NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Switch
4930.2%
Fuel Pump
2414.8%
Tank Assembly
2113.0%
Ignition
2012.3%
Automatic Transmission
1710.5%
Wiring
138.0%
Retractor
95.6%
Anchorage
95.6%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
25,000 – 49,999 miles
211.1%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
211.1%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
1161.1%
150,000+ miles
316.7%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Jan 1995peak 21Jul 2013
NHTSA investigations into the 1991 Ford Escort
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
EA94002Opened 28 Jan 1994Closed 31 Jan 1995VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:LINKAGES
FUEL PUMP WIRING SHORTAGE
PE93076Opened 3 Sep 1993Closed 28 Jan 1994VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:LINKAGES
FUEL PUMP WIRING SHORTAGE
EA93007Opened 26 Feb 1993Closed 26 Apr 1993STEERING
INADVERT. STEERING LOCKUP
PE92082Opened 6 Oct 1992Closed 26 Feb 1993STEERING
PE91150Opened 3 Dec 1991Closed 15 Apr 1992VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:LINKAGES
FUEL TANK LEAKAGE
Recalls on the 1991 Ford Escort
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
94E019000
SUSPENSION:FRONT
THE OFFSET TOE ADJUSTING PIN CAN FRACTURE UNDER CONDITIONS SUCH AS TORSIONAL LOADS, FLEXING MOTION, IMPACT LOADS, AND OVERTORQUING.
Risk: THIS CAN RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLE STEERING CONTROL ANDAN ACCIDENT.
THE ROLL PINS SECURING THE IGNITION LOCK IN THE STEERING COLUMN HOUSING CAN SEPARATE OR MOVE OUT OF POSITION.
Risk: 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.
92V117000
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
FATIGUE CRACKS CAN DEVELOP IN THE SOLDER JOINT BETWEEN THE FUEL RETURN TUBE AND THE FUEL PUMP SENDING UNIT LOCATED AT THE TOP OF THE FUEL TANK.
Risk: SHOULD A CRACK DEVELOP, FUEL VAPOR CAN ESCAPE FROM THETANK WHEN THE TANK IS FULL, AND A SMALL AMOUNT OF FUEL CAN LEAK FROM THE CRACK.FUEL LEAKS CAN RESULT IN FIRE WHEN EXPOSED TO A SOURCE OF IGNITION.
90V076000
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
INTERFERENCE OCCUR BETWEEN BOLT THAT SECURES A FUEL LINE SHIELD TO THE LOWER PORTION OF THE DASH PANEL AND THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL.
Risk: THIS COULD CAUSE THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL TO STICK AT THE WIDE OPEN THROTTLE POSITION AND RESULT IN LOSS OF CONTROL WITH THE RISK OF A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 199503164,538 units in Canada
Electrical
NOTE: VEHICLES LOCATED IN ONTARIO, QUEBEC AND THE ATLANTIC PROVINCES. THE FUEL PUMP WIRING ASSEMBLY MAY CORRODE DUE TO ROAD SALT, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN AN ELECTRICAL BRIDGE DEVELOPING BETWEEN THE FUEL PUMP ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT AND THE FUEL GAUGE SENDER TERMINALS. THIS COULD CAUSE THE FUEL SENDER GROUND CIRCUIT TO OVERHEAT THE WIRING AND MELT ITS INSULATION PRIOR TO THE OPENING OF THE FUSE IN THE FUEL PUMP POWER CIRCUIT. THIS WOULD CAUSE SMOKE AND ODOUR AND COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF FUEL DELIVERY TO THE ENGINE AND THE ENGINE STOPPING. CORRECTION: A FUSED JUMPER HARNESS WILL BE INSTALLED IN THE FUEL PUMP/SENDER ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT.
