RoadVitals

1998 Ford Escort Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
375
Latest Sep 19, 2019
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
18
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
95

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 1998 Ford Escort, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

75
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

MY SON WAS DRIVING MY 1998 FORD ESCORT LX ON A 35 MPH ROAD WHEN THE DRIVER IN FRONT OF HIM SLAMMED ON HIS BRAKES. MY SON IMMEDIATELY TRIED TO STOP THE CAR, BUT HE REAR-ENDED THE OTHER CAR BEFORE HE COULD COME TO A COMPLETE STOP. DURING THE IMPACT, THE DRIVER'S SEAT BELT DID NOT LOCK IN PLACE AND THE DUAL AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY - ALLOWING MY SON'S UPPER BODY TO CONTINUE FORWARD UNTIL HIS FACE HIT THE STEERING WHEEL. THE LAP BELT FUNCTIONED PROPERLY, HOLDING MY SON'S LOWER BODY IN PLACE. *TR

NHTSA ID 10247134 · filed Oct 29, 2008

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD ESCORT. WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 35-40 MPH, REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE. AT THE TIME OF THE CRASH, THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. BOTH OCCUPANTS WERE WEARING SEAT BELTS, BUT THAT DID NOT PREVENT THEM FROM BEING THROWN TO THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE AND INJURED. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE HEAD AND FACE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS PARTIALLY DESTROYED AND THE FRONT BUMPER, BUMPER SUPPORT, RADIATOR AND SUPPORT, AIR CONDITIONER CONDENSER, AND POWER STEERING RESERVOIR WERE DAMAGED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 81,756.

NHTSA ID 10239844 · filed Aug 26, 2008
All 75 reports naming airbags

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

50
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD ESCORT. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE UNDER THE HOOD WITHOUT WARNING. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 144,998. *AS

NHTSA ID 11256695 · filed Sep 19, 2019

I HAVE HAD NEAR ACCIDENTS RELATING TO CAR FUEL PUMP OR TRANSMISSION SHOPS COULDN'T FIND ANY PROBLEMS BUT THE DRIVABLITY OF MY 98 ESCORT ZX2 COST ME MORE MONEY IN PROBLEM SOLVING, 1,500 PLUS IN RECENT REPAIRS INCLUDING EMERGENCY AND REPEAT REPAIRS AND FAULTY REPAIRS. MY FUEL ECONOMY IS 160 MILES PER TANK TO ALMOST 200 MILES. NO ONE CAN SEEM TO FIND THE PROBLEM(S). LARGE THUNKING IN REAR TRUNK (SCARY)WHEN IM TAKING OFF AND REACHING A STEADY SPEED. TAKE THE CAR TO MAJOR FORD DEALERSHIPS, TO NO AVAIL. CAR DOESN'T ALWAYS "GO" FROM A COMPLETE STOP IN TRAFFIC,THIS HAS CAUSED QUITE A SCARE AS WELL. THANK YOU FOR HELPING AND MAKING NOTE OF MY ACCOUNT. DEBBIE

NHTSA ID 10157775 · filed May 18, 2006
All 50 reports naming engine

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

50
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD ESCORT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR COIL SPRINGS BROKE IN 2003 AND WERE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS AT A REPAIR SHOP GETTING AN OIL CHANGE WHEN THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE REAR COIL SPRINGS HAD BROKEN AGAIN. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED OR REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 26,000. UPDATED 01/04/11*LJ UPDATED 01/10/11*JB

NHTSA ID 10360996 · filed Oct 18, 2010

FAILURE OF THE REAR SPRINGS ON 1998 FORD ESCORT FIRST IN 2003 AT 12,195MILES AND THE REPLACEMENTS BOTH FAILED AGAIN IN 2009 AT 36, 000 MILES. FAILURE APPEARS DUE TO SALT CORROSION ENHANCEMENT DUE TO COVERED SPRING SURFACE. FORD WAS CONTACTED AND EVEN THOUGH THERE IS A TSB ON THIS ISSUE THEY WOULD OFFER NO ASSISTANCE. FAILURE RATES ARE VERY SHORT. VEHICLE WAS NEVER OVERLOADED AND IS GENTLY DRIVEN. *TR

