1997 FORD Escort Problems & Complaints
Real owner complaints and problems reported to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). View common issues by component.
610
Complaints Reported
Complaints by Component
AIR BAGS
118 complaints
SAFETY HORN STICKS AND REMAINS IN ON POSITION CREATING A DRIVING SAFETY RISK. DEALER EXPLAINS THAT THE HORN SWITCH IS ASSOCIATED WITH THE AIR BAG. BASED ON ALL INTERNET COMPLAINTS AND AIR BAG PROBLEMS, MIGHT BE TIME TO FURTHER INVESTIGATE FORD'S COMMITMENT TO SAFETY AND AIRBAG PERFORMANCE. HTTP://WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/FORD/ESCORT/1997/ACCESSORIES-INTERIOR/COMMUNICATIONS-HORN_ASSEMBLY.SHTML
Sep 06, 2016
MY MOTHER AND I WERE DRIVING TO MY GRANDPARENTS HOUSE WHEN SHE HIT A BABY DEER GOING ABOUT 35 MPH. I WAS 12 YEARS OLD AT THE TIME AND SITTING IN THE FRONT SEAT. THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED HITTING ME IN RIGHT SIDE OF THE FACE. MY TEETH WENT INTO MY LIP, AND I HAD BURN MARKS FROM THE AIRBAG ON MY CHEEKBONES, AND CHIN, ALSO MY RIGHT EYE WAS SWOLLEN SHUT THE NEXT DAY. I WAS TAKEN TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM WHERE THE POLICE OFFICER INFORMED MY MOTHER THAT THE AIRBAGS SHOULD NOT HAVE DEPLOYED. HE SAID THE AIRBAGS WERE SO SENSITIVE THAT HE COULD HAVE KICKED THE BUMPER AND THEY WOULD HAVE WENT OFF. MY MOTHER ONLY RECEIVED A BROKEN FINGER FROM WHERE HER HANDS WERE RESTING ON THE STEERING WHEEL. *JS
May 17, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD ESCORT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND SMOKE EMITTED FROM UNDER THE DASHBOARD. THE CONTACT MANEUVERED TO THE SHOULDER AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S HOME. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE DASHBOARD WAS MELTING. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT APPEARED ON THE SCENE TO DISCONNECT THE BATTERY. THE CONTACT NOTICED THERE WAS A RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 02V323000 (AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE) AND PLANNED ON CONTACTING THE MANUFACTURER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 161,000.
Jul 25, 2012
TL-THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD ESCORT. AS A PASSENGER IN THE VEHICLE BEEN DRIVEN 5 MPH IN A DRIVEWAY BOTH FRONTAL AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. SHE STATED THE DRIVER WAS KNOCKED UNCONSCIONUS AND THE OTHER PASSENGER HAD A INJURY TO THE FACE. THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A TREE AND A BRANCH HIT THE WINDSHIELD. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN TAKEN TO A DEALER OR MECHANIC. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 81,152. VWB
Aug 20, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD ESCORT. THE CONTACT SMELLED A STRONG BURNING ODOR WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE PART WOULD BE ORDERED AND REPLACED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 02V323000 (AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE). THE CONTACT SMELLED THE ODOR AGAIN THE FOLLOWING DAY AND THE VEHICLE SHUT DOWN. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A CHRYSLER DEALER. CHRYSLER NOTIFIED FORD AND INFORMED THEM THAT THE AIR BAG MONITOR BURNED AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO SHUT OFF. FORD STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS NOT RELATED TO THE AIR BAG MONITOR. FORD ALSO ADVISED CHRYSLER TO HAVE THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THEM, BUT ANY ADDITIONAL DAMAGE WOULD NOT BE REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER FILED A REPORT AND STATED THAT IT WOULD BE SENT TO THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT AND A RESPONSE WOULD BE RECEIVED IN WRITING. THE POWERTRAIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 146,808.
Nov 15, 2007
+ 113 more complaints for this component
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
111 complaints
FLASHING AIR BAG READINESS LIGHT IN A "51" PATTERN.
Jan 24, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD ESCORT. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE POWER STEERING SEIZED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE WIRES AND FUSES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE UNKNOWN.
Jan 26, 2016
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN AN IDLE POSITION A SMELL OF SMOKE WAS OBSERVED COMING FROM UNDERNEATH THE DASHBOARD. UPON INSPECTION, THE ENGINE FUSE BOX WAS FOUND TO BE BURNT. BEFORE THE SMOKE ERUPTED, THE AIRBAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED FOR A FEW SECONDS AND THEN BLINKED ONCE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE SERVICE DEALER WHO DETERMINED THAT THE CONDENSATION FROM THE EVAPORATOR CASE MAY HAVE DRIPPED ONTO THE AIRBAG DIAGNOSTIC MONITOR OR WIRING HARNESS. THE DEALER REFUSED TO PERFORM A SECOND REMEDY REPAIR UNDER RECALL # 02S44. THE MANUFACURER WAS CONTACTED HOWEVER THEY CONFIRMED THE DEALER'S CONSENSUS.
Sep 25, 2006
DT: THE VEHICLE HAD AN ELECTRICAL SHORT AND BURNED UP ALL OF THE WIRING. *AK WHEN THE CONSUMERS WIFE STARTED THE VEHICLE SHE NOTICE SMOKE COMING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. *JB
Jul 22, 2005
WHILE PARKED ON DEALER 'S PROPERTY FOR REPAIRS THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE CAUSE WAS AN ELECTRICAL MALFUNCTION. CONSUMER STATED SHE ONLY OWNED THE VEHICLE FOR THREE WEEKS, AND DEALER CLAIMED NO RESPONSIBILITY. *AK
Mar 10, 2005
+ 106 more complaints for this component
SUSPENSION
55 complaints
NOISE THAT COULD NOT BE LOCATED IN REAR. REAR SPRINGS WERE BROKE . *TR
Aug 18, 2009
1997FORD ESCORT WAGON. HAVING HAD THIS CAR FOR EIGHT YEARS, WHERE I NEEDED TO REPLACE THE REARS SPRING ONCE, I AM NOW IN THE PROCESS OF SCHEDULING TO REPLACE THE REAR SPRINGS A SECOND TIME TO THE AMOUNT OF $700.00. AFTER SOME RESEARCH I HAVE FOUND FROM MECHANICS AND FROM THE INTERNET THAT THIS IS A 'COMMON PROBLEM" WITH FORD. SINCE THIS HAS HAPPEN A SECOND TIME, FOR ME I FEEL I SHOULD GET SOME FINANCIAL SUPPORT FROM FORD FOR THIS OBVIOUS DEFECT IN THE SUSPENSION. THIS SUSPENSION PROBLEM SHOULD BE A RECALL FROM FORD. *TR
Jul 11, 2008
1997 FORD ESCORT FAILED INSPECTION DUE TO A LEAK IN THE RIGHT REAR SPRING COILS.*MR *JB
Aug 02, 2005
WHILE GETTING AN OIL CHANGE, THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT BOTH REAR SPRINGS BROKE. THE DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED.*AK THIS IS THE CONSUMER'S THIRD FORD ESCORT WITH BROKE REAR SPRINGS (1991, 1993 AND 1997). *NM
Jul 22, 2005
VEHICLE BEING SERVICED AND TECHNICIAN NOTICED THAT BOTH REAR SPRINGS WERE BROKEN IN THE SAME LOCATION. NO INDICATION FROM DRIVE OF VEHICLE THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM BUT WAS TOLD BY TECHNICIAN THAT SPRING COULD COME INTO CONTACT WITH TIRE THUS CAUSING A BLOW-OUT.
May 30, 2005
+ 50 more complaints for this component
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
47 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD ESCORT. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE VIGOROUSLY AND STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE ENGINE WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED TWICE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.
Apr 30, 2012
ENGINE LIGHT CONTINUALLY COMES ON , EVEN AFTER NUMEROUS TIMES OF TAKING IT TO THE AUTO SHOP TO BE HOOKED TO THE COMPUTER TO SEE WHAT IS WRONG AND AFTER HAVING IT FIXED OVER AND OVER AGAIN. *TR
Jun 26, 2008
1997 FORD ESCORT FUEL EVAPORATIVE EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM. PURGE CONTROL VALVE CIRCUIT MALFUNCTIONED. *JB
Aug 04, 2007
INCIDENT LIKE MANY OTHERS I HAVE HAD MY 1997 FORD EXPEDITION XLT BLOW A SPARK PLUG OUT OF THE CYLINDER HEAD. THE VEHICLE WAS RUNNING FINE AND TROUBLE FREE WHEN A POP FROM UNDER THE HOOD AND A LOUD BANGING NOISE CAME FROM THE ENGINE HEAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE REPAIR SHOP ; WHO IN TURN CALLED THE LOCAL FORD DEALER. THE REPLY WAS THEY NEVER HEARD OF THIS PROBLEM BEFORE. MY LOCAL SERVICE TECH SAID THE REPAIR KIT ALONE WOULD COST $1,000,00. TO REPAIR IT HE SAID THAT FORD HAD ONLY USED 3 THREADS IN THE HEAD THAT FAILED, BUT ARE NOW REPLACING THEM WITH A 7 THREAD HEAD., THIS TELLS ME THAT THEY ARE VERY AWARE OF THE PROBLEM BUT ARE WILLING TO LEAVE THEIR CUSTOMERS OUT TO DRY.. I GUESS THE SCARY PART ABOUT THAT IS I STILL HAVE 4 MORE 3 THREAD SPARK PLUG HOLES TO WORRY ABOUT BLOWING OUT,.I ABSOLUTELY FEEL THIS SHOULD BE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF FORD MOTOR COMPANY WHO IS LOOKING FOR THE AMERICAN PUBLIC TO BUY IT'S TRUCKS. DAMAGE RESULTING IT WILL COST ME AS LITTLE AS $2,500.00 TO REPAIR THE CURRENT PROBLEM ( AND NO GUARANTY IT WON'T HAPPEN AGAIN). OR UP TO $5,500.00 TO REPLACE THE BUILT TOUGH 5.4 TRITON ENGINE. *TR
Jun 05, 2007
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THERE IS A CRACK LOCATED AT THE BOTTOM OF THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD. THE DEALERSHIP HAS NOT BEEN INFORMED.
Jul 26, 2006
+ 42 more complaints for this component
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
33 complaints
PROBLEMS WITH RUBBER HOSE, RUST AND CORROSION TO THE METALLIC BRAKE LINES.*MR *CB
Jul 28, 2003
WHEN THE BRAKE WAS APPLIED, THERE WAS A LOUD NOISE.*JB
Feb 27, 2003
WHILE APPYING BRAKES VEHICLE WILL NOT STOP. A BRAKING LIGHT APPEARED ON PANEL. DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF PROBLEM.*AK
Jul 30, 2002
FORD BRAKE ENGINEERS DESIGNED TO BRAKE EFFORT PROPORTIONING THE MASTER CYLINDER TO ALLOCATE 85-90% OF THE BRAKING TO THE FRONT WHEELS AND ONLY 10 TO 15%TO THE REAR WHEELS. THIS PROPORTION IS INCORRECT AND RESULTS IN THE INABILITY TO STOP THE CAR UNDER EMERGENCY BRAKING SITUATIONS. IT IS NOT POSSIBLY TO LOCKUP THE REAR WHEELS EVEN WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL TO THE FLOOR. WHEN THE FRONT WHEEL BREAK TRACTION ON SLIPERY SURFACES THE CAR LOOSES ITS ABILITY TO STOP IN A REASONABLE LENGTH. THIS MISS ALLOCATION OF BRAKING EFFORT RESULTED IN A NEAR REAR END ACCIDENT IN 1997 AND RESULTED RECENTLY IN TOTALLING THE VEHICLE THIS APRIL. THIS BRAKING SYSTEM SHOULD HAVE BEEN RECALLED YEARS AGO TO CORRECT THE EMBALANCE OF THE BRAKING ACTION. I TRIED TO BRING THIS DESIGN PROBLEM TO THE ATTENTION OF FORD MOTOR COMPANY IN 1995 BUT IT FELL ON DEAF EARS. THIS IS A REAL DANGEROUS SAFETY PROBLEM THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN ADDRESSED.*AK
May 18, 2002
WHILE DRIVING 20MPH THERE WAS A POPPING SOUND. DRIVER APPLIED BRAKES AND PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR, AND VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP. VEHICLE HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE. BRAKE SYSTEM HAS BEEN REPAIRED. *AK
Feb 22, 2002
+ 28 more complaints for this component
POWER TRAIN
25 complaints
MY MOM BOUGHT THE CAR, CERTIFIED USED, WITH ONLY 16,000 MILES ON IT. AS IT NEARED 37,000 MILES IT NEEDED A NEW TRANSMISSION. I HAD TO PAY FOR IT. AFTER THAT THE TRANSMISSION HAD TO BE REPLACED 2 MORE TIMES BEFORE IT REACHED 70,000 MILES.