Recall 19930788,789 units in Canada
Steering
ON VEHICLES WITH MANUAL TRANSMISSION, THE ROLL PINS SECURING THE IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER IN THE STEERING COLUMN HOUSING MAY NOT REMAIN IN PLACE. THIS COULD CAUSE THE IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER TO DISENGAGE FROM THE STEERING COLUMN HOUSING WHICH COULD RESULT IN STEERING COLUMN LOCK-UP AND LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL. CORRECTION: VEHICLES WILL BE INSPECTED AND IF ROLL PINS ARE PRESENT AND FULLY INSERTED, A PLASTIC SNAP-ON SLEEVE WILL BE INSTALLED TO PREVENT THE PINS FROM COMING OUT. IF ONE OR BOTH OR THE ROLL PINS ARE MISSING OR NOT FULLY INSERTED, THE IGNITION LOCK HOUSING ASSEMBLY WILL BE REPLACED (ALONG WITH THE DOOR LOCKS AND THE LIFTGATE/DECK-LID LOCKS SO THAT KEY COMPATIBILITY IS MAINTAINED).
Recall 199303031 units in Canada
Lights And Instruments
NOTE: ESCORT PONY AND LX VEHICLES. VEHICLES CORRECTED PRIOR TO DELIVERY TO CUSTOMERS. THESE VEHICLES DID NOT COMPLY WITH C.M.V.S.S 101 - CONTROL LOCATION AND IDENTIFICATION. ODOMETERS CALIBRATED IN MILES RATHER THAN KILOMETRES. CORRECTION: ODOMETERS WILL BE REPLACED WITH ONES CALIBRATED IN KILOMETRES.
Recall 19921211,389 units in Canada
Fuel System
FATIGUE CRACKS MAY DEVELOP IN THE SOLDER JOINT BETWEEN THE FUEL RETURN TUBE AND THE FUEL PUMP SENDING UNIT LOCATED ON THE TOP OF THE FUEL TANK. THIS WOULD ALLOW FUEL VAPOURS TO ESCAPE FROM THE TANK AND WHEN THE TANK IS 7/8 OR MORE FULL, A SMALL AMOUNT OF LIQUID FUEL MAY LEAK FROM THE CRACK PRESENTING A POTENTIAL FIRE HAZARD. NOTE: FOR ESCORT MODELS ONLY GT AND LXE LINES INVOLVED. CORRECTION: VEHICLES WILL BE INSPECTED AND FUEL PUMP SENDING UNIT ASSEMBLY WILL BE REPLACED WITH ONE OF IMPROVED STRENGTH.
Recall 1990062560 units in Canada
Engine
A BOLT THAT SECURES A FUEL LINE SHIELD TO THE LOWER PORTION OF THE DASH PANEL PROTRUDES THROUGH THE PANEL AND MAY INTERFERE WITH THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WHEN THE PEDAL IS FULLY DEPRESSED. UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES, THIS COULD RESULT IN THE PEDAL STICKING AT THE WIDE OPEN THROTTLE POSITION. THIS COULD CAUSE POSSIBLE LOSS OF CONTROL AND A VEHICLE CRASH. CORRECTION: BOLT WILL BE CUT OFF FLUSH WITH THE TOP OF THE WELD NUT THROUGH WHICH IT PROTRUDES.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 151,000 milesST Paul, MNFire
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1991 FORD ESCORT. FATIGUE CRACKS HAVE DEVELOPED IN THE SOLDER JOINT BETWEEN THE FUEL RETURN TUBE AND THE FUEL PUMP SENDING UNIT LOCATED AT THE TOP OF THE FUEL TANK. THERE MUST HAVE BEEN AN INTERNAL FIRE CAUSED BY THE FAILURE, BECAUSE THE WIRING HARNESS HAD MELTED. THE VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER WAS EXCLUDED FROM RECALL # 92V117000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE MANUFACTURER AND THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED, BUT NO ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. NO REPAIRS WERE MADE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 151000.
NHTSA complaint #10290381 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cloverdale, INCrash1 injured1 killed
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
LOST CONTROL ON WET ROAD HIT TREE HEAD-ON AND SEAT BELT CAME OUT OF TRACK ALLOWED DRIVER TO BE DECAPITATED.
