1989 Ford Escort electrical system problems
64 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the electrical system on the 1989 Ford Escort — 42% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“1989 ford escort hatchback - a passenger exiting the vehicle from the rear seat stepped on an electrical connector located under the carpet which caused the +12v and ground wires to short together. This connector is part of the electric fuel pump harness. The connector melted, the wire harness…”
filed Aug 15, 2004
“Alternator caught on fire. Consumer took vehicle to the dealership who replaced alternator. Also, the second alternator caught on fire at the gas pump. The fire department was notified and extinguished the blaze. Consumer claimed it may have been the installation that caused the fire. *ak”
filed Feb 4, 2004
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related service bulletins
Subject on a wire harness terminal repair kit available for repairing electrical wiring harnesses. *tt
99222 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Oct 18, 1999Ford motor company has released a new electrical grease ( f8az - 19g208-aa ) to reduce the possibility of moisture corrosion at the terminals. *yc
98246 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Dec 7, 1998
Electrical System problems in other Escort years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 Escort | 2 | 6% |
| 2001 Escort | 5 | 7% |
| 2000 Escort | 5 | 5% |
| 1999 Escort | 39 | 12% |
| 1998 Escort | 43 | 11% |
| 1997 Escort | 114 | 21% |
| 1996 Escort | 14 | 7% |
| 1995 Escort | 48 | 8% |
| 1994 Escort | 30 | 11% |
| 1993 Escort | 40 | 11% |
| 1992 Escort | 36 | 22% |
| 1991 Escort | 104 | 32% |
Other reported problem areas on the 1989 Ford Escort
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.