1991 Ford Escort

1991 Ford Escort

The 1991 Ford Escort was a compact car available in three-door hatchback, four-door sedan, and five-door wagon body styles. It came with a variety of engine and transmission options, including a 1.6-liter I4, a 1.8-liter I4, and a 5-speed manual transmission or a 3-speed automatic transmission. The Escort was known for its affordability, fuel efficiency, and practicality, but it also had some drawbacks, such as its lack of power and its poor handling.

Engine

1.6-liter I4

• Blown Head Gasket
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks, white smoke from the exhaust, overheating
  • Solution: Replace the head gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
• Cracked Cylinder Head
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks, overheating, loss of power
  • Solution: Replace the cylinder head
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500+
• Worn Piston Rings
  • Description/Symptoms: Smoking from the exhaust, loss of power, blue or black smoke from the exhaust
  • Solution: Replace the piston rings
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,200+
• Faulty Fuel Pump
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine stalls, difficulty starting, loss of power
  • Solution: Replace the fuel pump
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+

1.8-liter I4

• Timing Chain Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Rattling noise from the engine, loss of power, check engine light
  • Solution: Replace the timing chain and related components
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+
• Cracked Intake Manifold
  • Description/Symptoms: Vacuum leak, loss of power, rough idle
  • Solution: Replace the intake manifold
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+

Transmission

5-speed Manual

• Worn Clutch
  • Description/Symptoms: Slipping gears, difficulty shifting, clutch pedal feels spongy
  • Solution: Replace the clutch and pressure plate
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+

3-speed Automatic

• Slipping Gears
  • Description/Symptoms: Transmission slips out of gear, difficulty shifting, rough shifts
  • Solution: Rebuild or replace the transmission
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
• Leaking Transmission Fluid
  • Description/Symptoms: Fluid leaks from the transmission pan or seals
  • Solution: Replace the seals or transmission pan gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500

Suspension

• Worn Ball Joints
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noise when turning, loose steering, uneven tire wear
  • Solution: Replace the ball joints
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800+
• Leaking Struts
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough ride, uneven tire wear, clunking noise when driving over bumps
  • Solution: Replace the struts
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $600 - $1,200+
• Worn Tie Rod Ends
  • Description/Symptoms: Loose steering, difficulty keeping the car straight, excessive vibration in the steering wheel
  • Solution: Replace the tie rod ends
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+

Electrical

• Faulty Ignition Switch
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty starting the car, intermittent electrical problems
  • Solution: Replace the ignition switch
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
• Faulty Alternator
  • Description/Symptoms: Dimming lights, dead battery, electrical problems
  • Solution: Replace the alternator
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800+
• Electrical Shorts
  • Description/Symptoms: Fuses blowing, intermittent electrical problems, battery drain
  • Solution: Trace and repair the electrical shorts
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,000+

Exterior

• Rust
  • Description/Symptoms: Corrosion on the body panels, especially around the wheel wells and undercarriage
  • Solution: Repair the rust or replace the affected panels
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies depending on the extent of the damage

Interior

• Faulty Power Window Motors
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty raising or lowering the windows, intermittent operation, windows rolling down on their own
  • Solution: Replace the power window motors
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+

Summary

The 1991 Ford Escort is known for its affordability, fuel efficiency, and practicality. However, it also has several common issues that can be costly to repair, such as blown head gaskets, timing chain failures, and slipping transmissions. Overall, the Escort is a reliable and economical car for everyday use, but owners should be aware of its potential problems before purchasing one.