NHTSA complaint #10156478 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hayward, WICrash1 injured1 killed
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER
FATALITY INVOLVING 1991 FORD ESCORT. *MR THE CONSUMERS AUNT WAS DRIVING AND WAS SEVERELY INJURED AND THE CONSUMERS MOTHER WAS KILLED IN THE ACCIDENT. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED TO KNOW IF THE VEHICLE WAS CHECKED OR CORRECTED FOR THE PROBLEM. (INSPECT THE BOLT LENGTH BEFORE DRIVEN OR DEMONSTRATED OR DELIVERED THE VEHICLE UNTIL THEY HAVE BEEN INSPECTED) THIS WAS THE CONSUMER'S AUNT'S FIRST ACCIDENT UNTIL THE PROBLEM WITH THE ACCELERATOR. THE THROTTLE LINKAGE WAS POSSIBLY DEFECTIVE. RECALL# 90V076000 *SC THERE WAS ALSO A LEAKAGE PRESENT AT THE RIGHT FRONT BRAKE CALIPER UPON INSPECTION.
NHTSA complaint #10089429 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hayward, WICrash1 injured1 killed
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
FATALITY INVOLVING 1991 FORD ESCORT. *MR THE CONSUMERS AUNT WAS DRIVING AND WAS SEVERELY INJURED AND THE CONSUMERS MOTHER WAS KILLED IN THE ACCIDENT. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED TO KNOW IF THE VEHICLE WAS CHECKED OR CORRECTED FOR THE PROBLEM. (INSPECT THE BOLT LENGTH BEFORE DRIVEN OR DEMONSTRATED OR DELIVERED THE VEHICLE UNTIL THEY HAVE BEEN INSPECTED) THIS WAS THE CONSUMER'S AUNT'S FIRST ACCIDENT UNTIL THE PROBLEM WITH THE ACCELERATOR. THE THROTTLE LINKAGE WAS POSSIBLY DEFECTIVE. RECALL# 90V076000 *SC THERE WAS ALSO A LEAKAGE PRESENT AT THE RIGHT FRONT BRAKE CALIPER UPON INSPECTION.
NHTSA complaint #10089429 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 136,000 milesMount Morris, PAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH
MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING A 1991 FORD ESCORT IN DOWNTOWN PITTSBURGH WHEN SMOKE BEGAN POURING OUT OF THE DASHBOARD BEHIND THE SPEEDOMETER SECTION. SHE PULLED OVER AND EXITED THE CAR AFTER TURNING OFF THE IGNITION SWITCH. THE SMOKE CEASED AND A POLICE OFFICER STOPPED BY TO ASSIST. HE REMAINED TO DIRECT TRAFFIC UNTIL THE TOW TRUCK CAME TO RETURN THE VEHICLE TO MY HOUSE. THE VEHICLE HAS LIABILITY INSURANCE ONLY. I WAS NOT ABLE TO INVESTIGATE THE CAUSE OF THE SMOKE FOR A FEW DAYS. I NEEDED MORE INFORMATION IN HOW TO GET BEHIND THE DASHBOARD. UPON OPENING THE DASHBOARD, I FOUND THE WIRING BUNDLE LEADING TO THE DASHBOARD METERING WAS MELTED INTO A BUNDLE AND THE WIRES WERE NOT DISTINGUISHABLE IN COLOR ANY MORE. THE MELTED SECTION OF WIRING WAS FURTHER FOUND IN LEADING INTO THE LARGER BUNDLE GOING DEEPER INTO THE DASHBOARD AND INTO THE ENGINE WELL. I CONTACTED FORD CONCERNING THIS AND WAS REFERED BY THEM TO MY INSURANCE AGENT. THE CONSUMER SAFETY COMMISSION SENT ME IN YOUR DIRECTION. IS THERE ANYTHING I CAN DO BESIDES TRASH THE CAR?
NHTSA complaint #10082982 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Paris, TXCrash
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
WHILE TRAVELING ABOUT 50MPH AND WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING CONSUMER'S VEHICLE HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE FROM BEHIND, AND DRIVER SIDE STRAP BROKE FROM THE FRAME OF THE SEAT BELT.