NHTSA ID 10313589 · filed Feb 24, 2010
All 50 reports naming suspension

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

42
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* - THE CONTACT STATED HORN HAS NOT WORKED PROPERLY SINCE SHE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE CURRENTLY HAS 31,000 MILES. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO DEALER FOR REPAIRS, AND WAS TOLD THAT THE AIRBAG WAS DEFECTIVE , AND THAT ITWAS CAUSING THE HORN NOT TO WORK. THE HORN HAS BEEN REPLACED, BUT IT STILL DID NOT WORK. THE CONTACT STATED THE HORN WOULD JUST COME ON AND WOULD NOT STOP. THE CONTACT REMOVED THE CIRCUIT BREAKER A FEW WEEKS AGO, BUT NOW THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT WILL NOT TURN OFF. THE DEALER CHECKED THE COMPUTER SYSTEM AND FOUND NOTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT HAD A LEAK IN THE FIREWALL. THE CONTACT HAD THE LEAK REPAIRED FOUR TIMES. *AK

NHTSA ID 10177182 · filed Dec 28, 2006

AFTER EXITING HIGHWAY FROM A 20 MILE TRIP, THE IDLE ON THE VEHICLE BECAME ROUGH WHEN STOPPED. THE BEST DESCRIPTION WAS THAT THE IDLE STARTED TO SURGE AND PULSE WITH THE BRAKE ENGAGED AND THE VEHICLE FULLY STOPPED. JUST PRIOR TO PULLING INTO DRIVEWAY (LESS THAN A MILE FROM HIGHWAY) THE RADIO AND VENTILATION SYSTEM BEGAN TO CUT IN AND OUT. UPON PARKING THE VEHICLE, THE BATTERY WAS DEAD AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. ONE HOUR LATER, VEHICLE WAS STARTED, DASHBOARD BATTERY LIGHT WAS ON, IDLE BECAME ROUGH AND PULSED CLOSE TO A STALL. *JB

NHTSA ID 10135272 · filed Sep 3, 2005
All 42 reports naming electrical

Transmission

Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.

39
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I HAVE HAD NEAR ACCIDENTS RELATING TO CAR FUEL PUMP OR TRANSMISSION SHOPS COULDN'T FIND ANY PROBLEMS BUT THE DRIVABLITY OF MY 98 ESCORT ZX2 COST ME MORE MONEY IN PROBLEM SOLVING, 1,500 PLUS IN RECENT REPAIRS INCLUDING EMERGENCY AND REPEAT REPAIRS AND FAULTY REPAIRS. MY FUEL ECONOMY IS 160 MILES PER TANK TO ALMOST 200 MILES. NO ONE CAN SEEM TO FIND THE PROBLEM(S). LARGE THUNKING IN REAR TRUNK (SCARY)WHEN IM TAKING OFF AND REACHING A STEADY SPEED. TAKE THE CAR TO MAJOR FORD DEALERSHIPS, TO NO AVAIL. CAR DOESN'T ALWAYS "GO" FROM A COMPLETE STOP IN TRAFFIC,THIS HAS CAUSED QUITE A SCARE AS WELL. THANK YOU FOR HELPING AND MAKING NOTE OF MY ACCOUNT. DEBBIE