Aug 20, 2005
CONSUMER STATED VEHICLE WILL NOT SHIFT GEARS PROPERLY. DEALER INDICATED TRANSMISSION MALFUNCTIONED. *AK
Nov 08, 2004
I WAS DRIVING MY 1997 FORD ESCORT AT 70MPH DOWN INTERSTATE 75 WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THE WHEELS LOCKED UP. HERE TO FIND OUT THE TRANSMISSION WAS WHAT LOCKED UP THE GEARS JUST LOCKED UP TIGHT CAUSING THE WHEELS TO LOCK. I AM 48 YEARS OLD AND HAVE A CDL DRIVERS LICENSE. I DRIVE A 40FT. BOOKMOBILE EVERYDAY FOR A LIVING. MY COMPLAINT IS FORD NEEDS TO LOOK INTO THIS BECAUSE A LESS EXPERIANCED DRIVER WOULD HAVE ROLLED THE CAR OR BEEN RUN OVER BY OTHER TRAFFIC. I HAD THE TRANSMISSION REPLACED WITH A USED ONE AT A COST OF 887.24. I CONTACTED FORD 2 TIMES AND THEY DO NOT CARE. JUST TOLD ME THERE WAS NO RECALL SO THE PROBLEM WAS ALL MINE.*AK
Jul 16, 2003
WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH, SUDDENLY THE RIGHT AXLE BROKE ,DAMAGING THE TRANSMISSION/ STEERING WHEEL, FORCING THE CONSUMER TO PULL OUT OF THE ROAD. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK
Jun 04, 2003
I HAVE A 1997 FORD ESCORT. AT APPROXIMATELY. 37,000 MILES THE TRANSMISSION REQUIRED SERVICE. TOOK CAR TO BOARD FORD IN WHITTIER, CA. TWO DAYS AFTER SERVICE THE TRANSMISSION FAILED. BOARD FORD ALLOWED AN ESP FOR POWER TRAIN AND REPLACED TRANSMISSION. AT TIME OF REPLACEMENT, BOARD FORD INDICATED THE NEW POWER TRAIN WAS WARRANTED FOR 75,000 MILES. AT APPROXIMATELY 45,000 MILES ON THE NEW POWER TRAIN, IT LITERALLY EXPLODED FROM THE INSIDE OUT (COMPLETELY CRACKED THE CORE). CALLED BOARD FORD AND FORD MOTOR AND WAS TOLD THAT BECAUSE THE CAR HAS 80,000 MILES ON IT, THE POWER TRAIN WASN'T WARRANTED EVEN THOUGH THE POWER TRAIN ONLY HAS 45,000.00 MILES ON IT.*JB
Apr 11, 2003
+ 20 more complaints for this component
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
21 complaints
UNINTENDED ACCELLERATION. WITHIN THE LAST 12 MONTHS, ON APPROXIMATELY 6 OCCASIONS, THE VEHICLE WOULD SUDDENLY ACCELERATE WHEN BRAKING TO A STOP. THE VEHICLE WOULD BE PLACED IMMEDIATELY INTO NEUTRAL AND THE IDLE SPEED WOULD RETURN TO NORMAL. THIS WAS NOT CAUSED BY FLOORMATS OR INADVERTANT PRESSING OF THE GAS PEDAL.*AK
Apr 19, 2005
INTERMITTENTLY SUDDEN ACCELERATION OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING OR BRAKING. THIS RESULTED IN A REAR END COLLISION. ALSO, WHILE THE MECHANIC WAS TEST DRIVING THE VEHICLE, SUDDEN ACCELERATION OCCURRED, WHICH RESULTED IN FRONT BUMPER DAMAGE. MECHANIC REPLACED SEVERAL COMPONENTS, BUT THE PROBLEM STILL OCCURRED. DEALERSHIP WAS CONTACTED AND PERFORMED A EEC TEST, IN WHICH ,THE DTC CODE WAS PU1143, BAD PURGE FUEL. INTAKE AIR HOSE WAS LOOSE. DEALERSHIP TIGHTENED THE CLAMP, AND A SENSOR WAS REPLACED. SUDDEN ACCELERATION OCCURRED 3 TIMES AFTER THE DEALERSHIP SERVICED THE VEHICLE. *AK
Apr 23, 2004
THE CRUISE CONTROL STOPPED WORKING/WORKED 5 TIMES DURING THE WEEKEND OF NOV 11, 2002. THE FIRST TIME IT CAUSED THE SPEEDOMETER TO BE ERRATIC AND THEN IT STARTED WORKING. FROM THE SECOND TIME ON, IT CAUSED THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TO COME ON AND STAY ON. THE SECOND TIME IT DIDN'T WORK BUT IT CAUSED THE SPEEDOMETER TO STICK ON 0 AND THE ODOMETER TO STOP WORKING. THE 3RD TIME IT ALSO DIDN'T WORK, BUT IT CAUSED THE SPEEDOMETER TO PEG OUT OVER 120 MPH AND THE ODOMETER STOPPED WORKING. I HAD DECIDED AT THAT POINT TO NOT TRY THE CRUISE CONTROL AGAIN. THE 4TH TIME THE CRUISE CONTROL SEEMED TO KICK IN BY ITSELF FOR A FEW SECONDS, IT CAUSED THE SPEEDOMETER TO BE ERRATIC, AND THEN THE CRUISE CONTROL STOPPED WORKING AGAIN. THE 5TH TIME WAS THE SCARRIEST. IT AGAIN TRY TO KICK IN BY ITSELF, AND THIS TIME IT DISABLED THE GAS PEDAL. DURING THIS ENTIRE TIME I WAS DRIVING THE POSTED SPEED LIMIT OF 65 MPH. I'VE STOPPED DRIVING THE CAR FOR RIGHT NOW. THE CRUISE CONTROL SEEMS TO BE TOO ERRATIC AND I DON'T WANT TO GET IN A ACCIDENT BECAUSE OF IT. DT
Nov 13, 2002
VEHICLE IN FOR ROUTINE SERVICE, AND MECHANIC NOTICED ACCELERATOR CABLE WAS CHAFED AND WORN, IT WAS REPLACED. CONTACTED FORD COMPANY, AND THEY SAID THAT THEY WOULD GET BACK WITH CONSUMER. NEVER CONTACTED HIM. CONSUMER CONCERNED WITH SAFETY OF OTHER DRIVERS. *AK THE ACCELERATOR CABLE WAS ABRADED AND WAS REPLACED. *YH
Nov 27, 2000
WHILE PULLING INTO PARKING LOT WITH FOOT ON THE BRAKE THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO A BUILDING, AGAIN WITH FOOT ON BRAKE THE CONSUMER PUT THE VEHICLE INTO REVERSE AND THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED BACKWARDS AND CRASHED INTO A SAND PILE AND BUILDING, THE SANDPILE PLUGGED THE TAILED PIPE CAUSING VEHICLE TO STALL, ACCIDENT RESULTED IN 1 INJURY. NLM
Oct 19, 2000
+ 16 more complaints for this component
VISIBILITY
19 complaints
DT: THE CONTACT STATED THE HEATER CORE RUPTURED, WHICH CAUSED WATER TO GET INTO THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, AND VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN INSPECTED TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. *AK UPODATED11/29/05. *JB
Nov 04, 2005
THIS IS PERTAINING TO A 1997 FORD ESCORT, VIN [XXX] 1. MY HEATER CORE DEVELOPED A LEAK 2. I HAD THE HEATER CORE REPAIRED AT THE DEALERSHIP--IN THE SERVICE TICKET THEY NOTED "AIR BAG LIGHT WILL BE ON. COOLANT DAMAGED AIR BAG MONITOR WILL NEED TO BE REPLACED" (PRIOR TO THIS, THE AIR BAG MONITOR APPEARED TO BE WORKING--I.E. THE DASH LIGHT SHOWED NORMAL OPERATION.) SINCE THEY HAD ALREADY PUT THE DASH BACK ON AND I WAS TOLD THAT IT WOULD COST ABOUT $800 TO TAKE IT BACK OFF AND REPLACE THE MONITOR, I WAITED UNTIL I HAD BOTH THE MONEY AND TIME. 3. I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE (02S44): THIS WAS TO HAVE A SHIELD PLACED OVER THE AIR BAG MONITOR TO PREVENT DAMAGE FROM WATER AND OTHER LIQUIDS. 4. I TOOK THE CAR IN FOR THE RECALL REPAIR AND INFORMED THEM OF THE FACT THAT THE DAMAGE HAD ALREADY OCCURRED BUT WAS TOLD THAT THE RECALL ONLY COVERED PUTTING IN A SHIELD AND NOT THE REPAIR OF THE DAMAGE. 5. I CALLED FORD MOTOR COMPANY ASKING THEM TO REPAIR THE DAMAGE THAT OCCURRED PRIOR TO THE RECALL AT NO COST TO ME BUT I WAS INFORMED THAT THEY WILL ONLY INSTALL A SHIELD TO PREVENT FUTURE DAMAGE. (THAT SEEMS TO ME LIKE CLOSING THE BARN DOOR AFTER THE ANIMALS HAVE LEFT). *NM UPDATED 07/19/2012 *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Jul 29, 2005
MANUFACTURER'S RECALL 02544 CONCERNING HEATER CORE FAILURE. HEATER CORE FLUID DRIPPED ON THE AIR BAG MODULE, CAUSING A SHORT. VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED ONCE, BUT THE PROBLEM RECURRED. *AK
Mar 03, 2004
SINCE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASE IN 1999 THE CONSUMER HAS REPLACED FOUR DEFECTIVE HEATER CORES. THE FIRST FAILURE IN 04/01 RESULTED IN DAMAGE TO THE AIRBAG MODULE DUE TO LEAKAGE FROM THE HEATER CORE. THE MOST RECENT FAILURE WAS IN 10/02. NLM
Apr 17, 2003
THE REAR WINDOW ON MY 1997 FORD ESCORT SHATTERED WHILE THE CAR WAS UNDER THE CARPORT. THE WINDOW EXPLODED FROM THE INSIDE. THE INCIDENT HAPPENED AT APPROXIMATELY 7:30 P.M. CDT. THERE WAS NO PRIOR STRUCTURAL DAMAGE TO THE WINDOW. THERE WAS NO VANDALISM INVOLVED, MONROE POLICE DEPT. WAS CALLED AND THEY FOUND NO EVIDENCE OF A CRIMINAL ACT. ON OBSERVING THE WINDOW, THE OFFICERS COMMENTED THAT THE WINDOW SHATTERED FROM THE INSIDE. THERE SEEMS TO HAVE BEEN A STRUCTURAL DEFECT IN THE WINDOW. *NLM
Apr 16, 2003
+ 14 more complaints for this component
STEERING
12 complaints
DRIVER SIDE TIE-ROD SEPERATION '97 FORD EXPEDITION WHILE DRIVING AT 50 MPH ON HIGHWAY. LOSE OF STEERING CONTROL. SERIOUS ACCIDENT AVOIDED ONLY BECAUSE OF EMERGENCY BRAKING.
