to stall.*aw
The vehicle caught on fire while being driven. Source unknown. Please describe.
Ignition switch fire prior to recall. (96v-071)
While driving on hwy vehicle shuts down, will not restart because of ignition switch.
While driving owner noticed burning smell followed by smoke. Flames got progressively worse then stopped. Vehicle failed to start until new switch installed.
While driving owner noticed burning smell followed by smoke. Flames got progressively worse then stopped. Vehicle failed to start until new switch installed.
Ignition switch fire. *sd
Ignition module failed, resulting in engine cut-out repeatly, replaced the old module.tt
Driving vehicle, noticed smoke from under hood, parked vehicle next day at job, turned to go to bldg, informed vehicle was in flames.
Car caught on fire, possible due to faulty ignition switch.
Turn ignition on, heard crackling sound, then noise went to a poplin sound, smoke came from hood and vent inside, flames now evitable, resulting in totalled.
The car starts fine when cold. After driving to town sometimes won't start right off,sometimes it does. Mostof the time i have to try and try.some times when it does start it revs up then dies. Then try to start again, sometime the same thing sometime will start. When started it runs just fine.
While driving on hwy vehicle shuts down, will not restart because of ignition switch.
Driving vehicle, noticed smoke from under hood, parked vehicle next day at job, turned to go to bldg, informed vehicle was in flames.
There was a recall listed on this make and year, but the owner never received a notice. On apr.9,1998, the vehicle caught on fire around the steering column. The vehicle was total loss. Contacted the dealer and they will not get back in touch with the owner.would like to have an engineer call and talk about this problem (96v-071000).
The vehicle has been experiencing problems with ignition switch. When driver turnsvehicle off, the vehicle still continues to run.the manufacturer has yet to be contacted.
After parking overnight, found vehicle in garage on fire, coming from dash.
Vehicle caught fire for unknown reasons.please describe.
The vehicle was parked and it went up in flames due to the igniiton switch. Please describe.
The car caught on fire under hood. Please describe.
Ignition switch shorted, causing fire. *dsh
Defective starter.
Replaced starter.
Had just parked vehicle in garage & left. Half hour later smelled smoke & checked out window. Noticed smoke coming from the garage. Called fire department who arrived and extinguished the flames. Only indication of origin was electrical wires could have caused fire. Vehicle was completely totaled.
About one hour after arriving home from work someone knocked on my door to notify me that the 1990 ford escort that i had purchased used on march 31,1999 was smoking. I called the fire department, by this time flames were shooting from under the hood and the horn was blaring. The fire was extingushed , but the car is now totally useless.
Owner heard funny noise and pulled over and shut vehicle off. Saw smoke from underneath hood. Few minutes later vehicle caught on fire. Please describe
While driving, noticed smoke coming from under hood, then engine caught fire, fire dept suspects electrial system as culprit.tt
While driving vehicle engine compartment fire, under the hood, ea95-002 active, dash was completely burned.tt
While driving was alerted by passing motorist of fire under hood on passenger's side right near front tire.
While parked in driveway, vehicle caught on fire underhood; according to fire department, could have been electrical fire; everything underhood burnt.
Under the hood fires, vehicle was smoking while driving caught on fire, will provide more information./tt
The vehicle caught on fire from the steering column or the dash. Please describe.
The vehicle caught on fire from the steering column or the dash. Please describe.
Fire in glove compartment area, fire dept stated that fire was possible electrical related.tt
While driving, noticed smoke coming from steering column, then flames from behind instrument panel, result interior fire.
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 my daughter so that i can forward to you.
While driving, noticed smoke coming from steering column, then flames from behind instrument panel, result interior fire.
The radiator mounts disconnected from the metal rubber,allowing the radiator to lean back/ rock back and forth,causinga hole to wear in the alternator case.
Piston rod is deteriorating, engine can not function should the piston rod malfunction.
The camshaft that holds the gear broke. Pleas describe .
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.
Engine fire.
Vehicle parked four hours and then burst into flames.
While driving at 25mph on flat surface and withno warning vehicle shut off. Consumer had to pull over. Dealer notified.
While parked in front of house, vehicle suddenly blew up; made loud sound, suddenly fire was everywhere. Owner will provide more details; vehicle totaled.
Engine fire. (ohio state police report)
Engine failed.
Smog test was aborted due to high rmps.