NHTSA ID 10157775 · filed May 18, 2006

THE FAILURE INVOLVES THE INTERLOCK THAT KEEPS YOU FROM SHIFTING OUT OF PARK WITHOUT APPLYING THE BRAKE. MY LEFT REAR TURN SIGNAL BULB HAD BURNED OUT. I STOPPED THE CAR, PUT IT IN PARK, AND SET THE EMERGENCY BRAKE, TO GET OUT AND CHECK THE OTHER TURN SIGNALS. FIRST I TURNED ON THE LEFT SIDE AND VERIFIED THAT THE LEFT REAR BULB WASN'T WORKING. THEN I ASKED THE PASSENGER IN THE CAR TO SWITCH ON THE RIGHT SIGNALS. SHE LEANED ON THE SHIFT LEVER TO TRY TO REACH THE TURN SIGNAL LEVER, AND WHEN SHE DID, THE CAR WENT INTO REVERSE. IT MOVED BACK SLOWLY SINCE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS ON, SO I JUMPED OUT OF THE WAY AND GOT IN AND STOPPED IT. UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATION, I FOUND THIS: THAT IF THE LEFT REAR TURN SIGNAL BULB IS BAD, THE SHIFT INTERLOCK IS RELEASED WHEN YOU TURN ON THE LEFT TURN SIGNAL, ALLOWING THE SHIFT LEVER TO BE MOVED OUT OF PARK WITHOUT STEPPING ON THE BRAKE FIRST. WHEN I PUT IN THE NEW BULB, THE BEHAVIOR DID NOT HAPPEN ANYMORE. I PUT THE BAD BULB BACK IN, AND IT STARTED DOING IT AGAIN. IF I HAD NOT SET THE PARKING BRAKE, I COULD HAVE BEEN RUN OVER. MY CONCERN IS THAT THIS DEFECT MAY EXIST IN SEVERAL MODEL YEARS ON THIS VEHICLE AND POSSIBLY OTHER FORD VEHICLES. THIS PROBLEM WAS ON A 1998 FORD ESCORT SEDAN WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. *NM

NHTSA ID 10135027 · filed Sep 1, 2005
All 39 reports naming transmission

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

35
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I WAS SOLD A 1998 FORD ESCORT ZX2 FOR 800 DOLLARS, FROM BUT BEHIND A LOCAL DEALERSHIP. THE DEALERSHIP DID THE NOTARY, AND THEY WERE THE ONES WHO SIGNED OFF ON THE CAR AND GAVE ME A HAND WRITTEN RECEIPT WITH SOMEONE ELSE'S NAME ON IT. THEY ALSO DID THE INSPECTION LATER ON AFTER WE REPLACED ONE OF THE BALL JOINTS. WE HAD THE CAR LOOKED AT BY ANOTHER OFFICIAL INSPECTION STATION AND THEY SAID THE CAR WAS A DEATH TRAP. WE CONTACTED A STATE TROOPER. HE DID AN INSPECTION, FAILED THE CAR, AND TOOK THE STICKER. THERE WAS A LONG LIST OF PROBLEMS. I TRIED TO GET A REFUND BEFORE I GOT THE COPS INVOLVED AND HE REFUSED. THIS WAS ALSO BEFORE THE 10 DAYS WERE UP FOR THE INSPECTION. I PAID FOR THE CAR ON THE 13TH OF FEB. 2008. *TR

NHTSA ID 10220292 · filed Mar 6, 2008

DT: 1998 FORD ESCORT. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO DEALER TO BE SERVICED, AND THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT NOTICED THE REAR COIL SPRINGS WERE BROKEN , APPROXIMATELY 1 TURNS FROM THE TOP. THE CONSUMER CONTACTED FORD, AND THEY TOLD HIM THE PART WAS NOT UNDER WARRANTY. THE COIL SPRINGS WERE REPLACED. THERE HAD BEEN NO NOTICEABLE PROBLEMS BEFORE THIS.*AK THE CAPLIPERS WERE REPLACED DUE THEM BEING FROZEN. THE CRANK PULLEY AND SERPENTINE BELT WERE REPLACE. *JB