Jul 27, 2005
WHILE DRIVING AT 10MPH ON FLAT SURFACE POWER STEERING WENT OUT, AND CONSUMER LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE. DEALER NOTIFIED.*AKTHERE WAS A LOUD GRINDING NOISE AND BURNING SMELL AND SMOKE FROM THE BELTS. *JG
Aug 06, 2002
WHILE PULLING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE VEHICLE LOST CONTROL DUE TO FAILURE OF TIE ROD END. DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED AT THIS TIME. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
Feb 12, 2002
FRONT LEFT TIE ROD WAS REPLACED BY DEALERSHIP BECAUSE COMPONENT WAS EXPERIENCING EXCESSIVE WEAR, AND WERE VERY NOISY WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN OPERATION. *AK LEFT OUTER TIE ROD END ASSEMBLY WAS REPLACED. *SLC
Jun 27, 2001
IGNITION LOCKS UP AND WILL NOT UNLOCK UNTIL THE STERRING WHEEL IS PULLED FROM LEFT TO RIGHT SEVERAL TIMES. THE STERRING WHEEL AND COLUMN IS LOCKED UP AND THE IGNITION WILL NOT WORK. *AK
Dec 07, 2000
+ 7 more complaints for this component
TIRES
10 complaints
FAILURE OF AMERICA DISCOUNT TIRE CO. TO HONOR TIRE WARRANTY. SIDE WALL OF TIRES HAVE PREMATURELY DEVELOPED CRACKS SURROUNDING THE BEAD AREA. BASED ON COMMENTS BY THAT COMPANIES REPRESENTATIVE, THE TIRES ARE LIKENED/COMPARED TO A TIME BOMB READY TO GO OFF. *TR
Jan 15, 2008
CONSUMER NOTICED CRACKS ON TOP OF FIRESTONE TIRES DUE TO DRY ROTTED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
May 29, 2003
WHILE HAVING A ROUTINE MAINTENANCE PERFORMED, CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THAT 2 OF THE 4 TIRES WERE COMING APART, ONE OF THE TIRES WAS REPLACED WITH THE SPARE TIRE, THE CONSUMER WAS SHOWN IN 3 PLACES ON THE INTERIOR OF THE SIDEWALL OF THE TIRE THE OUTER RUBBER LAYER HAD SEPARATED, OR WAS ABOUT TO SEPARATE FROM ANOTHER LAYER.(GOODYEAR CONQUEST GL P185/65R14)*JB
Feb 27, 2002
SIDEWALL SEPARATION AT TURN-UP. *AK (DOT NUMBER: MD7J A6WR TIRESIZE: P185/65R14)
Jan 04, 2002
GOODYEAR, CONQUEST TIRE DOT MDJ1AGWR246, 195/65R14 SIZE. TIRES HAD RIPPED FROM INSIDE ALONG SIDEWALL. TIRES WERE ORIGINALS ON A 1997, FORD, ESCORT. *AK *SLC
Sep 28, 2001
+ 5 more complaints for this component
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
10 complaints
DT: HEADLIGHTS ARE FOGGING UP DUE TO MOISTURE. CALLER IS CONCERNED THAT THEY WILL NOT PASS INSPECTION IF THEY GET ANY WORSE. DEALER SAID HEADLIGHTS NEED TO BE REPLACED, AND THAT WAS ALL THEY COULD DO. MANUFACTURER HAS NOT BEEN CALLED YET.*AK THE 2 HEADLIGHTS WERE REPLACED. CONSUMER THOUGHT WHEN THE RIGHT DIRECTIONAL MALFUNCTIONED , IT WAS DUE TO THE MOSITURE TOO. *TT
Aug 19, 2005
BOTH REAR BRAKE STOP LAMPS FAILED TO OPERATE WHEN STOPPING. VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN TO A REPAIR SHOP, AND MECHANIC REPLACED THE BRAKE SWITCH UNDER THE HOOD. WITHIN A FEW MONTHS THE PROBLEM RECURRED. CONSUMER WAS CONCERNED THAT THE VEHICLE MAY BECOME INVOLVED IN A REAR END CRASH DUE TO THIS PROBLEM. DEALER WAS NOTIFIED, WHO INFORMED CONSUMER THAT THE VEHICLE'S PROBLEM WAS NOT COVERED UNDER A RECALL.*AK
Mar 29, 2005
WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT CONSUMER NOTICED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS WERE DIM. THE PLASTIC LENS THAT COVERED THE HEADLIGHTS WAS FROSTED. THIS CAUSED POOR VISIBILITY. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK
Apr 19, 2004
WE HAVE A 1997 FORD ESCORT, AND THE PLASTIC LENS THAT COVERS THE HEADLIGHTS IS EXTREMELY FROSTED. THIS MEANS WHEN DRIVING AT NIGHT, THE AMOUNT OF LIGHT OUTPUT BY THE HEADLIGHTS IS REDUCED, LIMITING THE VISIBILITY OF THE ROAD IN FRONT OF THE VEHICLE WHICH COULD BE HAZARDOUS. WHEN THE BRIGHT LIGHTS ARE TURNED ON, THE ADDITIONAL LIGHT OUTPUT IS SMALL, ONCE AGAIN DUE TO THE FROSTED LENS ON BOTH HEADLIGHTS. I HAVE NOTICED THIS ON ANOTHER ESCORT, AND NO DOUBT IT EXISTS ON OTHERS. A LOCAL AUTO REPAIR SHOP SAYS IT IS A DEFECT. THE PLASTIC LENS SHOULD REMAIN CLEAR. I BELIEVE FORD SHOULD REPLACE THEM. THEY SHOULD REMAIN FREE OF ANY HAZE FOR THE LIFE OF THE VEHICLE. I CHECKED AND TO REPLACE BOTH, IT WOULD COST I BELIEVE SOMETHING LIKE $250 OR $300 DOLLARS! *AK
Dec 09, 2003
HEADLIGHT LENS DULL, CLOUDY. HEADLIGHTS ARE NOT AS BRIGHT AS THEY SHOULD BE. *LA
Oct 13, 2003
+ 5 more complaints for this component
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
8 complaints
1997 FORD ESCORT RUBBER FILL PIPE DETERIORATES SPILLING GASOLINE ON GROUND WHEN REFILLING FUEL TANK. *TR
Feb 24, 2009
DT: THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD ESCORT. WHILE HE DRIVING AND WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS IDLING THERE WERE FUEL FUMES INSIDE THE VEHICLE. WHEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE IT TOOK APPROXIMATELY 5 MINUTES FOR THE FUMES TO ENTER THE VEHICLE. WHILE IDLING THE FUEL FUMES WERE WORSE UPON ENTERING THE VEHICLE. THE FUMES BECOME SO BAD AT TIMES THAT THE CONTACT HAD TO PULL OVER AND LET THE VEHICLE AIR OUT. THE SERVICE DEALER STATED THAT IT WAS THE PERCH VALVE INSIDE THE GAS TANK THAT RELEASED THE FUMES. THE FUEL PUMP WILL HAVE TO BE REPLACED TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM. THE CONTACT HAS NOT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER. *AK
Oct 17, 2005
THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING, THE DEALER REPLACED THE FUEL PUMP.*JB
Mar 10, 2003
MY CONCERN IS THAT FORD MAY HAVE DEFAULTED FUEL TANKS FOR THIS CAR MODEL. I DID NOT RUN OVER ANYTHING, OR DO ANYTHING TO CAUSE MY FUEL TANK TO LEAK GAS. THE LEAK IS RIGHT ON THE SEAM IN THE MIDDLE OF THE TANK, WHERE THE MANUFACTURER HAD PUT IT TOGETHER. I FILL UP MY TANK ONE DAY AND NOTICE GAS POURING OUT FROM UNDERNEATH. I HAVE NO IDEA HOW LONG IT WAS LEAKING BEFORE I NOTICED IT, THEREFORE I WAS DRIVING AROUND A TIMEBOMB JUST WAITING TO BLOW UP. BY THE SIMPLE ACT OF SOMEONE FLICKING A CIGARETTE OUT OF THEIR WINDOW, OR IF SOMEONE RAN INTO ME. MY CAR COULD BLOW UP AT ANY TIME. THAT IS WHY I AM WRITING THIS COMPLAINT TO PREVENT SUCH DEATH FROM HAPPENING. THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR YOUR TIME.*AK
Apr 23, 2001
FUEL TANK HAS DEVELOPED CRACKS, RESULTING IN FUEL LEAKAGE. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK
Feb 12, 2001
+ 3 more complaints for this component
AIR BAGS,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
8 complaints
WHILE PARKED HORN WENT OFF ON ITS OWN. OWNER HAD TAKEN FUSE OUT TO STOP HORN FROM BLOWING. SPOKE TO DEALER & INFORMED SMALL PLASTIC PIECE HAD WORN AWAY BETWEEN HORN & AIR BAG MODULE. IT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. SEEMS TO BE A VERY COMMON PROBLEM AND WAS OBVIOUSLY A HAZARD (COULD POSSIBLY PREMATURELY ACTIVATE OR FAIL TO ACTIVATE THE AIRBAG). NO SOLUTION FOR THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN ADDRESS BY THE MANUFATURE TO MY KNOWLEDGE! OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE IS NOT A FACTOR AT ALL, OCCURS ON HOT, COLD OR RAINY DAYS. *AK
Jul 09, 2007
FORD JUST RECENTLY INFORMED ME THAT THE DEFECTIVE HORN REPORTED JUST A FEW WEEKS OUT OF WARRANTY. ALSO INVOLVES THE AIRBAG. ROBIN MARSHALL OF FORD HEADQUARTERS CUSTOMER RELATIONS INFORMED OF THIS SAFETY RISK A COUPLE OF WEEKS AGO: (313)845-5831. FORD NEVER INFORMED US OF THE ADDITIONAL AIRBAG SAFETY RISK UNTIL THIS TIME. I REPORTED THE HORN MALFUNCTION (AS IT WAS SETTING IN THE GARAGE THE HORN SUDDENLY SOUNDED AT AROUND 2 A.M.). FORD REFUSES TO FIX THE PROBLEM WITHOUT THE PAYMENT OF AT LEAST $300 AND ONLY RECENTLY AGREED TO EVEN INSPECT THE VEHICLE AT THEIR EXPENSE. AS A RESULT OF THIS INSPECTION (APPARENTLY) WE WERE TOLD OF THE AIRBAG DEFECT WHICH, REMEMBER, HAS EXISTED FOR YEARS NOW.*AK
Sep 11, 2002
WHILE TRAVELING ON HIGHWAY AND WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING APPLIED HORN AND THERE WAS NO NOISE. ALSO, DUAL AIRBAGS WILLNOT DEPLOY. DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF PROBLEM.
Sep 06, 2002
HORN DOES NOT BLOW. WAS TOLD BY A MECHANIC THAT PROBLEM WAS A DEFECTIVE AIR BAG.*AK
Jun 17, 2002
HORN STUCK, DOES NOT TURN OFF. TO REPLACE, DEALER MUST REPLACE AIRBAG ALSO. SAYS AIRBAG MAY MALFUNCTION BECAUSE HORN MALFUNCTIONED. ABOUT 7 SIMILAR PROBLEMS ARE LISTED ON THIS WEB SITE. THIS IS A SAFETY FEATURE AND A MALFUNCTION IN THE HORN SHOULDN'T CAUSE PROBLEMS IN THE AIRBAG. PLUS, IT'S NOT A WEAR AND TEAR ITEM THAT'S WRONG WITH THE CAR. HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE HORN WHILE THE CAR WAS UNDER WARRANTY AND THE DEALER DID NOT CATCH THIS PROBLEM WITH THE HORN/AIRBAG. ISN'T THIS A SAFETY ISSUE THAT COULD PUT PASSENGERS AT RISK. WHO WOULD GUESS THAT A PROBLEM WITH THE HORN MAY LEAD TO A DEPLOYMENT PROBLEM WITH THE AIRBAG?*AK
Sep 04, 2001
+ 3 more complaints for this component
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
8 complaints
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
Jul 25, 2000
NO SUMMARY
Oct 11, 1999
ENGINE CHECK LIGHT ILLUMINATED, INDICATING A MALFUNCTION WITHIN THE SYSTEM. CAUSE UNKNOWN. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK
Sep 29, 1999
NO SUMMARY
Aug 14, 1999
MECHANIC WAS TOLD BY PRTS SUPPLIERS THIS PART IN '97 ESCORTS "ARE DROPPING LIKE FLIES"-TO ME THAT IS BAD DESIGN AND POSSIBLY A HAZARD TO DRIVERS WHEN THIS PART FAILS.I WAS LUCKY AND GOING VERY SLOW SPEED WHEN MINE BROKE LOOSE.