Known failure of vane air flow meter cause bucking of car at highway and street speeds.see ford tsb 94-23-8.car locks front wheels on snowy conditions when engine bucks. The tsb calls for kit fopz-9k672-a and vfmeter e9fz-12b529-a. Kit designed in 1994 while my car was still under warranty.no notification on tsb's according to ford policy. Please send address i can send my documentation to date, to your office.thank you.
Air conditioning system malfunctioned.
Replaced air conditioning system.
Vehicle owners manual states 8.3 quarts of transmission fluid is to be used when refilling, consumer acted accordingly resulting in damage/failure of transmission to the point of being unuseable. Manual information is incorrect, the correct amount of fluid is 4.5 quarts.
Consumer was driving to work parked car started to smoke and caught on fire .tt
Car was park in a lot and car caught fire.tt
Consumer was driving to work parked car started to smoke and caught on fire .tt
Gasoline leak in the high pressure fuel hose where it was connected to the quick connector, causing fire.
Flames started shooting up from under the car. Flames came from fuel line leak.
Fuel pump failed, causing vehicle to stall.
Electronic fuel injection plastic breather fell off onto hot engine while driving/melted. *sd
Fuel tank leak. *sd
Rock hit gas tank causing tank to leak.tt
Vehicle's fuel tank is leaking at the seams due to rusting/corrosion.
Rear doors have been inoperable for more than a year. Recently, vehicle was involved in an accident that resulted inconsumerbeing unable to get the doors open. Please provide further details.
While driving the driver's door shakes open on its own while turning a corner. Dealer has been contacted.
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.
1990 ford escort with 1.9 l engine, throttle-body fuel inj, and man 5-speed transm. Approx 8 hwy miles from home, passing thru small town with 25-mph limit, signal light, and rr crossing, the ford's engine suddenly revved to incredibly high rpm's. Frightened, i immediately pushed in the clutch. No floor mat or stuck accelerator/mechanical problems existed. Apparently this was a computer cause. Within seconds, perhaps 4 to 8 seconds, i was prepared to turn off the key ignition to the vehicle. I tried pressing the accelerator once (in former carbureted autos, such an action would settle a revved engine normally). Pressing accelerator had no effect. Then within that range of just seconds, the vehicle settled itself prior to my reaching a railroad crossing. Conditions involved smooth roadway, a gradual decline of speed (normal operation through most of this) from 55 to 45 to 35 to 25 near the signal light and "downtown" area. I owned and drove the 1990 escort from 1992 until 2006, from about 20,000 vehicle miles to about 184,000. This unaccountable acceleration never happened again. The vehicle was famous for losing ignition modules. The most dangerous occasion involved approaching the same town, about 6 miles from home. At 55 mph, engine stopped cold. Fortunately, i realized situation, pressed in the clutch, and without power steering and little power brakes coasted into church parking lot handily near. Later, i transported with the vehicle at all times a spare ignition module and necessary tools for installation. Through the years the vehicle required about 5 modules. At other times the escort idled so slowly, that when clutch was depressed, vehicle would stall. Full tune-ups never affected the stall tendency. As far as toyota's current sudden surges, i think the problem is very likely computer related. We are current owners of a 1.8 l 2005 corolla with auto transmission and 2004 pontiac vibe (same 1.8 l w/ man transm), and will continue to watch the toyota problems.
Clutch failed.
Since the ignition switched has been replaced vehicle still stalled out.noticed that the engine at idle speed loops or idles erratically.transmission also shifts sloppy have taken the car to two transmission places and found nothing.also cosmetic light on passenger side visor stays lit when flap is closed.
Since the ignition switched has been replaced vehicle still stalled out.noticed that the engine at idle speed loops or idles erratically.transmission also shifts sloppy have taken the car to two transmission places and found nothing.also cosmetic light on passenger side visor stays lit when flap is closed.
My transmission now in any gear sounds like there is something loose and rattles? i don't know what it is and gets on my nerves!
Driver's side belt broke upon impact at 35 mph.tt
While driving the vehicle hood flew open and damaged the windshield, passenger side automatic shoulder belt has failed.tt
In cold weather (less than 15 f), the driver's side automatic seatbelt motor failed on mutilple occasions to either retract or advance the automatic shoulder belt.the shoulder belt motor eventually broke entirely (mileage around 60,000 at the time).this defect first showed up when i moved to a cold climate in 1993.