NHTSA ID 10132258 · filed Sep 6, 2005
All 35 reports naming brakes

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

23
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I HAVE HAD NEAR ACCIDENTS RELATING TO CAR FUEL PUMP OR TRANSMISSION SHOPS COULDN'T FIND ANY PROBLEMS BUT THE DRIVABLITY OF MY 98 ESCORT ZX2 COST ME MORE MONEY IN PROBLEM SOLVING, 1,500 PLUS IN RECENT REPAIRS INCLUDING EMERGENCY AND REPEAT REPAIRS AND FAULTY REPAIRS. MY FUEL ECONOMY IS 160 MILES PER TANK TO ALMOST 200 MILES. NO ONE CAN SEEM TO FIND THE PROBLEM(S). LARGE THUNKING IN REAR TRUNK (SCARY)WHEN IM TAKING OFF AND REACHING A STEADY SPEED. TAKE THE CAR TO MAJOR FORD DEALERSHIPS, TO NO AVAIL. CAR DOESN'T ALWAYS "GO" FROM A COMPLETE STOP IN TRAFFIC,THIS HAS CAUSED QUITE A SCARE AS WELL. THANK YOU FOR HELPING AND MAKING NOTE OF MY ACCOUNT. DEBBIE

NHTSA ID 10157775 · filed May 18, 2006

1998 ESCORT NOT GETTING ENOUGH GAS INTO THE ENGINE. CHANGED FUEL FILTER, HAD FUEL INJECTORS LOOKED AT, GOT PREMIUM GAS, NO LUCK. THE CAR IDLES EXTREMELY ROUGHLY AND SHAKES UNCONTROLLABLY. IT FEELS LIKE IT WANTS TO STALL AND BUCKS WHEN IDLING AND EVEN WHILE DRIVING. THE IDLE IS BECOMING WORSE AND WORSE TO THE POINT WHERE I FEEL UNCOMFORTABLE DRIVING THE VEHICLE. THIS USED TO HAPPEN PERIODICALLY, NOW SHAKES AND BUCKS EVERYTIME I DRIVE THE CAR. I AM A POOR COLLEGE STUDENT AND CAN NOT AFFORD TO CONTINUE TAKING IT TO A MECHANIC. *JB

NHTSA ID 10060061 · filed Feb 29, 2004
All 23 reports naming fuel system

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

21
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

MY SON WAS DRIVING MY 1998 FORD ESCORT LX ON A 35 MPH ROAD WHEN THE DRIVER IN FRONT OF HIM SLAMMED ON HIS BRAKES. MY SON IMMEDIATELY TRIED TO STOP THE CAR, BUT HE REAR-ENDED THE OTHER CAR BEFORE HE COULD COME TO A COMPLETE STOP. DURING THE IMPACT, THE DRIVER'S SEAT BELT DID NOT LOCK IN PLACE AND THE DUAL AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY - ALLOWING MY SON'S UPPER BODY TO CONTINUE FORWARD UNTIL HIS FACE HIT THE STEERING WHEEL. THE LAP BELT FUNCTIONED PROPERLY, HOLDING MY SON'S LOWER BODY IN PLACE. *TR

NHTSA ID 10247134 · filed Oct 29, 2008

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD ESCORT. WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 35-40 MPH, REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE. AT THE TIME OF THE CRASH, THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. BOTH OCCUPANTS WERE WEARING SEAT BELTS, BUT THAT DID NOT PREVENT THEM FROM BEING THROWN TO THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE AND INJURED. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE HEAD AND FACE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS PARTIALLY DESTROYED AND THE FRONT BUMPER, BUMPER SUPPORT, RADIATOR AND SUPPORT, AIR CONDITIONER CONDENSER, AND POWER STEERING RESERVOIR WERE DAMAGED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 81,756.

NHTSA ID 10239844 · filed Aug 26, 2008
All 21 reports naming seat belts

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

17
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

THE SEALING LINES ON THE LOWER OUTSIDE OF THE WINDSHIELD ON THE VEHICLE IS BEING PULLED APART BY THE HUMIDITY AND HEAT. *TT *SCC

NHTSA ID 566399 · filed Jun 30, 2002

CONSUMER STATES THE AIR CONDITIONER IS LETTING IN FUMES FROM THE OUTSIDE WHILE DRIVING.*JB DEALER REPLACED THE RELAY MODULE. *TT