Aug 08, 1999
+ 3 more complaints for this component
STRUCTURE
7 complaints
1997 FORD ESCORT LX WAGON COMPONENT: STRUCTURE:HATCHBACK HYDRAULIC CYLINDER:TRUNK CYLINDER MANUFACTURER: FORD MOTOR COMPANY THE CLIPS THAT HOLD THE HYDRAULIC CYLINDER TO THE FRAME HAVE COME OFF THE PASSENGER SIDE LIFTGATE ASSIST. HOW THIS WAS DETERMINED WAS I OPENED THE HATCHBACK AND LEANED IN AND THE HYDRAULIC ARM CAME OFF AND THE HATCHBACK FELL ON ME. BOTH SCARY AND PAINFUL I CONTACTED FORD ATTEMPTING TO OBTAIN REPLACEMENT CLIPS, BUT THEY ARE REQUIRING ME TO PURCHASE AN ENTIRE ASSEMBLY. I AM DISAPPOINTED WITH THEIR RESPONSE, BECAUSE 1) THIS MIGHT POTENTIALLY CAUSE INJURY TO OTHER OWNERS OF THE FORD ESCORT LX WAGON, 2) IT ONLY NEEDS THE CLIPS I DON'T WANT TO HAVE TO PURCHASE UNNECESSARY COMPONENTS FOR MONETARY AND ENVIRONMENTAL REASONS, 3) THIS IS PART OF THE FRAME AND SHOULD NEVER BECOME A HAZARD TO PEOPLE. GAS CYLINDER BRACKET ON THE RIGHT HAND BODYSIDE OUTER PANEL WAS INCORRECTLY WELDED. THE GAS CYLINDER BRACKET MAY NOT PROPERLY SUPPORT THE LIFTGATE INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY. *TR
Feb 05, 2010
PAINT ON REAR BUMPER IS DEFECTIVE. AT FIRST IT SEEMED TO BE FADING IN ONE SPOT BUT SOON THE COATING CRACKED AND THE SPOT IS GETTING LARGER.
Jul 07, 2004
THE HOOD FLEW OFF, WHICH CAUSED CONSUMER TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE.*JB
Mar 03, 2003
I FIXED THIS ONCE WITH GLUE AND REPLACED. THE ACTUATOR BROKE THE DOOR AGAIN. THIS CAN BE A SERIOUS SAFETY PROBLEM CONSIDERING IF WILL MAKE WINDOW DEFROSTER NON FUNCTIONAL. *AK
Dec 10, 2001
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOV EVEHICLE. *AK
Jul 27, 2000
+ 2 more complaints for this component
VISIBILITY,AIR BAGS
7 complaints
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE VEHICLE, NHTSA # 02V323000, CONCERNING THE AIR BAG SENSOR. HOWEVER, THE RECALL REMEDY DID NOT CORRECT THE PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AT AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP. THE TECHNICIAN NOTICED THE WINDOWS FOGGING UP AND OPENED THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR. WHILE INSIDE LOOKING AT THE GAUGES THE AIR BAG DEPLOYED. THIS PINNED THE TECHNICIAN BETWEEN THE SEAT AND STEERING WHEEL. THE DEPLOYMENT CRACKED THE WINDSHIELD. UPON INSPECTION, THE TECHNICIAN DETERMINED IT IS THE SAME PROBLEM INDICATED IN THE RECALL. THERE WAS WATER ACCUMULATED IN THE INTEGRATED AIR BAG MONITOR. *NM UPDATED 3/1/2006 - THE CONSUMER STILL HAS THE DEFECTIVE PARTS IN HER POSSESSION. *NM
Jan 13, 2006
WHILE DRIVING AND STOPPING AT A STOP SIGN AIR BAG DEPLOYED. VEHICLE STARTED TO SMOKE, AND THE HEATER COIL WENT OUT. THERE WAS ANTI FREEZE ALL OVER THE FLOOR OF THE VEHICLE, AND THE AIR BAG BUSTED THE FRONT WINDSHIELD. FORD WILL NOT DO ANYTHING TO HELP THE CONSUMER.*AK
Nov 04, 2004
CONSUMER HAD RECALL 02V323000 REMEDIED IN 03/03. THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AGAIN AND THE CONSUMER WAS VERY CONCERNED FOR HER SAFETY. *AK THE AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON WHILE DRIVING. THE AIR BAG LIGHT STAYED ON FOR TWO DAYS. THE DEALER STATED THEY WERE UNABLE TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT UNLESS IT HAD COME BACK ON. *SCC THE POWER WINDOW FAILED TO ROLL DOWN.*JB
Aug 22, 2003
DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED WHILE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, CAUSING WINDSHIELD TO BLOWOUT.*AK
Aug 05, 2002
HEATER CORE LEAKED ONTO AIR BAG SENSOR AND MODULE CAUSING AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT TO COME ON. HAD TO REPLACE HEATER CORE,AIR BAG SENSOR AND MODULE.*AK
Aug 03, 2002
+ 2 more complaints for this component
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY
7 complaints
HEATER CORE LEAKED ONTO THE AIRBAG MONITOR WHICH CAUGHT ON FIRE AND SHORT CIRCUITED THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. *AK
Aug 14, 2003
HEATER CORE IS LEAKING CAUSING FLUID TO GET INTO AIR BAG SENSOR AND AS A RESULT THE AIR BAG LIGHT FLASHES OFF/ON, THE ENGINE STALLS WHILE DRIVING DEALER REPLACED THE COMPUTER, SOME ELECTRICAL WIRE WERE REPLACED BECAUSE THE CAR BEGAN TO SMOKE.*AK *NLM
Sep 17, 2002
CONSUMER HAD LEFT VEHICLE AT REPAIR SHOP FOR THE TRANSMISSION TO BE CHECKED AND TO FIND OUT WHY A LIGHT IN THE DASH HAD ILLUMINATED, CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THAT THE HEATER CORE HAD A HOLE IN IT, WHEN DEMANDING HER VEHICLE BACK, SHE DISCOVERED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD CAUGHT ON FIRE UNDER THE DASH AND THAT THE WINDSHIELD WAS BURNED, NOBODY CONTACTED HER TO LET HER KNOW ABOUT THE FIRE, CLAIM 24-5124-338. *SLC
Jan 17, 2002
CONSUMER HAD LEFT VEHICLE AT REPAIR SHOP FOR THE TRANSMISSION TO BE CHECKED AND TO FIND OUT WHY A LIGHT IN THE DASH HAD ILLUMINATED, CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THAT THE HEATER CORE HAD A HOLE IN IT, WHEN DEMANDING HER VEHICLE BACK, SHE DISCOVERED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD CAUGHT ON FIRE UNDER THE DASH AND THAT THE WINDSHIELD WAS BURNED, NOBODY CONTACTED HER TO LET HER KNOW ABOUT THE FIRE, CLAIM 24-5124-338. *SLC
Jan 17, 2002
CONSUMER HAD LEFT VEHICLE AT REPAIR SHOP FOR THE TRANSMISSION TO BE CHECKED AND TO FIND OUT WHY A LIGHT IN THE DASH HAD ILLUMINATED, CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THAT THE HEATER CORE HAD A HOLE IN IT, WHEN DEMANDING HER VEHICLE BACK, SHE DISCOVERED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD CAUGHT ON FIRE UNDER THE DASH AND THAT THE WINDSHIELD WAS BURNED, NOBODY CONTACTED HER TO LET HER KNOW ABOUT THE FIRE, CLAIM 24-5124-338. *SLC
Jan 17, 2002
+ 2 more complaints for this component
SEATS
7 complaints
THE DRIVER'S SEAT REMAINS IN THE DOWN POSITION ONLY. *JB
Apr 25, 2003
MY SEATBACK BROKE DURING A CRASH W/SIDE IMPACT. *AK
Jun 03, 2000
DURING A REAR IMPACT COLLISION THE DRIVER'S SEATBACK TWISTED AND THE PASSANGER SEAT BACK BROKE STRAIGHT BACK
Jun 09, 1999
DRIVER'S SEAT THAT IS MOUNTED TO THE SEAT TRACK BROKE, CAUSING THE SEAT TO "ROCK" WHICH MAY CAUSE LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL. THE METAL AROUND THE MOUNTING NUT FATIGUED AND BROKE OUT. *AK
Nov 24, 1998
DURING REAR IMPACT, THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEATBACK BROKE, CAUSING SEAT TO COLLAPSE BACKWARDS. PLEASE PROVIDE DETAILS. *AK
Aug 10, 1998
+ 2 more complaints for this component
SEAT BELTS
7 complaints
THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT LOCKED AROUND CHILD'S NECK AND ALMOST CAUSED A FATAL INJURY. THE RETRACTOR WOULD NOT RELEASE. *NLM THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT LOCKED AROUND CHILD'S NECK AND ALMOST CAUSED A FATAL INJURY. THE RETRACTOR WOULD NOT RELEASE. *MR
Apr 07, 2003
THE BACK SEAT BELTS WHICH HAVE NEVER BEEN USED TO JUST RECENT TO NOT RETRACT. YOU PUT THEM ON AND CAN NOT MOVE. FORD WILL NOT COVER THIS EXPENSE SINCE IT IS OUT OF THE WARRANTY PERIOD. I BOUGHT THE CAR OUT OF THE WARRANTY PERIOD. THIS SHOULD BE COVERED SINCE IT IS A MATTER OF LIFE AND DEATH. THE SEAT BELTS ARE ON SO TIGHT YOU CAN'T BREATHE. THESE WERE PROBABLY DEFECTIVE FROM THE BEGINNING. WE USUALLY DON'T HAVE ANYONE IN THE BACK OF THE CAR AND JUST DISCOVERED IT. I WOULD LIKE IT FIXED SINCE IF SOMEONE IS BACK THERE THEY WILL NOT WHERE THE SEAT BELT SINCE YOU CAN NOT BREATHE. THEY WANT OVER $400.00 TO CHANGE THE RETRACTOR. I BELIEVE IT WAS DEFECTIVE SINCE IT IS ON BOTH SIDES AND IF NO ONE IS BACK THERE HOW WOULD WE KNOW IT WAS DEFECTIVE. SINCE THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE I FEEL THEY SHOULD BE LIABLE. I CAN NOT UNDERSTAND HOW THIS IS NOT COVERED. DT
Oct 24, 2002
REAR SEAT BELT ON PASSENGER'S SIDE, FAILS TO LATCH PROPERLY. LATCH FAILS TO ENTER THE BUCKLE BECAUSE INSIDE LOCKING MECHANISM WAS BROKEN. TAKING VEHICLE TO DEALER TO HAVE MECHANIC CHECK IT. *AK
Dec 22, 1999
AUTOMATIC SEAT BELTS ON REAR LEFT/ RIGHT IS NOT OPERATING PROPERLY. *AK
Jul 27, 1999
WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 50 MPH CONSUMER'S SON PULLED OUT THE SHOULDER BELT. BUT WHEN SEAT BELT RETRACTED, THEY COULDN'T TAKE IT OFF HIS NECK AND THEY HAD TO CUT THE BELT. DEALER WAS CONTACTED. *AK
Aug 19, 1998
+ 2 more complaints for this component
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS
6 complaints