NHTSA complaint #10026763 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 124,750 milesManassaas, VA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
AFTER FILLING UP WITH GAS AND STILL BESIDE THE GAS PUMPS I ATTEMPTED TO START THE VEHICLE IN PARK. THE CAR KEPT CRANKING BUT NOT STARTING. TURNED THE IGNITION SWITCH OFF AND CAR KEPT CRANKING. PULLED THE KEY OUT AND CAR KEPT CRANKING. PUT THE KEY BACK IN AND GOT THE VEHICLE IN DRIVE WHILE CRANKING AND IT STOPPED. TURNED KEY AND VEHICLE STARTED (IN DRIVE MODE). VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP CRANKING IN PARK OR NEUTRAL MODES BUT WILL IN DRIVE MODE. WITH NO KEY VEHICLE TRIES TO START IN BOTH PARK AND NEUTRAL. MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE. I WAS SCARED WHEN IT KEPT CRANKING BESIDE THE GAS STATION TANKS THINKING I WAS GOING TO END UP BLOWING UP THE STATION.
NHTSA complaint #10525875 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 34,000 milesWarren, MI
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
THE ACCELERATOR STUCK TO THE FLOOR CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO BE IN FULL THROTTLE. THIS OCCURRED WHILE STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT. FORTUNATELY IT WAS A MANUAL TRANSMISSION AND OUT OF GEAR WHEN THE INCIDENT HAPPENED. I HAD STOMPED ON THE GAS PEDAL BY MISTAKE. I SEARCHED THE FLOOR AND ENGINE COMPARTMENT FOR ANYTHING THAT MAY HAVE PREVENTED THE ACCELERATOR FROM DISENGAGING AND FOUND NO APPARENT REASON FOR THE PHENOMENON.
NHTSA complaint #10319837 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 34,000 milesWarren, MI
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
THE ACCELERATOR STUCK TO THE FLOOR CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO BE IN FULL THROTTLE. THIS OCCURRED WHILE STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT. FORTUNATELY IT WAS A MANUAL TRANSMISSION AND OUT OF GEAR WHEN THE INCIDENT HAPPENED. I HAD STOMPED ON THE GAS PEDAL BY MISTAKE. I SEARCHED THE FLOOR AND ENGINE COMPARTMENT FOR ANYTHING THAT MAY HAVE PREVENTED THE ACCELERATOR FROM DISENGAGING AND FOUND NO APPARENT REASON FOR THE PHENOMENON.
NHTSA complaint #10319837 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 151,000 milesST Paul, MNFire
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1991 FORD ESCORT. FATIGUE CRACKS HAVE DEVELOPED IN THE SOLDER JOINT BETWEEN THE FUEL RETURN TUBE AND THE FUEL PUMP SENDING UNIT LOCATED AT THE TOP OF THE FUEL TANK. THERE MUST HAVE BEEN AN INTERNAL FIRE CAUSED BY THE FAILURE, BECAUSE THE WIRING HARNESS HAD MELTED. THE VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER WAS EXCLUDED FROM RECALL # 92V117000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE MANUFACTURER AND THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED, BUT NO ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. NO REPAIRS WERE MADE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 151000.