NHTSA ID 8010765 · filed May 30, 2002
All 17 reports naming visibility

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

17
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD ESCORT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING LOCKED UP WHILE DRIVING. SHE PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND ATTEMPTED TO RESTART THE VEHICLE, HOWEVER, IT FAILED TO RESTART IMMEDIATELY. SHE STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING FLUID WAS DARK COLORED AND LEAKING. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING NEEDED TO BE DRAINED AND MORE TESTS WERE NEEDED TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF FAILURE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 176,432. UPDATED 12/12/2007 *BF UPDATED 12/12/07. *JB

NHTSA ID 10201213 · filed Aug 30, 2007

DT: CONSUMER TOOK 1998 FORD ESCORT FOR A OIL CHANGE ON SEPTEMBER 30, 2005. THE MECHANIC FOUND BOTH REAR COILS SPRINGS BROKE. THE REAR STRUTS WERE DAMAGED, AND THE LEFT FRONT TIE ROD WAS BROKEN. THE MILEAGE ON MY VEHICLE AT TIME OF SERVICE WAS 71, 127 MILES. THE CONSUMER USED THE CAR FOR SHOPPING AND PLEASURE WITH NO HARD DRIVING AT HER AGE. SHE WAS SURPRISED TO HEAR THIS WAS COMMON FOR THE 1997 AND 1998 FORD ESCORTS. I HAD OTHER FORD ESCORTS PRIOR TO THIS ONE AND I HAD NO PROBLEM. THIS PROBLEM COST THE CONSUMER $732. HAD NOT CONTACTED DEALERSHIP OR MANUFACTURER. HAD NO ACCIDENTS. THE CONSUMER WAS NOT AWARE THAT THIS VEHICLE HAD ALL THESE PROBLEMS. THIS VEHICLE DRIVES MUCH BETTER AND IS QUIETER SINCE HAD THE PROBLEMS FIXED. *AK

NHTSA ID 10138999 · filed Oct 7, 2005
All 17 reports naming steering

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

14
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I AM CONCERNED REGARDING REAR BUMPER COVER. THIS VERY IMPORTANT PAFT ON TBIS VEHICLE IS MADE TOTALLY OF FIBERGLASS OR A SIMILAR PRODUCT WHICH BECOMES MORE CRACKED WITH TIME AND THE MAIN ISSUE IS THAT IT HAS NO HARD METAL BAR FOR PROTECTION IN THE EVENT OF A REAR IMPACT . THIS BUMPER WHICH I HAD REMOVED TO RPLACED WHAT WAS LEFT OF IT HAS SOMETHING THAT APPEARS TO BE A BAR ATTACHED OR PART OF IT YET IT IS NOT ANY TYPE OF METAL THAT WOULD IN ANY WAY HELP ENDURE THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE IN THE EVENT OF A REAR IMPACT. IN FACT I AM CONCERNED THAT IT CAN EASILY SERIOUSLY CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY TO REAR PASSENGERS IF NOT DEATH BECAUSE THERE IS NO PROTECTION WITH THIS BUMPER. BESIDES THIS AND MAKING IT MORE DANGEROUS , THE GAS TANK IS RIGHT NEXT TO THIS SAID BUMPER AND THIS MAKES IT MUCH MORE DANGEROUS . I DON'T KNOW IF THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THIS ITEM , I JUST WANT TO LET NHTSA KNOW THE SAFETY HAZARD THIS IS AND THE DANGER IT POSES TO THE REAR PASSENGERS AND REALLY ALL PEOPLE IN THIS VEHICLE IN THE EVENT OF A REAR IMPACT.