AIR BAG CONTROL DIAGNOSTIC MODULE SHORTED OUT DUE TO RUPTURED HEATER CORE. WHEN I SPOKE WITH THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP THEY TOLD ME TO CONTACT A LOCAL JUNK YARD. THERE IS A RECALL ON THIS ITEM. I NEVER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE. *TR
Dec 22, 2010
WHILE DRIVING AT 60 MPH BOTH FRONTAL AIR BAGS DEPLOYED INADVERTENTLY. CONSUMER DROVE VEHICLE TO DEALER. WHILE TALKING TO A MANUFACTURER'S REPRESENTATIVE VIA PHONE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE LESS THEN 15 MINUTES WHILE PARKED. THE FIRE APPEARED TO HAVE STARTED UNDER THE HOOD ON THE PASSENGER'S SIDE. THE LOCAL FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE WAS DETERMINED TO BE ELECTRICAL.*AK
Mar 09, 2005
CONSUMER STATED WHEN VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED 3 MONTHS AGO AIR BAG LIGHT WAS ON AND LATER WENT OFF. ON DECEMBER 22, 2003, THE AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON UPON STARTING , AND THEN AIR BAGS DEPLOYED, AND SMOKE BEGAN TO COME OUT OF THE DASH. VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE AND WAS TOTALED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT STATED FIRE WAS DUE TO A SHORT IN A WIRE. *AK
Dec 29, 2003
VEHICLE'S AIR BAGS DEPLOYED AND DASHBOARD CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE PARKED IN A LOCAL GARAGE.*MR THE AIR BAG LIGHT WAS COMING ON AND OFF THE REMAINED ON. CONSUMER ALLOWED THE VEHICLE TO COOL AFTER SMELLING SMOKE. A TROOPER RECOMMENDED HAVING THE VEHICLE TOWED. THE VEHICLE WAS AT A LOCAL GARAGE LOCKED UP WHEN THE FIRE OCCURRED. THE WINDSHIELD SHATTERED DUE TO THE HOT TEMPERATURE. THE FIRE DEPT. FOUND THE VEHICLE WAS UNDER RECALL FOR DEFECTIVE AIR BAGS. *PH
Dec 02, 2003
CONSUMER NOTICED THAT AIRBAG LIGHT WAS FLASHING ON THE DASH PANEL WEDNESDAY NIGHT. THEN, NEXT DAY THE LIGHT WAS STILL FLASHING, AND VEHICLE STARTED SMOKING. SHE HAD VEHICLE PARKED, THEN SHE GOT INSIDE OF VEHICLE. TURNED VEHICLE ON, AND IT STARTED SMOKING. HAD MOVED THE PANEL, AND NOTICED THAT FIRE WAS COMMING FROM THERE. ANOTHER VEHICLE HAD A FRE EXTINGUISHER, AND PUT FIRE OUT. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALERSHIP. MECHANIC TOLD HER THAT IT WOULD TAKE $1300 75 TO FIX VEHICLE. *AK
Aug 08, 2000
+ 1 more complaint for this component
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
5 complaints
DT: WHEN IT RAINS CAR GETS MOLDY, AND A FUNGUS SMELL. IT ACTUALLY CAUSES BREATHING PROBLEMS. ALSO, MY HORN IS GOING OFF AUTOMATICALLY, AND IT DOESN'T STOP UNTIL CONSUMER HITS THE STEERING WHEEL. HORN WAS REPLACED, BUT IT IS STILL AUTOMATICALLY GOES OFF. THE HORN EVENTUALLY STOPPED WORKING . THE REASON SHE HAD TO HAVE IT REPLACED THE FIRST TIME WAS BECAUSE THE HORN BLEW SO MUCH IT WENT COMPLETELY OUT.*AK
Jun 01, 2005
UPON TURNING THE VEHICLE ON IT STALLED . TRIED STARTING IT AGAIN AND IT BLEW UP, BURNING COMPLETELY TO THE BACK SEAT OF THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO WARNINGS OR INDICATIONS. *AK
Aug 27, 2004
WHILE DRIVING ENGINE CHECK LIGHT ILLUMINATED, CAUSING VEHICLE TO STALL. CONSUMER SHUT ENGINE OFF, RESULTING IN VEHICLE NOT RESTARTING. CONSUMER TRIED TO INVESTIGATE, AND FOUND THE ANTIFREEZE FLUID OVERFLOWING, AND CAUSING ELECTRICAL WIRES TO MELT. *AK
Jan 29, 2002
PULLED INTO A PARKING LOT AND WHILE WAITING FOR A SPACE HEARD LOUD BANGING NOISE. DEALER REPLACED CRANKSHAFT PULLY SYSTEM. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM SHORT CIRCUITED BEHIND FUSE BOX AND MELTED WIRING. ADDITIONAL DAMAGE STILL UNKNOWN. CAUSED DASHLIGHTING, TAIL LIGHTS, & REVERSE LIGHTS TO FAIL. *AK
Dec 28, 1999
WHEN DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY VARIOUS SPEEDS ENGINE WILL STALL OUT ,LOSES POWER. PUT IN NEUTRAL AND GIVE IT GAS SO IT CAN REACT CORRECTLY. DEALER HAS HAD VEHICLE FIVE TIMES. REPLACED SPARK PLUGS AND WIRES, IGNITION COIL. DEFECT IS STII REOCURRING. *AK
Dec 04, 1997
STEERING,SUSPENSION
5 complaints
I BOUGHT A 1997 FORD ESCORT WAGON NEW AND LOVE IT AND HAS ONLY 30000 MILES ON IT. RECENTLY I HAD A PROBLEM WITH STEERING THE VEHICLE SO I HAD IT CHECKED OUT AT AN AUTO REPAIR SHOP. THE MECHANIC TOLD ME I NEEDED NEW TIE ROD ENDS AND BOTH REAR COIL SPRINGS WERE BROKEN. AS I DO NOT DRIVE THIS VEHICLE HARD AND DO NOT HAUL ANYTHING EXCEPT MY PUPPY AND GROCERIES, I HAD A HARD TIME BELIEVING THIS. SO I TOOK IT TO ANOTHER GARAGE AND ANOTHER MECHANIC TOLD ME THE SAME THING AND SHOWED IT TO ME. I AM NO LONGER DRIVING THIS VEHICLE AS IT IS UNSAFE AND THIS VEHICLE SHOULD BE PLACED ON A RECALL LIST AND FIXED BY FORD FREE OF CHARGE. NEITHER ME OR MY HUSBAND HAVE EVER HAD THIS HAPPEN AND WE FEEL THAT DEFINITELY THIS HAS TO BE A FACTORY DEFECT. PLEASE ADVISE ME AS SOON AS POSSIBLE WHAT TO DO ABOUT THIS DEFECTIVE VEHICLE SO THAT I CAN KNOW WHICH DIRECTION TO PURSUE THIS MATTER, A.E., NEWSPAPERS, TV STATIONS, ETC. THANKS FOR YOUR HELP. *JB
May 21, 2003
REAR COIL SPRINGS ARE CRACKED - BOTH SIDES. VEHICLE ONLY 5 YEARS OLD. USED IN PRIMARILY IN CITY, RUNNING ERRANDS - FOR RETIRED COUPLE. ALSO: LEFT OUTER TIE ROD END IS WORN OUT AND HAS TO BE REPLACED. THIS CAUSES A VIBRATION AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS AND ALSO RATTLES WHEN GOING OVER SMALL BUMPS (<1") AT LOW SPEEDS (<10 MPH). *JB
May 17, 2003
WHILE GETTING AN OIL CHANGE TECHNICIAN INFORMED CONSUMER THAT BOTH REAR SPRINGS WERE BROKEN. DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED AT THIS TIME. *AK THE REAR SPRING AND TOP MOUNT FAILED AND WAS REPLACED. THE REAR COIL SPRINGS FAILED AND WAS REPLACED. BOTH TIE RODS FAILED AND WAS REPLACED. *YH
Jun 04, 2002
WENT IN FOR REPAIR TO BAD SPOT ON TIRE. MECHANIC FOUND THAT ALL 4 GAS STRUTS AND BOTH SETS OF COIL SPRINGS WERE BROKEN, AND HAD TO BE REPLACED, ALONG WITH A TIE ROD, AND ALL 4 TIRES. I HAD NOT STRUCK ANYTHING AT ALL TO CAUSE THIS, AND ALL OF THESE DEFECTIVE PARTS WOULD CAUSE A MAJOR ACCIDENT IF THEY FAILED AT HIGHWAY SPEED. $ 1136.48 IN REPAIRS AFTER ONLY 30K MILES IS COMPLETELY UNCONSCIONABLE!!
Feb 13, 2002
BOTH REAR SPRINGS & RIGHT REAR OUTER TIE ROD BROKE. *AK
Jan 23, 2001
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
5 complaints
THE "WASP" DESIGN OF THE REAR DOOR LOCKS MAKE THE LOCKS EXTREMELY VULNERABLE TO BREAKAGE. EXACT REPLACEMENTS ARE VERY HARD TO FIND. WHEN LOCL PLUNGER IS BROKEN OFF, THE PASSENGERS IN THE BACK SEAT ARE TRAPPED IN THE CAT UNTIL SOMEONE IN FRONT RELEASES THE ELECTRIC DOORLOCKS. I DO NOT KNOW IF IT IS AT ALL POSSIBLE TO GET BACK DOOR OPEN WITH MANUAL DOOR LOCKS.*AK
Jun 08, 2002
HOOD LATCH POPS LOOSE WHILE DRIVING. HOOD DOES NOT COME UP/ LATCH DOES NOT STAY TIGHT. CONSUMER HAS NOT CONTACTED DEALER. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
Jul 05, 2001
FRONT DOOR LOCK POSTS TOO SHORT, CAN ONLY BE OPENED WITH HANDLES AND HANDLES STICK
Jun 07, 1999
HOOD LATCH AND CABLE ASSEMBLY FAILED.
Apr 13, 1998
IF THERE IS A MOVEMENT OF THE VEHICLE, FORWARD, IF A PERSON IS ON A GRADE FORWARD AND IF A STRONG WIND IS COMING FROM THE REAR FORWARD, THE FRONT DOOR WILL SWING OPEN AND WILL HIT ANYTHING WITHOUT ANYONE BEING ABLE TO CONTROL IT. ONE MUST USE BOTH HANDS TO SECURELY LOCK THE DOOR. SCC
May 13, 1997
AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS
4 complaints
WHILE IN MOTION, CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN A COLLISION AND THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE SEAT BELT ALSO DID NOT HOLD. CONSUMER SUFFERED CHEST INJURIES TO THE RIB CAGE. CONSUEMR WISHES TO HAVE AIRBAGS OPENED AND INSPECTED AT THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP. *JG
Aug 09, 2002
WHILE DRIVING ON A RAMP VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT AND THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, AND THE SEATBELTS DID NOT LOCK UP. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FUTHER INFORMATION. *AK
Oct 25, 1999
VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A COLLISION AT 45MPH, SEAT BELTS DID NOT RETRACT PROPERLY, AND THE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY UNTIL THE VEHICLE CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP. DEALER AND MANUFACTURER HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK
Jul 13, 1999
DRIVER'S SIDE SEATBELTS NEVER LOCKED DOWN. WHEN THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG WAS DEPLOYED IT SHATTERED THE WINDSHIELD. GLASS WAS ON THE PASSENGER'S SEAT AND IF SOME ONE WAS THERE THEY WOULD HAVE BEEN CUT.