NHTSA complaint #10290381 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 83,000 milesBrandon, MS
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
1. MY 1991 FORD ESCORT LX STATION WAGON DEVELOPED A FUEL LEAK AROUND THE FUEL TANK. 2. IT OCCURS EVERY TIME I ADD FUEL TO THE TANK. 3. I REPORTED THE PROBLEM TO FORD, INCLUDING THE EXISTENCE OF A RECALL NOTICE (NHTSA ACTION NUMBER EA92012; NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 92V117000)). FORD HAS IGNORED THE RECALL LETTER, CLAIMING THERE IS NO SUCH RECALL LETTER, AND ... IN GENERAL GIVING ME THE RUNAROUND. FRANKLY, I'M MAD AS '!@#$%. THIS PROBLEM IS A FIRE HAZARD, AND FORD IS REFUSING TO ADDRESS IT!!!!! WHAT CAN I DO?? THANKS! KES
NHTSA complaint #10237636 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 101,000 milesMillsboro, DE
STEERING
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1991 FORD ESCORT LX. THE CONTACT POURED BRAKE FLUID INTO THE POWER STEERING RESERVOIR. SHE TOOK HER VEHICLE TO A MECHANIC TO HAVE THE VEHICLE BLED. THE MECHANIC REPLACED THE POWER STEERING PUMP WITHOUT AUTHORIZATION, AND NOW THE VEHICLE IS SPEWING FORTH POWER STEERING FLUID. THE ALTERNATOR WAS LOPSIDED AND ITS SCREWS WERE MISSING. THE MOTOR MOUNT WAS REMOVED AND THE CONTACT DOES NOT KNOW THE REASON. WHEN SHE ARRIVED HOME AND TURNED OFF THE VEHICLE, IT FAILED TO RESTART AFTER MANY ATTEMPTS. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT HE WOULD SEND A TOW, BUT ONE NEVER ARRIVED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 101,000.
NHTSA complaint #10226363 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 101,000 milesMillsboro, DE
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1991 FORD ESCORT LX. THE CONTACT POURED BRAKE FLUID INTO THE POWER STEERING RESERVOIR. SHE TOOK HER VEHICLE TO A MECHANIC TO HAVE THE VEHICLE BLED. THE MECHANIC REPLACED THE POWER STEERING PUMP WITHOUT AUTHORIZATION, AND NOW THE VEHICLE IS SPEWING FORTH POWER STEERING FLUID. THE ALTERNATOR WAS LOPSIDED AND ITS SCREWS WERE MISSING. THE MOTOR MOUNT WAS REMOVED AND THE CONTACT DOES NOT KNOW THE REASON. WHEN SHE ARRIVED HOME AND TURNED OFF THE VEHICLE, IT FAILED TO RESTART AFTER MANY ATTEMPTS. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT HE WOULD SEND A TOW, BUT ONE NEVER ARRIVED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 101,000.
NHTSA complaint #10226363 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 107,000 milesFairlawn, OH
SEAT BELTS
MOTORIZED SEAT BELTS INOPERATIVE. LAP BELT DOES NOT RESTRAIN.
NHTSA complaint #10226055 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cloverdale, INCrash1 injured1 killed
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
LOST CONTROL ON WET ROAD HIT TREE HEAD-ON AND SEAT BELT CAME OUT OF TRACK ALLOWED DRIVER TO BE DECAPITATED.
NHTSA complaint #10156478 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 133,000 milesFort Collins, CO
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
DT: THE CONTACT STATES THERE IS A NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN 92V117000 CONCERNING FUEL PUMP SENDING ASSEMBLY. THIS CONSUMER IS EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEMS AS INDICATED IN THE RECALL, BUT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO VIN. THE CONTACT REPAIRED THE VEHICLE AT HIS OWN EXPENSE. *AK UPDATD 01/25/06.
NHTSA complaint #10143357 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 90,000 milesRenton, WA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS
DT: 1991, FORD, ESCORT HATCHBACK. CONSUMER'S WIFE CAME HOME YESTERDAY, AND SAID SHE SMELLED SMOKE. CONSUMER CHECKED VEHICLE AND FOUND OUT THAT THIRD BRAKE LIGHT LOCATED AT TOP OF REAR WINDOW SMOKED WHEN BRAKE WAS PRESSED. CONSUMER TOOK LIGHT APART, AND FOUND SAME PART AT A JUNK YARD. CONSUMER REPLACED HEAT SHIELD AND HALOGEN BULB WITH ONE FROM JUNK YARD. CONSUMER CALLED FORD AND GAVE FORD INFORMATION ABOUT THE INCIDENT. FORD TOLD CONSUMER THERE WERE NO RECALLS, BUT THEY WERE GOING TO TURN IT IN TO ENGINEERING. CONSUMER BELIEVED THAT A LOWER WATT, COOLER BULB WOULD KEEP LIGHT FROM CAUSING FIRE.*AK BULB HOUSING HAD HOLE MELTED THROUGH IT. REPLACED HOUSING WITH GOOD HEAT SHIELD (ORIGINAL HEAT SHIELD HAD BURNED OFF CAUSING THE PROBLEM).