While traveling on a freeway at the speed limit of 65 miles per hour, i ended up in a skid on dry pavement. I don't remember how i got into the skid due to head injuries received in the resulting accident. The car skidded sideways for quite a ways and did not respond normally to attempts to steer it.perhaps the engine stalled and the power steering was no longer working. The car eventually hit the raised concrete rumble strips while skidding sideways. The car then flipped over in the air and tumbled down the median, with the first impact likely to the driver's side roof, knocking out the driver. The car continued to tumble down the median until the car vaulted and landed on its top. I remember being upside down in the air, but nothing else until i came to hanging upside down from my seat belt with blurred vision.i had 2 large lumps on the top of the head, a badly swollen jaw and gums, a swollen tongue (bitten on both sides), one nostril filled with blood, the back of my head neck and shoulders were swollen by what felt like about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. I had bruises around my right elbow, on my right thigh, and likely other places, as well as a compression fracture of the second lumbar vertebra from the bottom (l4?). Since i had difficulty breathing, they did a tracheotomy on me while waiting for the ambulance. They pried open the rear hatch to get me out of the vehicle. I was in the hospital 5 days, out of work 5 weeks, and in various degrees of pain for about 1 year.the roof failed to protect me, the inertia lock shoulder harness failed to prevent my chin from hitting the steering wheel and its failure to work likely resulted in the compression fracture which the doctor said was probably from lunging forward. The only thing that kept me in the car was the manual adjusted lap belt, which is no longer installed in fords. All belts are inertia lock, like the shoulder belt of this car was.the vehicle had a manual transmission.
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.
Shoulder belt will stick in one position in the track, failing to properly restraindriver ofvehicle. Dealership has examindvehicle, and will repair problem atconsumer's cost.please provide any additional information/attachments.
Upon being rear ended, drivers shoulder belt didn't restrain. Driver noticed belt moving along track. Please describe details.tt
Seat belts are not functioning correctly.tt
Driver/passenger lap belts inoperative, male to female buckle won't lock in.tt
Seat belt slips out of harness when using child safety seat.
Driver's side seat broke, seat track and anchors failed.
After i purchased my ford escort,the first thing i noticed was the windshield made noise as i would drive, it sounded like it was popping out of the car,and then the windsheild cracks at the top seam of the car . I called ford to be told they were not responsible.next my ignition starts malfunctioning, sometimes the key wont go in, other times the ignition will turn on without a key , the key is torn up, the ignition unit recently wont turn the key in it ,i have actually been stuck in public cause the ignition would not work. I really do not understand why? but both my bucket seats in the car break at the same time? i'm driving the car, and the next thing i know is that i'm laying in my daughters lap in the back seat., this was a very, scary experience. Thank god no one was hurt, are the seats supposed to malfunction in this way?last my hatchback rattles , it acts like the hinges at the top are breaking , and the hatchback lock stop unlocking the hatchback, i called ford and was told they would send me information, but this never happened. Can you help me?
After i purchased my ford escort,the first thing i noticed was the windshield made noise as i would drive, it sounded like it was popping out of the car,and then the windsheild cracks at the top seam of the car . I called ford to be told they were not responsible.next my ignition starts malfunctioning, sometimes the key wont go in, other times the ignition will turn on without a key , the key is torn up, the ignition unit recently wont turn the key in it ,i have actually been stuck in public cause the ignition would not work. I really do not understand why? but both my bucket seats in the car break at the same time? i'm driving the car, and the next thing i know is that i'm laying in my daughters lap in the back seat., this was a very, scary experience. Thank god no one was hurt, are the seats supposed to malfunction in this way?last my hatchback rattles , it acts like the hinges at the top are breaking , and the hatchback lock stop unlocking the hatchback, i called ford and was told they would send me information, but this never happened. Can you help me?
The passenger's side seat just broke off the brackets without an occupant.
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.
Driver side seat back frame broke, seat fully reclined backwards.tt
While driving, noticed smoke/odr, pulled to side, found front brakescaught on fire, dealer replaced front calipers.tt
While driving, brake calipers were dragging, got hot, causing difficulty in driving, seemed as though foot was on brake, caused plastic hub caps to melt.tt
Pulled up in driveway and saw left front wheel on fire/replaced brake caliper pistons.
Replaced master cylonder due to fire.tt
Replaced brake power booster due to fire.tt
A few minutes after being parked,on the right side of the steering column the car caught fire .please describe in more detail.
On one occasion the seat track broke. Please describe .
# ea95-002 when driving smoke caused from the steering car caught on fire car was totaled .tt
Tie rod joint failed.