Apr 23, 1999
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
3 complaints
ENGINE CHECK LIGHT APPEARS ON DASHBOARD WHEN CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP. WHEN DEALERSHIP DROPPED VEHICLE OFF THERE WAS A KNOCKING NOISE COMING FROM UNDERNEATH VEHICLE. ENGINE LOCKED UP. *AK
Jun 20, 2002
ENGINE STALLED AT 55 MPH. AFTER THE REPAIR THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, AND THE DEALER COULDNT FIX THE PROBLEM WITH THE EGR VALVE. *AK
Sep 30, 2001
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATES, INDICATING A PROBLEM WITH THE EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK.ET
Aug 02, 1999
STEERING,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
2 complaints
CONSUMER'S DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING AND VEHICLE SHOOK WHEN IN REVERSE. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER, AND THEY TOLD HER TIE RODS WERE DEFECTIVE. ANOTHER DEALER TOLD HER IT WAS THE MOTOR MOUNTS. *AK
Sep 10, 2004
CRANKSHAFT PULLY SEPARATED FROM ENGINE BLOCK, CAUSING SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER STEERING. VEHICLE ONLY HAD 30M MILES.*AK
Jul 04, 2001
AIR BAGS,EQUIPMENT
2 complaints
AIRBAG DEPLOYED AFTER RECALL REPAIRS BY FORD (NOTIFICATION AND VERIFICATION OF NOTICE AND REPAIR ARE IN OUR POSSESSION) RESULTING IN BURNS TO PASSENGER ON FOREARMS (DUE TO INFLATION OF BAG), BROKEN WINDSHIELD AND DASH IS MESSED UP. NO ACCIDENT OCURRED OR OBJECT HIT. CAR WAS MOVING AT 15 MPH (MAX) AT DEPLOYMENT. FORD DECLARES "NO" RESPONSIBILITY DUE TO EXCESS MILEAGE (84,440). I DIDN'T REALIZE THERE IS A "MILEAGE LIMITATION" ON SAFETY!*AK
Aug 03, 2004
IN AUGUST 2001THE AIR CONDITIONER STARTED MAKING A NOISE AND THEN THE AIR BAG LIGHT AND CHIME STARTED. WE TOOK THE CAR TO THE BRANDON FORD DEALERSHIP. THEY FIXED THE AIR CONDITIONER. BUT THEY SAID IT WOULD BE AT LEAST $1000 TO JUST LOOK AT THE AIR BAG. WE DO NOT HAVE THAT KIND OF MONEY TO WASTE ON AIR BAGS. I WAS EIGHT MONTHS PREGNANT AT THE TIME AND WE ASKED THE DEALERSHIP IF THE AIR BAGS WOULD DEPLOY. THEY SAID THE AIR BAGS WOULD NOT DEPLOY. NOW I READ AN ARTICLE STATING THAT THE AIR BAGS IN THE SAME TYPE OF VEHICLE HAVE DEPLOYED FOR NO REASON. SO, MY HUSBAND, MY UNBORN CHILD AND MYSELF WERE AT RISK AND WE WERE UNDER THE IMPRESSION EVERYTHING WAS FINE. A YEAR LATER THE AIR CONDITIONER STOPS WORKING AND MY HUSBAND LOOKED UNDER THE DASH TO SEE IF HE COULD FIGURE OUT WHY IT STOPPED WORKING. HE FOUND THE WIRES CONNECTING TO THE AIR CONDITIONER WERE ALL MELTED. THIS COULD HAVE STARTED A FIRE AND AGAIN MY HUSBAND, MY SON AND MYSELF WERE AT RISK BECAUSE THE REAL PROBLEM WAS NEVER REALLY FIXED. I READ IN THE ARTICLE THAT FIRES ALSO HAD OCCURRED FOR NO REASON. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW HOW WE WILL BE PROTECTED FROM THESE FAILURES THAT HAVE OCCURRED. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME.*AK
Aug 22, 2002
WHEELS
2 complaints
DEFECTIVE WELDS ON THE ORIGINAL RIMS OF THE WHEELS CAUSING TIRE DEFLATION BECOMING A SAFETY CONCERN AT ANY SPEED. THESE FAILURES WERE CAUGHT PRIOR TO ANY POSSIBLE ACCIDENT. TWO WHEELS HAVE FAILED THROUGH THE WELDS ON THE ORIGINAL STEEL RIMS. THESE WERE FOUND BY COSTCO, TIRE REPAIR SERVICES AND SO DOCUMENTED AT THE CHULA VISTA, CA. LOCATION. *LA
May 30, 2004
STEEL WHEEL RIM WELDING IS DEFECTIVE, CAUSING AIR TO ESCAPE FROM THE WHEEL RIM WHICH COULD ALSO CAUSE THE RIM TO SEPARATE FROM THE WELDING. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK
Dec 01, 1998
EQUIPMENT
2 complaints
LTR FM AGNES VANANTWERP (FL) MR THE CONSUMER SEEKED REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE REPAIR OF LEAKAGE IN THE EVAPORATOR WHICH CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE AIR BAG MONITOR DOT 2003-2332. SINCE THEN, THERE WAS CONDENSATION IN THE A/C WHEN IN USE AND CAUSED THE FLOOR ON THE PASSENGER SIDE TO FILL WITH WATER. SCC *JB
May 14, 2003
CROSS BARS ON LUGGAGED RACK CAME LOOSE AND THE FRONT FASTENERS FELL OUT, CAUSING OBJECTS TO FALL ONTO ROADWAY.
Aug 25, 1998
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2 complaints
REQUEST FOR RESTITUTION OF LOSSES RESULTING FROM A VEHICLE FIRE. *MR THE PASSENGER AREA TRANS EQUIPMENT/ELECTRICAL WIRE) THE CONSUMER REQUESTED RESTITUTION. *SCC THE CONSUMER STATED SHE MANY MECHANICAL PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE. *JB
Sep 03, 2001
WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY WITHOUT WARNING VEHICLE WILL COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN, CAUSE UNKNOWN. *AK THE DEALER HAD REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION TWICE. *YH
Sep 20, 2000
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
2 complaints
HARMONIC BALANCER FAILED WITHOUT WARNING WHILE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND ENGINE IDLING. LOUD NOISE SUCH AS METAL ON METAL EMINATED FROM ENGINE COMPARTMENT. VEHICLE TOWED TO FORD DEALER. ADVISED BY DEALER THAT PART POORLY DESIGNED AND NEW DESIGN IN STOCK FOR REPLACEMENT. THERMOSTAT REMAINED OPEN NOT ALLOWING ENGINE TO REACH OPERATING TEMPERATURE. WHEN REPLACED, THE ORIGINAL THERMOSTAT CAME OUT OF HOUSING IN THREE SEPARATE PIECES. FUEL PUMP MADE WHINING NOISE FROM REAR OF VEHICLE. REPLACED AT NO CHARGE. *AK
May 07, 2001
HEAD GASKET FAILURE, RESULTING IN CRACKED PISTONS AND DAMAGED CRANK. FAILED FUEL PUMP/THERMOSTAT. *AK
Nov 11, 1999
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
2 complaints
WHILE TRAVELING AND WITHOUT ANY INDICATION ENGINE INDICATOR LIGHT FLASHED INTERMITTENTLY. DEALER HAS REPAIRED, BUT PROBLEM RETURNED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
Mar 22, 2001
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE HAD NOTICED A GAS ODOR & THE ENGINE CHECK LIGHT HAD CAME ON. STOPPED VEHICLE & LIFTED HOOD. SMELLED & NOTICED SMOKE & FUMES COMING FROM ENGINE AREA. TOOK TO DEALER. *AK
Jan 02, 1998
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN
2 complaints
HOW CAN A DEALERSHIP NOT ACKNOWLEDGE THE MOTOR/TRANSMISSION ARE BOTH FOREIGN ITEMS. IF I WANTED TO PURCHASE A FOREIGN CAR I WOULD HAVE. AND FOR BOTH MOTOR REPLACEMENT COST $2600 AND TRANSMISSION $2800 TO GO OUT THE SAME TIME. ISN'T THERE SOME LAW THAT STATES A DEALERSHIP/MFG MUST ACKNOWLEDGE THE TYPE OF EQUIPMENT (PARTS) BEING USED IN A AUTOMOBILE??
Nov 16, 2000
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE DIED AND HAD A FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING. DEALER CANNOT DETERMINE THE CAUSE. ANOTHER TIMES, THE TRANSMISSION FELL OUT WITHOUT WARNING. AFTER REPAIRS, THE VEHICLE STARTED MAKING NOISES AND WAS SLOW TO TAKE OFF. VEHICLE WAS TRADED IN. *AK.ET.
Apr 30, 1999
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
2 complaints
WHEN PULLING OUT VEHICLE LURCHES FORWARD. THIS MAY CAUSE A CRASH. ALSO, ENGINE CHECK LIGHT STAYS ON. DEALER CANNOT DETERMINE THE PROBLEM. *AK
Jun 08, 1999
WHEN STOPPED WITH FOOT ON BRAKE PEDAL, THE ENGINE CHECK LIGHT COMES ON, AND ENGINE STARTS RACING. CAUSING UNKNOWN. PLEASE PROVIDE DETAILS. *AK
Jul 23, 1998
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
The rubber fuel filler neck hose that connects the metal fuel filler neck to the gas tank failed for the first time in 2013. During fueling, a large pool of gasoline leaked onto the pavement under the vehicle, presenting an environmental and fire hazard. The filler neck hose was replaced with a Ford OEM hose purchased from a local Ford dealer in Sacramento, CA. The replacement hose failed in a similar manner the original hose in less than two years time - thus requiring replacement in 2015. A genuine Ford OEM replacement was obtained from a dealer in the Sacramento area and installed. This hose failed in less than 2 years time, in 2017. Again a replacement hose was obtained from a Sacramento area Ford dealer ind installed. This hose then failed in 2019 and was replaced with another Ford dealer-obtained part... which failed in 2021 and was replaced with another Ford dealer-obtained part. The hose has failed again in less than 2 years time. It is apparent that the replacement parts that Ford has been selling through their dealers are made of a material that is not suitable for the application. Since the original part lasted 16 years, it should be possible to make a replacement part last a similar period of time. The vehicle has been a 'one family' ownership since purchased new in 1997, so the service history is well known by the present owners. The (lack of quality) of this part presents a safety and environmental hazard. Similar quality issues have been reported by other owners of the same vehicle. It is likely that other vehicle models are experiencing similar issues if the supplier of this part is also supplying other similar parts. See Ford Escort Owners Association online forum (with search feature) to read about other's experiences with these parts - here's a few: https://www.feoa.net/threads/gas-filler-neck-hose-cracking.112610/post-1076796 https://www.feoa.net/threads/fuel-hose-tank-to-filler-neck-how-long-should-it-last.105585/post-995753
Jul 07, 2023
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
I TURNED RIGHT INTO A PARKING LOT AND SLOWLY TURNED RIGHT AGAIN INTO A PARKING SPACE. WHILE I WAS BRAKING, THE CAR ACCELERATED AND HIT A BUILDING. *TR
Mar 05, 2014
ENGINE
1 complaint
VALVE SEAT NO. 4 FELL OUT OF HEAD AND WAS DESTROYED, DAMAGING NO. 4 AND NO. 3 PISTON, AND THE HEAD ITSELF. WE WERE FORTUNATE THAT THE TOTAL FAILURE OCCURRED WHILE PARKED RATHER THAN ON THE INTERSTATE, AT WHICH TIME POWER STEERING AND POWER BRAKES WOULD HAVE FAILED. THIS IS A WELL KNOWN MODE OF FAILURE FOR THIS ENGINE BUT, APPARENTLY, FORD AND NHTSA TOOK NO STEPS TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM. THE ENGINE WAS DISCONTINUED IN 2005. *TR
Dec 03, 2013
SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
THE BRAKES FAILED WHILE MY WIFE WAS DRIVING THIS CAR. IT WAS NOT VERY DIFFICULT TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. THE BRAKE FLUID LEAKED OUT OF A BRAKE LINE IN THE REAR OF THE CAR. THE LOCATION OF THE BRAKE LINE FAILURE IS WHERE THE LINE IS FASTENED TO THE BODY WHEN THE CAR WAS MANUFACTURED. IT IS MY OPINION THAT THIS DEFECT MAY EXIST ON MANY OTHER VEHICLES OF THIS TYPE, THAT IS WHY I AM REPORTING IT TO YOU. *JS
Aug 31, 2013
SUSPENSION,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
I TOOK MY ESCORT IN FOR AN INSPECTION AND THE REAR COIL SPRINGS ARE BROKEN AGAIN THE FIRST TIME THEY BROKE THE DEALER REPLACED THEM AND SAID HE THOUGHT A RECALL WOULD BE ISSUED BECAUSE FORD NEW THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THEM NOW ONCE AGAIN THEY ARE BROKEN AND THERE IS STILL NO RECALL IF SOMEONE KNEW THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THEM WHY AREN'T THEY CORRECTING THE PROBLEM AND DO WE THE CONSUMERS HAVE TO KEEP SHELLING OUT OUR HARD EARNED MONEY FOR REPAIRS. THIS CAR IS A 1997 FORD ESCORT AND REAR SPRINGS WERE REPLACED TWICE JUST NOT FAIR. *TR
Sep 11, 2008
STEERING,SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,VISIBILITY,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD ESCORT. WHEN MAKING A RIGHT TURN AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE CONTACT HEARD A CLUNKING SOUND COMING FROM THE FRONT END BALL JOINTS. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE BRAKE PADS, ROTORS, DRUMS, AND FRONT WHEEL BEARING ON THE PASSENGER SIDE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ODOMETER AND SPEEDOMETER HAVE BOTH BEEN REPLACED THREE TIMES, BUT SHE DOES NOT TRUST THAT THE SPEEDOMETER IS CURRENTLY WORKING PROPERLY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 115,000. UPDATED 06-03/08. *LJ THE TIE ROD END, REAR SPRING, WINDSHIELD, UPPER BALL JOINT, ODOMETER KNOB, REAL PASSENGER SEAL WERE ALL REPLACED. UPDATED 05/30/08
Apr 30, 2008
TIRES,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
PURCHASED (4) COOPER TIRES(185/65R14 TRENDER SETTER; D.O.T. UT75C2H1602 ON 8-12-2002. A SIDEWALL DEFECT(2X1" BUBBLE) WAS NOTICED AND MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED ON 1/2006. TIRE(SAME TYPE) WAS REPLACED AT OWNER'S COST. ANOTHER TIRE SIDEWALL DEFECT(2X1" BUBBLE) WAS NOTICED ON 1/2008 IN THE SAME LOCATION AS THE FIRST. THIS TIRE WAS RETURNED TO THE MANUFACTURER FOR EVALUATION. THE MANUFACTURER CLAIMED IT WAS NOT DEFECTIVE, BUT CAUSED BY CUSTOMER. THIS CAUSED CUSTOMER TO LOOSE CONFIDENCE IN THE QUALITY OF THE MANUFACURER'S TIRES FOR FEAR OF A SIDEWALL BLOW OUT. ALL TIRES WERE REPLACED WITH A DIFFERENT BRAND AT OWNER'S COST. *TR
Feb 29, 2008
SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
1 complaint
1997 FORD ESCORT HAD REAR SPRINGS PROBLEMS. **CC BOTH REAR SPRINGS ON THE VEHICLE BROKE. THE BREAKS WERE IDENTICAL, THE LOWER COILS. THE CONSUMER CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER AND INDICATED THAT THEY SHOWED LACK OF INTEREST. *NM
Mar 01, 2007
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,TIRES
1 complaint
DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING CAR, HAD A TIRE BLOW OUT, AND CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED OUT OF CONTROL. SHE TRIED SHIFTING GEARS, USING BRAKES, AND PULLING PARKING BRAKE TO NO AVAIL. SHE CRASHED INTO PARKED CARS AFTER TRAVELING ABOUT 200 YARDS UPHILL. WITNESSES SAY SHE WAS GOING ABOUT 30 TO 40 MPH. AFTER THE BLOWOUT, WHICH HAPPENED AS SHE WAS LEAVING A STOP. CAR WILL NOT BE REPAIRED, WILL BE JUNKED. IT IS TOO DANGEROUS FOR ANYONE TO DRIVE. *JB
Dec 03, 2005
STEERING,SUSPENSION,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
1 complaint
WHILE DRIVING , THE STEERING WHEEL FELT LOOSE AND MADE A LOUD NOISE. THE DEALER REPLACED THE TIE ROD AT OWNER'S EXPENSE. *JB CONSUMER FEELS THAT SHE SHOULD BE REIMBURSED FOR THE COST OF REPAIRS. THE VEHICLE'S REAR COIL SPRINGS BROKE AT 16219 MILES. THE FRONT COIL SPRING BROKE AT 16279 MILES AND WAS REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. CATALYTIC CONVERTER FAILED CAUSING NOISE. *BF *NM
Mar 28, 2005
AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED AND LURCHED FORWARD WHILE PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO HIT A BRICK WALL. UPON IMPACT, BOTH FRONTAL AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES, AND WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE LOCAL HOSPITAL. THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. *AK
Nov 22, 2004
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
I HAVE A 1997 FORD ESCORT THAT IS AT DRBN TOTAL AUTOMOTIVE, 23420 VAN BORN RD.,DBN HTS, MI 48125 FOR A PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE ISSUE. REAR MAIN SEAL LEAK (VERY MINOR AT THIS POINT, A LITTLE SPOT ON TRANS) WAS FOUND BY BELLE TIRE (DRBN, MI). DRBN TOTAL REPLACED FRONT PUMP SEAL & REAR MAIN SEAL FOR $486.85 ON 6/5/04. I RETURNED 6/14/04 (STILL LEAKING, BUT NOW ON THE GROUND). THEY KEPT FOR 9 DAYS, CHANGED THE SEAL & PUT A COVER ON THE CRANK. WHEN I PICKED UP, I GOT 5 MINUTES AWAY & THE TRANSMISSION FLUID WAS POURING OUT OF MY CAR & SMOKING. I HAD CAR TOWED IN 6/24/04 & IT IS STILL THERE. THEY ARE NOW PUTTING A SEAL SAVER ON THE MAIN SEAL. THE MANAGER OF THE STORE ADVISED ME THAT THEY DID NOT KNOW WHAT ELSE TO DO & THEY TALKED TO THE DEALER OF THE CAR. THE DEALER CLAIMS THEY HAVE NEVER HAD THIS PROBLEM WITH AN ESCORT BEFORE. DRBN TOTAL SAYS THEY WILL GIVE ME MY MONEY BACK IF THEY CAN'T FIX IT. I DISAGREE WITH THAT BECAUSE I CAME IN THERE WITH MONEY & A CAR THAT WAS RUNNING WITH A PROBLEM THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN TAKEN CARE OF WITHOUT KEEPING MY CAR FOR 3 GOING ON 4 WEEKS (OFF AND ON) & DESTROYING MY TRANSMISSION. I AM HANDICAPPED & WORK & I WAS RECOMMENDED THIS STORE BY A USMA AUTOMOTIVE MEMBER & I PRIDE MYSELF IN KEEPING UP MY MAINTENANCE ON MY CAR. NOW I'M STUCK, PLEASE HELP!*AK
Jun 29, 2004
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
CONSUMER COMPLAINED ABOUT TRANSMISSION AXLE SLIPPAGE AND DEFECTIVE BRAKE PROBLEMS. VEHICLE VIBRATED WHEN ACCELERATING. CONSUMER HAD THE VEHICLE INSPECTED BY A PRIVATE MECHANIC. *AK
May 24, 2004
PARKING BRAKE
1 complaint
BRAKES FAILED. PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR, RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT. DEALERSHIP MECHANIC SAID THE PROBLEM WAS DUE TO THE EMERGENCY BRAKE DRIVELINE. *AK
Sep 26, 2003
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,AIR BAGS
1 complaint
I PURCHASED A NEW 1997 FORD ESCORT IN SEPTEMBER 1996. AFTER DRIVING THE CAR FOR ABOUT A WEEK THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE CAR WAS LOSING BRAKE FLUID. THIS HAPPENED A COUPLE OF TIMES. I TOOK THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALER AND WAS ADVISED THAT THE BRAKE FITTING WAS MISSING SOME THREADS. DEALER FIXED PROBLEM. THIS PAST JANUARY I GOT A LETTER FROM FORD ABOUT THE RECALL FOR THE AIR BAG MONITOR/SENSOR PROBLEM AND HAD TO TAKE IT TO THE LOCAL DEALER TO HAVE THAT PROBLEM CORRECTED. NOW THE CAR HAS A SLOW COOLANT LEAK. I TOOK IT TO A REPAIR SHOP AND WAS ADVISED THAT THE HEAD GASKET IS LEAKING. THE CAR ONLY HAS ABOUT 62,850 MILES ON IT AND HAS BEEN VERY WELL MAINTAINED. IT WILL COST APPROXIMATELY $800.00 - $1000.00 TO REPLACE THE HEAD GASKET. I FEEL THIS HEAD GASKET FAILURE IS PREMATURE AND FORD SHOULD PAY FOR IT. THIS WAS THE FIRST FORD VEHICLE I EVER PURCHASED AND IT WILL PROBABLY BE THE LAST. I WANT TO KNOW WHY THEY CANNOT PUT A $14,000 CAR TOGETHER CORRECTLY AND ASSURE ITS QUALITY TO LAST. I LOOKED AT SOME OF THE SERVICE BULLETINS AND PREVIOUS COMPLAINTS ON THE NHTSA WEB SITE REGARDING THE 1997 FORD ESCORT AND THEY ARE DISTRESSING TO SAY THE LEAST. MY NEXT VEHICLE WILL BE A GM PRODUCT.*AK
Sep 06, 2003
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS
1 complaint
CONSUMER REQUESTING RESTITUTION FOR A HOUSE FIRE THAT WAS CAUSED BY A VEHICLE FIRE.*MR *TS. PRIOR TO THE FIRE THE VEHICLE ALSO EXPERIENCED A PROBLEM WITH THE ALTERNATOR AND THE BRAKES SQUEAKING. *JB
Jul 07, 2003
STRUCTURE,CHILD SEAT
1 complaint
MY WIFE WAS INVOLVED IN A HEAD ON COLLISION. SHE AND MY TWO CHILDREN WERE CHOPPERED TO A TRAUMA UNIT. MY 10 WEEK OLD SON WAS IN THE EVENFLO ON MY WAY SYSTEM AND THE BASE BROKE APART UPON IMPACT. THE SYSTEM HELD HIM IN PLACE, BUT MY CONCERN IS WITH THE BASE BREAKING APART. MODEL#4921B7P2 MANUFACTURED 14 JAN98. *JB
May 13, 2003
SUSPENSION,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
BROUGHT MY CAR IN FOR THE WIRING RECALL AND I TOLD THE DEALER THAT THERE WAS SPARK KNOCKING IN THE ENGINE WHEN IT FIRST STARTS AND UNDER HARD ACCELERATION. WHEN I DRIVE INTO MY PARENTS DRIVE WAY MY PARENTS TELL ME THAT THEY KNOW I AM THERE BECAUSE OF THE RADIO INTERFERENCE ON THE TV SCREEN. I KNOW A LOT ABOUT ELECTRICITY AND I KNOW THAT THIS IS CAUSED BY NOISE AND OR SHORTS, BAD CONNECTIONS WHAT HAVE YOU. I AM VERY CONCERNED ABOUT THIS BECAUSE I KNOW THAT THE CAR HAS RESISTOR PLUGS. WE HAVE ALSO REPLACED THE COMPUTER ONCE AND NOW THIS RECALL THING! WE ALSO HAD TO REPLACE THE REAR SPRINGS. WHEN ITS REALLY COLD OUT AND GO TO START THE CAR THE STARTER DOES NOT DISENGAGE AND GRINDS ON THE FLY WHEEL. IT TAKES FOREVER FOR IT TO WARM UP AND IT DOES NOT RARELY EVER WARM UP WHEN ITS IDLING YOU HAVE TO DRIVE IT TO GET ANY HEAT. BUT OVERALL ITS ONLY LEFT MY WIFE STRANDED ONCE. THAT'S BETTER THAN OUR LAST VEHICLE!! BUT NOW I WONDER IF THIS CAR IS A TICKING TIME BOMB WAITING TO HAPPEN. FORD MAY NOT BE MY NEXT CHOICE OF VEHICLE IN THE FUTURE THAT IS IF IT DOESN'T KILL ME FIRST! *JB
Mar 07, 2003
VISIBILITY,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
THE HEATER CORE SPRUNG A LEAK. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED WITHIN 15 MONTHS. I CAUGHT THE PROBLEM BEFORE ANY DAMAGE OCCURED. THE FIRST TIME THERE WAS EXTENSIVE DAMAGE. THE AIR BAG AND PCM MODULES WERE DAMAGED BY THE HEATER CORE LEAK. THERE ALSO WAS A FIRE FROM THE PCM AND AIR BAG MODULE. THIS DAMAGE COST $1500. THE DEALER WILL NOT FIX THE PROBLEM BECAUSE IT IS OUT OF WARRANTY BY 3 MONTHS. I HAVE FOUND OUT THAT THERE ARE MANY CARS THAT ARE EXPIERENCING THIS PROBLEM.