NHTSA complaint #10125284 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Muskegon, MI
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
WHEN YOU TURN IGNITION OFF RADIO CONTINUES TO PLAY FOR ABOUT 10 MINUTES OR UNTIL YOU MANUALLY SHUT IT OFF, REPLACED IGNITION AND STILL HAS SAME PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #10112688 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hayward, WICrash1 injured1 killed
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER
FATALITY INVOLVING 1991 FORD ESCORT. *MR THE CONSUMERS AUNT WAS DRIVING AND WAS SEVERELY INJURED AND THE CONSUMERS MOTHER WAS KILLED IN THE ACCIDENT. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED TO KNOW IF THE VEHICLE WAS CHECKED OR CORRECTED FOR THE PROBLEM. (INSPECT THE BOLT LENGTH BEFORE DRIVEN OR DEMONSTRATED OR DELIVERED THE VEHICLE UNTIL THEY HAVE BEEN INSPECTED) THIS WAS THE CONSUMER'S AUNT'S FIRST ACCIDENT UNTIL THE PROBLEM WITH THE ACCELERATOR. THE THROTTLE LINKAGE WAS POSSIBLY DEFECTIVE. RECALL# 90V076000 *SC THERE WAS ALSO A LEAKAGE PRESENT AT THE RIGHT FRONT BRAKE CALIPER UPON INSPECTION.
NHTSA complaint #10089429 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hayward, WICrash1 injured1 killed
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
FATALITY INVOLVING 1991 FORD ESCORT. *MR THE CONSUMERS AUNT WAS DRIVING AND WAS SEVERELY INJURED AND THE CONSUMERS MOTHER WAS KILLED IN THE ACCIDENT. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED TO KNOW IF THE VEHICLE WAS CHECKED OR CORRECTED FOR THE PROBLEM. (INSPECT THE BOLT LENGTH BEFORE DRIVEN OR DEMONSTRATED OR DELIVERED THE VEHICLE UNTIL THEY HAVE BEEN INSPECTED) THIS WAS THE CONSUMER'S AUNT'S FIRST ACCIDENT UNTIL THE PROBLEM WITH THE ACCELERATOR. THE THROTTLE LINKAGE WAS POSSIBLY DEFECTIVE. RECALL# 90V076000 *SC THERE WAS ALSO A LEAKAGE PRESENT AT THE RIGHT FRONT BRAKE CALIPER UPON INSPECTION.
NHTSA complaint #10089429 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 136,000 milesMount Morris, PAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH
MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING A 1991 FORD ESCORT IN DOWNTOWN PITTSBURGH WHEN SMOKE BEGAN POURING OUT OF THE DASHBOARD BEHIND THE SPEEDOMETER SECTION. SHE PULLED OVER AND EXITED THE CAR AFTER TURNING OFF THE IGNITION SWITCH. THE SMOKE CEASED AND A POLICE OFFICER STOPPED BY TO ASSIST. HE REMAINED TO DIRECT TRAFFIC UNTIL THE TOW TRUCK CAME TO RETURN THE VEHICLE TO MY HOUSE. THE VEHICLE HAS LIABILITY INSURANCE ONLY. I WAS NOT ABLE TO INVESTIGATE THE CAUSE OF THE SMOKE FOR A FEW DAYS. I NEEDED MORE INFORMATION IN HOW TO GET BEHIND THE DASHBOARD. UPON OPENING THE DASHBOARD, I FOUND THE WIRING BUNDLE LEADING TO THE DASHBOARD METERING WAS MELTED INTO A BUNDLE AND THE WIRES WERE NOT DISTINGUISHABLE IN COLOR ANY MORE. THE MELTED SECTION OF WIRING WAS FURTHER FOUND IN LEADING INTO THE LARGER BUNDLE GOING DEEPER INTO THE DASHBOARD AND INTO THE ENGINE WELL. I CONTACTED FORD CONCERNING THIS AND WAS REFERED BY THEM TO MY INSURANCE AGENT. THE CONSUMER SAFETY COMMISSION SENT ME IN YOUR DIRECTION. IS THERE ANYTHING I CAN DO BESIDES TRASH THE CAR?