Front inner tie rod broke on the driver side.tt
While traveling on a freeway at the speed limit of 65 miles per hour, i ended up in a skid on dry pavement. I don't remember how i got into the skid due to head injuries received in the resulting accident. The car skidded sideways for quite a ways and did not respond normally to attempts to steer it.perhaps the engine stalled and the power steering was no longer working. The car eventually hit the raised concrete rumble strips while skidding sideways. The car then flipped over in the air and tumbled down the median, with the first impact likely to the driver's side roof, knocking out the driver. The car continued to tumble down the median until the car vaulted and landed on its top. I remember being upside down in the air, but nothing else until i came to hanging upside down from my seat belt with blurred vision.i had 2 large lumps on the top of the head, a badly swollen jaw and gums, a swollen tongue (bitten on both sides), one nostril filled with blood, the back of my head neck and shoulders were swollen by what felt like about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. I had bruises around my right elbow, on my right thigh, and likely other places, as well as a compression fracture of the second lumbar vertebra from the bottom (l4?). Since i had difficulty breathing, they did a tracheotomy on me while waiting for the ambulance. They pried open the rear hatch to get me out of the vehicle. I was in the hospital 5 days, out of work 5 weeks, and in various degrees of pain for about 1 year.the roof failed to protect me, the inertia lock shoulder harness failed to prevent my chin from hitting the steering wheel and its failure to work likely resulted in the compression fracture which the doctor said was probably from lunging forward. The only thing that kept me in the car was the manual adjusted lap belt, which is no longer installed in fords. All belts are inertia lock, like the shoulder belt of this car was.the vehicle had a manual transmission.
A plastic piece of deflector under front right wheel was rubbing against the brake rotors, causing tires to overheat and catch on fire. Manufacturer notified. Provide further details.plastic deflector on right front wheel assembly either cracked or loosened, rubbed against brake rotor and caught fire destroying or damaging brake line and scorching tire ( but tire did not burn) , able to extinguish before tire caught fire.
While driving the vehicle hood flew open and damaged the windshield, passenger side automatic shoulder belt has failed.tt
Vehicle was inside of a work shop, and noticed that there wasa dent inside of tire. He could put a print depression size of a dimple.dealership is aware ofproblem.
Model continental lte 3000 tirep17570r14 ; tread shreaded off a tire while driving at 55 mph, causing damage towheelwell/tore off mud slap, and turn light housing.tire only had 28,000 miles, and stayed inflated. Dot# acfp3cc447.
When shifting into the next gear the rpm accelerated,took to dealer and replaced throttle body .
Vehicle accelerated causing loss of vehicle control.tt
When driving at 50 mph the vehicle suddenly accelerated withoutprior warning, andwithoutdriver depressing onaccelerator pedal. This caused unwanted and unexpected acceleration. Consumer has contacteddealer, dealer unable to determine the cause. Please provide any further details.
After i purchased my ford escort,the first thing i noticed was the windshield made noise as i would drive, it sounded like it was popping out of the car,and then the windsheild cracks at the top seam of the car . I called ford to be told they were not responsible.next my ignition starts malfunctioning, sometimes the key wont go in, other times the ignition will turn on without a key , the key is torn up, the ignition unit recently wont turn the key in it ,i have actually been stuck in public cause the ignition would not work. I really do not understand why? but both my bucket seats in the car break at the same time? i'm driving the car, and the next thing i know is that i'm laying in my daughters lap in the back seat., this was a very, scary experience. Thank god no one was hurt, are the seats supposed to malfunction in this way?last my hatchback rattles , it acts like the hinges at the top are breaking , and the hatchback lock stop unlocking the hatchback, i called ford and was told they would send me information, but this never happened. Can you help me?
After having recall repair work done on windshield, the vehicle is now leaking from windshield. Recall#89v174000.
After i purchased my ford escort,the first thing i noticed was the windshield made noise as i would drive, it sounded like it was popping out of the car,and then the windsheild cracks at the top seam of the car . I called ford to be told they were not responsible.next my ignition starts malfunctioning, sometimes the key wont go in, other times the ignition will turn on without a key , the key is torn up, the ignition unit recently wont turn the key in it ,i have actually been stuck in public cause the ignition would not work. I really do not understand why? but both my bucket seats in the car break at the same time? i'm driving the car, and the next thing i know is that i'm laying in my daughters lap in the back seat., this was a very, scary experience. Thank god no one was hurt, are the seats supposed to malfunction in this way?last my hatchback rattles , it acts like the hinges at the top are breaking , and the hatchback lock stop unlocking the hatchback, i called ford and was told they would send me information, but this never happened. Can you help me?
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