Jan 20, 2003
INTERIOR LIGHTING
1 complaint
DASHBOARD LIGHTS FAILED. *AK
Jul 30, 2002
VISIBILITY,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
VEHICLE WAS GOING 65MPH AND SLOWING DOWN TO 30MPH WHILE STILL ACCELERATING. HEATER CORE WAS LEAKING ONTO COMPUTER FOR AIRBAG MODULE. THIS WAS THE SECOND TIME IT HAPPENED.*AKTHE LEAKING HEATER CORE CAUSED ALOT OF DAMAGE TO THE AIRBAG, SPARK PLUGS, IGNITION CABLE, AND OXYGEN SENSORS. CONSUMER PAID OUT OF POCKET FOR DAMAGED PARTS. HEATER CORE REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. *JG
Apr 25, 2002
STEERING,EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY
1 complaint
I AM GETTING IN TOUCH WITH YOU TO LET YOU KNOW ABOUT A VERY SERIOUS PROBLEM WITH THE AFTER MARKET STEERING EXTENSION DEVICE PUT ON ALOT OF HANDICAPPED VEHICLES, THIS PART IS PUT ON THESE CARS AND TRUCKS TO HELP ASSIST THE DRIVER IN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL . THE PROBLEM WITH THIS PART IS THAT IS NOT SAFE . WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL IS TAKEN OFF OF THE SPLINED SHAFT THE NEW PIECE IS PUT ON AND DOES NOT EVEN HAVE A SPLINED CENTER TO FIT TIGHT ON THE SHAFT AND THE ONLY OTHER THING TO HOLD IT TIGHT IS 2 SET SCREWS. IF ONE OF THESE SET SCREWS WOULD WORK LOSE OR IF THE STEERING WHEEL WERE TURNED TO HARD THESE SET SCREWS WOULD WORK LOOSE AND THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD TURN BUT THE WHEELS WOULDN'T , OR THE OTHER WAY AROUND . I HAVE TALKED TO A AUTO REPAIR SPECIALIST ALONG WITH THE HEAD MECHANIC SUPERVISOR AT A FORD DEALERSHIP AND BOTH MEN SAID THAT THIS PART IS NOT VERY SAFE AND THEY WOULD NT WANT IT ON THEIR CAR OR TRUCK , I ALSO TALKED TO THE PERSON WHO INSTALLED THIS PART HE NO LONGER USES THIS ALUMINUM PART BECAUSE IT IS NOT STRONG ENOUGH FOR THIS KIND OF STRESS THAT A STEERING WHEEL GOES THROUGH . I HOPE THAT YOU CAN MAKE THESE PARTS REPLACED BY THE COMPANIES SO THAT NO ONE WITH A MODIFIED HANDICAPPED STEERING COLUMN EXTENSION DOES NOT GET KILLED OR KILL SOMEONE ELSE , I WAS LUCKY TO FIND IT EARLY BUT MAYBE SOME ONE ELSE WON'T BE. THANK YOU SINCERELY [XXX]. *AK PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Feb 15, 2002
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,EQUIPMENT,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
AN ELECTRICAL SHORT CIRCUIT IS OCCURRING WITHIN VEHICLE WHICH IS CAUSING VEHICLE BATTERY TO COMPLETELY LOSE POWER. *AK CONSUMER STATES RADIO CAUSED BATTERY TO DRAIN AND SPEAKERS TO POP, RADIO REPLACED 3 TIMES, EXPERIENCING OTHER ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS WITH THE HEADLIGHTS DIMMING WHEN THE HEATER IS ON OR WHEN APPLYING BRAKES, RADIATOR HAD TO BE REPLACED, ENGINE LIGHTS COME ON INTERMITTENTLY, AND POOR ACCELERATION WHEN GOING UP A HILL. *TT
Jan 24, 2002
SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
DURING NORMAL OPERATION OF VEHICLE A METAL TO METAL GRINDING/RUBBING NOISE WAS BEING EMITTED FROM VEHICLE, UNKNOWN LOCATION. . THEN, VEHICLE WOULD NOT MAINTAIN CONTROL WHEN GOING OVER BUMPS, AND IN GENERAL SEEMED BOUNCY. A PRIVATE MECHANIC INFORMED CONSUMER THAT REAR BOLT SPRINGS WERE BUSTED, AND THAT GAS STRUTS WERE BUSTED/ LEAKING FLUID. *AK REAR STRUTS AND SPRINGS BROKE AND LEAKING. *YH
Apr 17, 2001
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,WHEELS
1 complaint
WITHIN 4 MTHS HAD PROBLEM W/ TRANSMISSION, TOOK 4 MINS FOR DEALER TO SAY THERES NOTHING WRONG, WHEN I GOT MY NEW TIRES FOR PEPBOYS I HAD TO FIX MY BRAKES, TRANSMISSION,SUSPENSION, EVEN GOT SPEED TICKETS FOR NO REASON,I KEEP MY CAR IN VERY GOOD CONDITION AND I STILL HAVE MY ENGINE LIGHT ON AND I HAVE ABOUT 70% OF THE SAME PROBLEMS OTHERS HAVE IN THE NHTSACMPLT SECTION. I THINK THE ESCORT SHOULD BE RECALLED FOR SO MANY UNSAFE PROBLEMS.( DOT NUMBER: UJ956KLP12 TIRE SIZE: P19570R14 )
Aug 30, 2000
STEERING,SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, AIR
1 complaint
TWO BROKEN REAR SPRING AND A RIGHT SIDE OUTER TIE ROD END, IN ADDITION TO FRONT BRAKE PADS, POSSIBLE SPRINGS WERE OF POOR QUALITY
Aug 23, 2000
POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
ENGINE CHECK LIGHT WILL COME ON WHEN OPERATING VEHICLE FOR A LONG PERIOD OF TIME OR CLIMBING A HILL. *AK THE TRANSMISSION FAILED TWICE AND WAS REPLACED BY THE DEALER. BUT THE TRANSMISSION'S ERRATIC SHIFT UPHILL AND CHECK THE ENGINE SOON LIGHT CONTINUED. *YH
Jul 27, 2000
AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
WHILE TRAVELING NOTICED AIR BAG INDICATION LIGHT FLASHING. THEN, STOPPED THE NEXT DAY AND INDICATION LIGHT FLASHED. ALSO, COOLING INDICATION LIGHT CAME ON. CONSUMER PARKED VEHICLE AND AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
Jul 19, 2000
STEERING,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
GAS GAUGE DOESN'T SHOW THE CORRECT AMOUNT OF GAS ONCE IT REACHES 1/4 OF A TANK. *AK THE VEHICLE ALSO STALLS ON HIGHWAYS. THE ANTI-THEFT ALARM GOES ON FOR UNKNOWN REASON. THE HORN MALRUNCTIONS TOO. *YH
Jul 03, 2000
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
WHILE SITTING AT A LIGHT VEHICLE SHUT DOWN, AND ENGINE CHECK LIGHT CAME ON. VEHICLE SHUT COMPLETELY DOWN DUE TO COMPUTER MODULE FAILURE. ALSO, ALTERNATOR AND BATTERY DIED OUT, AND ENGINE BELT, THAT RUNS EVERYTHNG WITHIN THE VEHICLE, DISCONNECTED DUE TO THE HARMONIC BALANCER THAT ALMOST CAME OFF. THREE SENSORS WERE ALSO REPLACED. *AK
Feb 10, 2000
SUSPENSION,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
ENGINE CHECK LIGHT IS COMING AND STAYING ON. VEHICLE IS VIBRATING UPON ACCELERATION. CONTACTED DEALER AFTER NUMEROUS REPAIRS, NOT ABLE TO FIND THE PROBLEM. *AK
Feb 02, 2000
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
1 complaint
INTERMITTENTLY HEADLIGHTS BECOME INOPERABLE. HEADLIGHTS WOULD NOT COME ON WHEN CA RIS WARM. IF CONSUMER RUNS THE CAR FOR AN HOUR WITH HEADLIGHTS ON, THEN SHUTS CAR AND LIGHTS OFF, THEN TURNS SIT BACK ON WITHIN AN HOUR OR TWO, HEADLIGHTS WILL NOT COME ON. DEALER CHECKED AND REPLACED RELAY, BUT STILL DIDN'T FIX THE PROBLEM. POSSIBLE FAULTY WIRING. *AK
Feb 01, 2000
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
1 complaint
I BELIEVE THAT THE DASH HAS BEEN TAMPERED WITH AS THE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY AND THERE APPEARS TO BE VELCRO ATTACHED TO THE DASH
Oct 05, 1999
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,AIR BAGS,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
05/25/1999; WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH, THE HEAD GASKET ON ENGINE "BLEW OUT" CAR WAS UNDRIVEABLE. ON 07/15/1999; THE HORN STARTED HONKING CONTINUOUSLY ON IT'S OWN, WHEN CAR WAS PARKED & LOCKED. HAD TO REMOVE FUSE TO SHUT OFF. DEALER SAID IT WAS A BAD AIR-BAG MODULE, NOT COVERED BY WARRANTY, COST $ 675.00. 07/25/99, CRANKSHAFT PULLEY BROKE OFF, CAR NOT DRIVEABLE. I NOTE 4 OTHER REPORTS ON THIS WEB-SITE FOR THE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY, AND 1 EACH FOR THE HEAD-GASKET & HORN/AIRBAG PROBLEMS + MANY OTHER AIRBAG PROBLEMS.
Sep 28, 1999
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
CRUISE CONTROL QUIT WORKING A FEW DAYS LATER I BLEW A FUSE FOR THE BRAKES LIGHTS. I REPLACE THE FUSE AND BLEW THAT ONE. AT THIS SAME TIME I NOTICED THAT I COULD NOT SHUT OFF THE AIR CONDITIONING. I WILL CONTACT DEALER NEXT BUISNESS DAY. *AK
Jul 05, 1999
VISIBILITY,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
ENGINE CHECK LIGHT COMES ON AND STAYS ON FOR LONG PERIODS OF TIME, ALTHOUGH NOTHING IS MECHANICALLY WRONG WITH THE CAR. THE DEFROSTER STAYS ON WHEN BUTTON IS NOT ENGAGED. *AK
Jun 30, 1999
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,PARKING BRAKE
1 complaint
THE CAR THAT I HAD PURCHASED HAS NOT LIVED UP TO IT'S EXPECTATIONS SINCE I PURCHASED IT. SINCE I HAVE HAD THE CAR, I PURCHASED IT IN SEPT. OF 1998, THE BRAKES HAVE COMPLETELY GONE OUT, THE EMERGENCY LIGHT COMES ON CONSTANTLY EVEN THOUGHT THE EMERGENCY BRAKE IS NOT ON. WHEN PURCHASING THE CAR, I HAD EXPLAINED TO THE CAR DEALER THE I, BEING OF ONLY 19 YRS OF AGE AND THIS BEING MY FIRST BIG PURCHASE I COULD NOT AFFORD TO BUY A CAR THEN END UP HAVING TO PUT TONS OF MONEY INTO IT. I AM VERY UPSET AT THE FACT THAT I HAVE HAD THE CAR FOR ONLY A SHORT WHILE, THE WARRANTY HAS PASSED (HOW CONVEINIENT) AND I REFUSE TO BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR A FAULTY SENSOR.
Nov 25, 1998
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VISIBILITY
1 complaint
VENTILATION SYSTEM DRAWS EXHAUST FUMES INTO PASSENGER COMPARTMENT.
May 26, 1998
STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
1 complaint
OWNER'S SON WAS DRIVING THE CAR AND THE STEERING WHEEL AND COLUMN LOCKED UP, FORCING HIM TO GO OFF THE ROAD. ALSO BRAKES FAILED TO OPERATE PROPERLY. *AK
Feb 20, 1998
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,AIR BAGS
1 complaint
BRAKES FAILED AND VEHICLE REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE AT 25MPH, AND AIRBAGS ON BOTH SIDES DID NOT DEPLOY. *AK
Feb 18, 1998
SUSPENSION,SEAT BELTS
1 complaint
WHILE DRIVING AT 70 MPH VEHICLE WENT OVER A PATCH OF ICE, CAUSING OWNER TO LOSE CONTROL OF VEHICLE. VEHICLE THEN ROLLED OVER 3-4 TIMES, AND THE MIDDLE REAR LAP BELT DID NOT HOLD CHILD SEAT IN PLACE. *AK
Nov 21, 1997
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,TIRES,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
VEHICLE WOULD STALL OUT AT DIFFERENT SPEEDS. ALMOST REARENDED BECAUSE OF STALLING UNEXPECTEDLY. HAD VEHICLE TOWED BACK TO DEALER. WAS INFORMED COULD NOT FIND PROBLEM FOR STALLING, EVEN HAD VEHICLE TEST DRIVEN. *AK AIR CONDITIONER BLEW HOT AIR, DEALER REPAIRED WIRING ASSEMBLY. TIRES EXPERIENCED WEAR, CONSUMER DID NOT GIVE SPECIFIC TIRE INFORMATION. ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND VEHICLE WAS HARD TO RESTART, VEHICLE ALSO LOST POWER AND DEALER HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *SLC
Oct 21, 1997
CHILD SEAT
1 complaint
TETHER CHILD SAFETY SEA THARNESS STRAP FAILED TO WORK PROPERLY. *AK
Jun 13, 1997
STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,AIR BAGS
1 complaint
STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP,BRAKES FAILED TO OPERATE PROPERLY RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT, NO DEPLOYMENT OF AIR BAGS DURING COLLISION.
Jan 12, 1997
Frequently Asked Questions
How many problems does the 1997 FORD Escort have?
The 1997 FORD Escort currently has 610 owner-reported complaints according to NHTSA database. These complaints are organized by component to help identify common issues.
What are the most common problems with 1997 FORD Escort?
The most common problems reported for the 1997 FORD Escort are organized by component above. Each component section shows owner-reported issues, crash reports, and fire incidents to help identify patterns and problem areas.
Where does this 1997 FORD Escort problem data come from?
All problem and complaint data for the 1997 FORD Escort comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.
Other Years - FORD Escort
2000 Problems
1999 Problems
1998 Problems
1996 Problems
1995 Problems
1994 Problems
1993 Problems
1992 Problems
1991 Problems
1990 Problems
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