NHTSA ID 11172236 · filed Jan 26, 2019

I WAS SOLD A 1998 FORD ESCORT ZX2 FOR 800 DOLLARS, FROM BUT BEHIND A LOCAL DEALERSHIP. THE DEALERSHIP DID THE NOTARY, AND THEY WERE THE ONES WHO SIGNED OFF ON THE CAR AND GAVE ME A HAND WRITTEN RECEIPT WITH SOMEONE ELSE'S NAME ON IT. THEY ALSO DID THE INSPECTION LATER ON AFTER WE REPLACED ONE OF THE BALL JOINTS. WE HAD THE CAR LOOKED AT BY ANOTHER OFFICIAL INSPECTION STATION AND THEY SAID THE CAR WAS A DEATH TRAP. WE CONTACTED A STATE TROOPER. HE DID AN INSPECTION, FAILED THE CAR, AND TOOK THE STICKER. THERE WAS A LONG LIST OF PROBLEMS. I TRIED TO GET A REFUND BEFORE I GOT THE COPS INVOLVED AND HE REFUSED. THIS WAS ALSO BEFORE THE 10 DAYS WERE UP FOR THE INSPECTION. I PAID FOR THE CAR ON THE 13TH OF FEB. 2008. *TR

NHTSA ID 10220292 · filed Mar 6, 2008
All 14 reports naming body & structure

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

14
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD ESCORT. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE SITTING IDLE AT A TRAFFIC STOP WITH THE BRAKES DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE ABNORMALLY ACCELERATED TO 80 MPH. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO AVOID A CRASH BY WEAVING IN AND OUT OF TRAFFIC AND ATTEMPTED TO SHIFT INTO PARK BUT TO NO AVAIL. THE CONTACT THEN ENGAGED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE PASSENGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS VERY LITTLE BRAKE FLUID IN THE VEHICLE BUT ENOUGH THAT THE BRAKES SHOULD HAVE STOPPED THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED AT A LOCAL REPAIR FACILITY WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE THROTTLE BODY AND EXHAUST/ GAS RECIRCULATION FLAW WERE DEFECTIVE AND POSSIBLY THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. NEITHER THE MANUFACTURER NOR THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED TO REPORT THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED SHE DID NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 150,000. UPDATED 10/15/10 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN FIXED. UPDATED 10/21/10*JB

NHTSA ID 10345410 · filed Jul 26, 2010

DT: THE CONTACT STATES THE VEHICLE HAS A LOUD ROAR WHEN IDLING. THE VEHICLE ALSO ACCELERATES RAPIDLY ON ITS OWN. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT GARAGE. THE TECHNICIAN SUGGESTED A NEW SPEED CONTROL AND AN IDLE CONTROL MODULE. THIS WAS REPLACED TWICE BUT DID NOT CORRECT THE PROBLEM. A DIAGNOSTIC CHECK DID NOT DETECT ANY CODES. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM. THERE HAVE BEEN NO FURTHER REPAIRS AT THIS TIME. *JB UPDATED 12/27/2005 - THIS PROBLEM SEEMED WORSE IN COLD WEATHER. IN ORDER FOR THE VEHICLE TO IDLE DOWN THE CONSUMER HAD TO TURN THE VEHICLE OFF THEN TURN IT BACK ON. THE PROBLEM WOULD SOMETIMES RESURFACE A FEW MINUTES LATER, A FEW WEEKS LATER OR A FEW MONTHS LATER. *NM

NHTSA ID 10142692 · filed Nov 15, 2005
All 14 reports naming driver assistance

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

12
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

WHILE DRIVING AT 25 MPH A COMPUTER CHIP FELL FROM UNDER THE DASHBOARD. AND THEN THE FUEL GAS GAUGE SYSTEM INDICATOR STOPPED WORKING. *AK *SC *JB

NHTSA ID 10089438 · filed Sep 21, 2004

SMOKE FROM DASHBOARD AND CANNOT GET CAR OUT OF PARK.ARE THERE ANY RECALLS FOR THIS PROBLEMS?*AK

NHTSA ID 10081053 · filed Jul 14, 2004
All 12 reports naming interior & seats

Heating & air conditioning

Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.