NHTSA complaint #10082982 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Saint Cloud, MN
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
IGNITION SWITCH FAILURE TO TURN OFF ENGINE. SMOKE COMING INTO THE INSIDE OF VEHICLE FROM THE ENGINE.
NHTSA complaint #10066376 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 135,000 milesCedarville, CA
SEAT BELTS
AUTOMATIC PASSIVE RESTRAINT SYSTEM FAILED TO OPERATE WHEN OPENING THE DOOR. MECHANISM JAMMED, AND HAD TO BE MANUALLY DISCONNECTED TO GET IN AND OUT OF THE VEHICLE. *AK
NHTSA complaint #10057240 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 149,000 milesColumbiana, OH
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR
DRIVER'S AUTOMATIC SHOULDER BELT WOULD NOT RETRACT BACK TO THE LOCKING POSITION. CONSUMER IS UNABLE TO WEAR THE SEAT BELT PROPERLY.
NHTSA complaint #10056065 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bristol, IN
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
THE CONSUMER WAS MAKING A LEFT HAND TURN WHEN THE IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER FELL ONTO THE FLOOR. THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP AND THE CONSUMER WAS FORCED TO COME TO A STOP. THE DEALER HAD BEEN CONTACTED. PLEASE DESCRIBE FURTHER. *JB
NHTSA complaint #10051613 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bellevue, WA
SEAT BELTS:FRONT
THE FRONT SEAT BELTS WERE INOPERATIVE. *JB THE VEHICLE CAME EQUIPPED WITH THE AUTOMATIC SEAT BELTS, THE SEAT BELTS FAILED IN THE OPEN POSITION.*SCC
NHTSA complaint #10032458 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Paris, TXCrash
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
WHILE TRAVELING ABOUT 50MPH AND WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING CONSUMER'S VEHICLE HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE FROM BEHIND, AND DRIVER SIDE STRAP BROKE FROM THE FRAME OF THE SEAT BELT.
NHTSA complaint #10026763 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 132,000 milesSaint Joseph, MO
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
CONSUMER STATES THAT THE WIRING ASSEMBLY TO THE FUEL PUMP HAS BURNED UP 3X IN THE LAST MONTH. DEALER DIAGNOSED PROBLEM AS INCORRECT SPECIFIED 30AMP FUSE FOR FUEL PUMP.
NHTSA complaint #10024878 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 132,000 milesSaint Joseph, MO
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS
CONSUMER STATES THAT THE WIRING ASSEMBLY TO THE FUEL PUMP HAS BURNED UP 3X IN THE LAST MONTH. DEALER DIAGNOSED PROBLEM AS INCORRECT SPECIFIED 30AMP FUSE FOR FUEL PUMP.
NHTSA complaint #10024878 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Brookston, IN
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
VEHICLE WAS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM AS MENTIONED IN RECALL#92V17000 CONCERNING FUEL TANK. DEALER WILL NOT REPAIR VEHICLE BECAUSE IT IS NOT COVERED UNDER RECALL DUE TO VIN.
NHTSA complaint #10022205 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesStone Mountain, GA
SUSPENSION:FRONT
THE STEERING WHEEL WAS VERY HARD TO TURN. THERE WAS A RECALL 94E019000 WHICH DESCRIBED THE EXACT PROBLEM, THE CONSUMER'S VEHICLE EXPERIENCED.
NHTSA complaint #10015009 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.