- The problem
- The ignition switch could experience an internal short circuit.
- The risk
- This condition could cause overheating, smoke, and possibly fire in the steering column area of the vehicle.
- The fix
- DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH.
Vehicle safety record
1990 Ford Escort Problems, complaints & recalls
No owner complaints about the 1990 Ford Escort have been filed with NHTSA. It is covered by 2 recalls, the latest in April 1996 for the ignition.
NHTSA data checked
BFewer problems than a typical Escort year, for its age
- Complaints
- 0
- Recalls
- 2
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
1990 Ford Escort recalls 2
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
- The problem
- Special primer that promotes the bonding of a urethane adhesive to the glass was not applied to the windshields before installation.
- The risk
- Omission of the primer could cause the windshield not tobe properly adhered to body, and vehicle would not comply with fmvss 212.
- The fix
- Remove and properly install windshield using special primer.
What owners say
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No complaints about the 1990 Ford Escort yet
No owner has filed a complaint about this vehicle with NHTSA. If yours has a problem, share it here and report it to NHTSA.
Ford Escort: every year compared
All Escort years1990 Ford Escort vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1990 Ford Escort | 0 | 2 | B | |
| 1990 Ford Aerostar | 197 | 7 | D | Compare |
| 1990 Ford Bronco | 57 | 1 | D | Compare |
| 1990 Ford Bronco II | 27 | 2 | D | Compare |
| 1990 Ford B700 | 1 | 2 | C | Compare |
| 1990 Ford Cargo | 1 | 0 | B | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 1990 Ford Escort
Does the 1990 Ford Escort have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 1990 Ford Escort: ignition (April 1996); windshield (October 1989). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
How many complaints has the 1990 Ford Escort had?
None have been filed with NHTSA so far.
Is the 1990 Ford Escort a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 65 out of 100 (grade B: fewer problems than a typical Ford Escort year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which Ford Escort years have the most complaints?
2001 (99), 2002 (88). See every Ford Escort year compared.
What should I do if my 1990 Ford Escort has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data