8
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

WHILE DRIVING AT 45 MPH VEHICLE STALLED, AND SOON AFTER CONSUMER HEARD SOMETHING HIT THE GROUND. VEHICLE WAS GUIDED TO THE SHOULDER, AND CONSUMER FOUND THAT THE AIR CONDITIONER BRACKETS BROKE. THIS IN TURN, CAUSED THE AC COMPRESSOR TO FALL AND RIP A HOLE INTO THE OIL PAN.*AK *NM

NHTSA ID 10081871 · filed Aug 20, 2004

AIR CONDITIONER LEAKED INTO PASSENGER COMPARTMENT AND MADE LOUD NOISE. LEARNED THAT VEHICLE INGESTS LEAVES AND OTHER MATTER INTO THE AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM. FIX MADE AND CARPET LINER REPLACED, BUT PROBLEM RECURRED. DEALER CHEERFULLY AND COMPLETELY REPAIRED EACH TIME, BUT I WAS COUNSELLED TO NOT ALLOW LEAVES TO FALL ONTO VEHICLE AS THEY ARE INGESTED. APPARENT DESIGN DEFECT. *AK

NHTSA ID 724883 · filed Jul 3, 2000
All 8 reports naming heating & air conditioning

Tires & wheels

Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.

6
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD ESCORT. THE VEHICLE WAS EQUIPPED WITH KELLY SPRINGFIELD TIRE SIZE 185/65/14. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH AND HE HEARD A LOUD, ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR TIRES. THE CONTACT DETECTED THAT BOTH REAR TIRES HAD A DEFECT WITHIN THE INNER LINER AND THE CORDS WERE VISIBLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKING TO THE DEALER AND THE TIRES WERE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000. UPDATED 10/31/13*CN

NHTSA ID 10542299 · filed Sep 6, 2013

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD ESCORT. THE TIRE BRAND WAS BRIDGE STONE INSIGNIA SL, TIRE SIZE WAS P175/65R14. THE DOT WAS UNKNOWN. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 67 MPH, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT RIGHT PASSENGER TIRE BLEW OUT WITHOUT WARNING. THE TIRES WERE ON THE VEHICLE WHEN IT WAS PURCHASED. THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED. THERE WERE NO RECALLS OR WARRANTIES ON THE TIRES. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 150,000. UPDATED 02/08/11*LJ UPDATE 02/14/11

NHTSA ID 10371777 · filed Dec 20, 2010

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

WHEN THE KEYS WERE IN THE IGNITION , THE CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO THE MOVE GEAR SHIFT LEVER FROM THE PARK POSITION. *JB

NHTSA ID 10015584 · filed Apr 10, 2003

WHILE DRIVING 30-40 MPH DRIVESHAFT WAS FORCED INTO ENGINE AND CAUSED ENGINE TO STOP OPERATING. FEEL FREEE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK

NHTSA ID 8010075 · filed May 20, 2002

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

THE HEADLAMP COVERS ARE AWFUL AND DANGEROUS. THEY ARE SO CLOUDY THEY MAKE VISIBILITY ALMOST NIL IN MANY CIRCUMSTANCES (ESP FOGGY NIGHTS). I FEEL THE MATERIAL THEY ARE MADE OF IS SUB PAR, CAUSING THE PROBLEM AND THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL ON THEM. *TR

NHTSA ID 10214684 · filed Jan 14, 2008

WHEN HAZARD FLASHERS ARE ON CONSUMER CAN SHIFT GEARS WITHOUT APPLYING THE BRAKES. DEALER NOTIFIED. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.*AK

NHTSA ID 10021595 · filed May 27, 2003

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I READ THAT THAT NHTSA CONDUCTED A STUDY ON TIE ROD END FAILURE IN FORD CARS AT SOME POINT. I HAVE JUST HAD TWO SETS OF TIE ROD ENDS REPLACED ON MY FORD ESCORT (98 MODEL YEAR) WITHIN A SPAN OF A YEAR AND A HALF. IF YOU ARE STILL COLLECTING DATA FOR THIS ISSUE, I RESPECTFULLY SUBMIT MY CASE. *JB

NHTSA ID 10008182 · filed Feb 27, 2003

MISSING JACK IN THE CAR. YH

NHTSA ID 544142 · filed Mar 1, 1999

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .