1998 FORD Escort Problems & Complaints
Real owner complaints and problems reported to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). View common issues by component.
416
Complaints Reported
Complaints by Component
AIR BAGS
58 complaints
DT: THE CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT, AND THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED. WHEN THE AIRBAG DEPLOYED IT CAUSED THE CONSUMER TO BE SEVERALLY BURNED. THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY COMPLETELY. THIS OCCURRED ON AUGUST 3, 2004. THE CONSUMER'S VEHICLE HIT A POST. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. SHE NO LONGER HAS THE VEHICLE. A POLICE REPORT WAS TAKEN. THE MANUFACTURER WILL NOT HELP THE CONSUMER. *AK *NM
Oct 20, 2005
DT: THE CONSUMER STATES THAT THE 1998 FORD ESCORT CRASHED INTO A LIGHT POLE. THE DRIVER HIT THE POLE AND THE AIR BAG DEPLOYED AND BROKE. THE INSIDE OF THE AIR BAG SPRAYED THE CHEMICALS ON THE DRIVER, THE CHEMICALS BURNT HER HANDS AND ARM. SHE SAID THAT SHE COULD NOT FIND A LAWYER IN HER TOWN TO TAKE CASE. THE LAWYERS AND THE INSURANCE COMPANY WERE WORKING TOGETHER AGAINST HER. SHE SAID THAT SHE HAD A BOIL ON HER HAND AND A BRUISE ON HER CHEST. THE CONSUMER HAS PICTURES OF THE AIR BAG. SHE WANTED SOMEONE TO REIMBURSE HER FOR THE CAR BECAUSE SHE LIVED IN LOW INCOME HOUSING. SHE SAID VEHICLE WAS TOTALED AND THE JUNK DEALER CAME AND GOT IT. AND SHE DID NOT GET PAID FOR IT. A POLICE REPORT WAS TAKEN. *AK
Aug 18, 2005
VEHICLE IS EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH THE AIR BAGS. OWNER WAS DRIVING ABOUT 45 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY AND HIT A PARKED VEHICLE. UPON IMPACT, THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. *AK
Jan 10, 2005
AFTER STRIKING A VEHICLE IN FRONT AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. HOWEVER, NO RESPONSE WAS RECEIVED. *AK
Sep 28, 2004
WHILE TRAVELING 40 MPH ON A GRAVEL ROAD CONSUMER MADE AN MADE A RIGHT TURN AND VEHICLE RAN OFF THE ROAD INTO A GUARD RAIL. THIS CAUSED EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO THE FRONT OF VEHICLE. UPON IMPACT, AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. *AK
Apr 28, 2004
+ 53 more complaints for this component
SUSPENSION
47 complaints
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
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
Feb 24, 2010
DURING A STATE REQUIRED INSPECTION FOUND BOTH REAR COIL SPRINGS BROKEN. FORD WILL NOT TAKE RESPONSIBILITY. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THIS HAS OCCURRED. *TR
Apr 23, 2009
COIL SPRING ON 1998 FORD ESCORT BROKE AND ALMOST BLEW OUT THE TIRE. BROUGHT IT TO THE REPAIR SHOP TO GET IT FIXED AND REPLACED THE TIRE.*AK
Jul 05, 2007
BROKEN REAR SPRINGS. *JB
Dec 27, 2006
+ 42 more complaints for this component
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
46 complaints
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED HOWEVER THE VEHICLE EXHIBITED NO PROBLEMS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALERTED.
May 08, 2006
DRIVING 1998 FORD EXPEDITION V8 5.4 LITER... DOWN THE HIGHWAY UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS AND THE # 4 SPARK PLUG BLEW OUT OF THE HEAD, CAUSING A VERY LOAD BANG FOLLOWED BUY LOAD EXHAUST, ESCAPING FROM THE PLUG HOLE AND HIGH VOLUME OF FUEL VAPOR AND SOME FUEL, THIS WILL BE THE 3RD TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED SINCE I HAVE BOUGHT THE VEHICLE. THE FIRST TIME A SMALL FIRE STARTED WHICH MY HUSBAND PUT OUT IMMEDIATELY, I AM CURRENTLY A SINGLE MOM WITH TWO CHILDREN AND CAN'T AFFORD TO KEEP FIXING THIS PROBLEM OVER AND OVER AT ABOUT 600.00 AN OCCURRENCE... NOR CAN I AFFORD THE SAFETY ISSUE WITH MYSELF AND CHILDREN. THIS TIME THE MECHANIC IS SAYING THE WHOLE HEAD MUST BE REPLACED BECAUSE IT HAS TORN UP THE TREADS.(ALUMINUM HEAD AS WELL) THIS WILL COST ME ABOUT $1500-2$000. TO HAVE REPAIRED. I HAVE SPOKEN TO SEVERAL FORD DEALERS AND TONS OF MECHANICS AND THEY ARE ALL AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM WITH THE 5.4 LITER !!! WHY HAS NOTHING BEEN DONE? WHO'S SUPPOSE TO WATCHING OUT FOR THE LITTLE POEPLE. *AK
Apr 26, 2005
THE VEHICLE'S BELT TENIONER ASSEMBLY BROKE 3 TIME. THE CONSUMER HAD TO REPLACE THE HOUSING FOR WATER PUMP, TIMING BELT TENIONER AND MICO V BELT. *BF *NM
Feb 07, 2005
'98 FORD EXPEDITION - CAR FIRE - CAR DESTROYED. DROVE 1.8 MILES FROM MY HOME AND WENT INTO A STORE. 5 MINUTES LATER I COME OUT TO THE CAR ON FIRE. IT LOOKED LIKE SOMEONE HAD BUILT A CAMPFIRE ON THE ENGINE HOOD RIGHT IN FRONT OF THE DRIVERS SIDE. INSURANCE DID INVESTIGATION BUT COULD NOT PROVE ANYTHING - NOT ENOUGH LEFT TO FIGURE IT OUT. *JB
Dec 22, 2004
EACH TIME WHEN VEHICLE SPLASHES IN A PUDDLE OF WATER THE SERPENTINE BELT COMES OFF. *AK
Dec 06, 2004
+ 41 more complaints for this component
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
45 complaints
I WAS DRIVING FROM THE STORE ON 10/27/05 ,WHEN I STOP TO A RED LIGHT AND I SAW SMOKE COME FROM THE SIDE AND FRONT OF THE CAR. THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN AND I PROCEEDED TO GO HOME ,WHEN I GOT HOME I RAN UP THE STAIRS TO WHERE I LIVE AND EXPLAIN TO MY BOYFRIEND SMOKE IS COMING FROM THE CAR HE WENT DOWN STAIRS TO CHECK AND THERE WAS A FIRE UNDER MY HOOD MY BOYFRIEND PUT THE FIRE OUT AND THEN WE TALKED ABOUT THE FIRE AND WE ALSO DROVE TO THE FORD DEALERSHIP WHICH WE GOT NO ANSWERS. NOW ON 10/28/05 WE HAD A WRECKER TO TOW THE CAR TO A FORD DEALERSHIP SO THEY WOULD SEE THE DAMAGE THEY LOOKED ON THE COMPUTER AND WE WERE INFORMED THERE'S NO RECALL ON THE FORD WINDSTAR GL, BUT THEY WOULD FIX IT BUT NOT UNDER WARRANTY, I ASK THE MANAGER WHAT DID HE SUGGEST HE SAID, CALL MY INSURANCE AND SEE WHAT THEY SAY. BUT INSTEAD OF DOING THAT I TOWED THE CAR TO A ELECTRITION AND HIS DESCRIPTION WAS THE PIGTALE WAS BURNT AND ALSO THE BRAKE PRESSURE SWITCH WAS BURNT UP AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED I DON'T KNOW MUCH ABOUT CARS, BUT I KNOW THERE SHOULD NOT HAVE BEEN A FIRE.*JB
Nov 02, 2005
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
Sep 03, 2005
DT: THERE WAS NO WARNING, NO LIGHTS, NO NOISE BEFORE THE ALTERNATOR FAILED. THE VEHICLE LOST ALL POWER AND WAS CONCERNED ABOUT WHAT WOULD HAPPEN WHILE DRIVING ALONG A CROWDED HIGHWAY. THE CONSUMER CONTACTED FORD AND WAS WAITING FOR A RESPONSE. THIS HAPPENED FRIDAY JULY 15TH, 2005. *AK *NM
Aug 12, 2005
I OWN A 1998 FORD ESCORT WITH 32,000 MILES AND RECENTLY HAD THE AIR CONDITIONER CONTROL MODULE REPLACED.WHEN THE REPAIR SHOP ATTEMPTED TO LOCATE A NEW PART, THEY WERE TOLD THAT THIS PART WAS ON NATIONAL BACKORDER. THIS LEADS ME TO BELIEVE THAT THERE HAS BEEN MANY PROBLEMS THROUGHOUT THE COUNTRY AND MAYBE SHOULD HAVE BEEN RECALLED BY THE MANUFACTURER.
Jul 08, 2005
MY DAUGHTER WAS ON HER WAY TO WORK , WHEN SHE CALLED ME & SAID "DAD MY CAR HAS LOSS POWER & IS RUNNING VERY ROUGH". I TOLD HER TO PULL OVER & I WOULD BE THERE SHORTLY, SINCE SHE WAS ONLY ABOUT 8 MILES DOWN THE ROAD. AS I WAS PREPAIRING TO LEAVE, MY DAUGHTER CALLED ME BACK & SAID THERE WAS A FIRE UNDER THE HOOD. I TOLD HER TO CALL 911 AND GET AWAY FROM THE CAR. IT TOOK ME LESS THAN 10 MINUTES TO GET THERE & BY THAT TIME THE FIREMEN HAD PUT THE FIRE OUT. THE CAR WAS TOTALED. THE CAR HAD BEEN RUNNING GREAT, WITH NO PROBLEMS AT ALL.
Jul 06, 2005
+ 40 more complaints for this component
POWER TRAIN
36 complaints
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
Sep 01, 2005
DT: CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE GARAGE WHEN A FIRE STARTED IN THE LEFT FRONT UNDERNEATH THE HOOD. THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN DRIVEN THE PREVIOUS NIGHT, AND HAD BEEN SITTING FOR APPROXIMATELY 15 HOURS. THE FIRE INVESTIGATOR DETERMINED THE CAUSE OF FIRE WAS FROM THE POWER CONTROL MODULE.*AK
Jun 30, 2005
WHILE DRIVING THE GEARS ON THE VEHICLE CHANGE FROM DRIVE TO NEUTRAL ON THEIR OWN. MANUFACTURER WILL BE CONTACTED BY OWNER.*AK
Feb 01, 2005
WHILE TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY TRANSMISSION HAD A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE GEAR. *AK
Jun 04, 2003
WHEN THE KEYS WERE IN THE IGNITION , THE CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO THE MOVE GEAR SHIFT LEVER FROM THE PARK POSITION. *JB
Apr 10, 2003
+ 31 more complaints for this component
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
26 complaints
MY ESCORT'S ROTORS GET HOT AND OUT OF ROUND, CONSEQUENTLY I NEED MY THIRD BRAKE JOB IN 26000 MILES. *AK
Aug 01, 2002
ACCELERATOR CAN EASILY BE MASHED DOWN DUE TO BRAKE PEDAL BEING SMALL. ALSO, BECAUSE BRAKE PEDAL DOES NOT SIT HIGH OVER ACCELERATOR PEDAL IT IS CAUSING SOME DRIVING DIFFICULTIES. PLEASE ADD MORE INFORMATION. *AK
Apr 25, 2002
WHEN APPLYING BRAKES THEY LOCKED ON ONE SIDE, CAUSING VEHICLE TO GO INTO A SPIN, AND RESULTING IN A COLLISION/ ROLLOVER. DRIVER SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES. VEHICLE WAS TOTALLED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK
Nov 07, 2001
WHILE DRIVING CONSUMER HEARD A SNAPPING NOISE, AND LOST COMPLETE CONTROL OF BRAKES AND LANDED IN A DITCH, AND SUFFERED ONLY MINOR INJURIES, CONSUMER WAS INFORMED BY DEALER THAT A BOLT NEVER SNAPS FROM THE BOOSTER IN THAT WAY, FUTHERMORE THE DELAER STATES THAT THE PART IS NOT AVAILABLE IN THE U.S. AND A NEW ONE WOULD HAVE TO BE MADE.*JB
Aug 03, 2001
WHILE DRIVING WOULD STEP ON BRAKES PEDAL TO STOP, BUT PEDAL WILL GO ALWAY TO FLOOR ,AND TIRES WILL NOT SKID.*AK
May 23, 2001
+ 21 more complaints for this component
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
13 complaints
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
Jul 26, 2010
1998 FORD EXPEDITION CAUGHT FIRE AS A RESULT OF A FAULTY CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH (ACCORDING TO INSURANCE FIRE INVESTIGATOR) - FORD CLAIMED THEY SENT 3 RECALL NOTICES, BUT I NEVER RECEIVED ANY UNTIL 3 DAYS AFTER THE FIRE - I SUFFERED PERSONAL PROPERTY AND OTHER DAMAGES AND FORD HAS REFUSED LIABILITY. *TR
Sep 11, 2007
MY 1998 FORD EXPEDITION CAUGHT ON FIRE AT 4:00 AM BY ITSELF. IT WAS LAST DRIVEN 14 HOURS PRIOR TO CATCHING ON FIRE. THE FIRE WAS SO HOT IT MELTED THE HOOD OF THE CAR. THE CAR WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED. THE FIRE INSPECTOR SAID IT STARTED WHERE THE CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH WAS LOCATED.*AK
Jan 24, 2006
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
Nov 15, 2005
WHEN ENGAGING INTO DRIVE VEHICLE ACCELERATED. AS A RESULT, CONSUMER'S VEHICLE CRASHED WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE. *AK
May 04, 2004
+ 8 more complaints for this component
VISIBILITY
13 complaints
THE SEALING LINES ON THE LOWER OUTSIDE OF THE WINDSHIELD ON THE VEHICLE IS BEING PULLED APART BY THE HUMIDITY AND HEAT. *TT *SCC
Jun 30, 2002
CONSUMER STATES THE AIR CONDITIONER IS LETTING IN FUMES FROM THE OUTSIDE WHILE DRIVING.*JB DEALER REPLACED THE RELAY MODULE. *TT
May 30, 2002
A SEVERE FOGGED FRONT WINDSHIELD CAUSED POOR VISIBILITY. CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO REMOVE OR CLEANED IT. MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED AT THIS TIME. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS ON THIS MATTER. *AK
Jan 25, 2001
ON HIGHWAY UNDER SNOWY AND ICY CONDITIONS CONSUMER TRIED TO TURN ON THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS, AND THEY WOULD NOT TURN ON. CONSUMER FELT THIS WAS VERY UNSAFE. *AK
Jan 18, 2000
ONGOING P[ROBLEM WITH EXHAUST SMELL COMING INTO VEHICLE WHEN HEATER/DEFOGGER ARE TURNED ON. DEALER / MANUFAXCTURER NOTIFIED. *AK
Dec 08, 1999
+ 8 more complaints for this component
STEERING
12 complaints
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
Aug 30, 2007
I TOOK MY 1998 FORD ESCORT TO GAGNE FORD IN PRINCETON, WISCONSIN, TO HAVE THE OIL CHANGED. THE TECHNICIAN INFORMED ME THAT THEY RECOMMEND REPLACING THE TIE RODS. "OUTER TIE ROD ENDS. RIGHT OUTER IS LOOSE. LEFT OUTER IS SIEZED." SINCE THERE IS ONLY 23,200 MILES ON THE CAR, I CHECKED FOR RECALLS. ARE PEOPLE JUST HAVING THIS REPAIR DONE AND NOT REPORTING IT? DO I REALLY NEED THIS WORK DONE?
Aug 18, 2004
THE POWER STEERING HOSE FAILED.*JB
Feb 13, 2003
CONSUMER STATES WHILE DRIVING SHE THERE WAS A THUMPING NOISE . AFTER INSPECTION OF THE VEHICLE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT ONE OF THE STEERING RODS WERE MISSING. THE DEALER HAS REPAIRED THE VEHICLE. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. MR
Oct 15, 2002
WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE AT 35 MPH THE POWER STEERING MECHANISM FAILURE CAUSING TO LOST THE CONTROL. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. MR
Oct 10, 2002
+ 7 more complaints for this component
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
12 complaints
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
Feb 29, 2004
NO SUMMARY. DT
Oct 23, 2002
THE FUEL PUMP INITIALLY FAILED WITHIN 30 DAYS OF THE EXPIRATION OF THE WARRANTY ON THE CAR. THE FUEL PUMP WAS REPLACED BY KIP KILLMON'S TYSONS FORD IN TYSONS CORNER, VA IN JULY 2001. IN JANUARY 2002 THE FUEL PUMP AGAIN FAILED, AND THE SAME DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE FUEL PUMP FOR A SECOND TIME. FORTUNATELY, THE FAILURE DID NOT OCCUR WHILE I WAS DRIVING THE CAR, BUT RESULTED IN THE CAR FAILING TO START. HAD THE PUMP FAILED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN OPERATION, I MIGHT NOT HAVE BEEN SO LUCKY. THE FACT THAT THE SAME PROBLEM OCCURRED WITHIN 6 MONTHS ON THE SAME WELL-MAINTAINED CAR WITH LOW MILEAGE, INDICATES TO ME THAT THIS MAY BE A MANUFACTURING PROBLEM WITH THE PART AND/OR THE CAR. FORD HAD NO INTEREST IN ADDRESSING MY CONCERNS WHEN THIS PROBLEM WAS BROUGHT TO THEIR ATTENTION.*AK
Jun 26, 2002
WHEN FILLING GAS TANK, FUEL PUMP STOPS CONSTANTLY AND THEN SPILLS FUEL ON THE GROUND. *AK
Sep 09, 2001
WIRES THAT POWER FUEL PUMP SHORT ACROSS EACH OTHER. THIS PUMP AND WIRING IS IN THE FUEL TANK. CAR IS BEING REPAIR OUTSIDE OF A FORD DEALERSHIP SO FORD DOES NOT SEEM TO BE CONCERNED. DEALER WAS SHOWN THE DEFECTIVE PART AND WAS CONCERNED BUT REGIONAL SERVICE REP DID NOT CARE TO EVEN SEE PART. CALLED CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE BUT THEY WERE NOT INTRESTED. *AK
Jun 06, 2001
+ 7 more complaints for this component
EQUIPMENT
10 complaints
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
Jul 03, 2000
AC DRAINER AREA SOMEHOW CLOGGED AND WOULD NOT DRAIN PROPERLY. WAS DRAINING INSIDE CABIN CAUSING MUSTY ODOR AND WET CARPET. DEALERSHIP SAID NOT A COMMON PROBLEM, NOT COVERED BY EXTENDED WARRANTY SINCE NO ACTUAL FAILURE, HAD TO REMOVE AC MOTOR, DRAIN AND REINSTALL, ALIGN AND SEAL. THIS SEEMS LIKE A DESIGN DEFECT. AC SHOULD NOT SUCK UP DEBRIS LIKE IT DOES CAUSING CLOGS. *AK
May 30, 2000
RADIO AND CD FAILURE. UNCLEAR RADIO SIGNAL AND NO CD PLAYING CAPABILITY. *AK
Apr 24, 2000
AIR CONDITIONER LEAKS ON THE FOOT OF THE DRIVER. IT HAS LEAKED TO THE POINT THAT IT HAS GAVE THE CARPET A MUSTY SMELL AND IT (THE CARPET) HAS WATER DAMAGE. I HAVE REPORTED IT TO THE DEALER TWICE AND THEY HAVE NOT PROPERLY FIXED THE PROBLEM. NOW IT HAS TO BE TAKEN IN AGAIN FOR THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM.
Jul 24, 1999
RADIO DOES NOT WORK.
Jun 14, 1999
+ 5 more complaints for this component
STRUCTURE
9 complaints
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.
Jan 26, 2019
CONSTANTLY WET CONDITION ON DRIVER SIDE FLOOR - DURING WET WEATHER. WATER COMING THROUGH THE FLOOR OR FIREWALL (NEAR THE FLOOR) AND FILLING THE FLOOR WITH WATER. *JB 1998 FORD ESCORT LX
Dec 08, 2004
THE PAINT ON THE DRIVERS SIDE FRONT PANEL WAS STRIPED OFF IN A CAR WASH. AND TO MY KNOWLEDGE THE CARS HAS NOT BEEN REPAINTED. WELL... NOT WHILE I'VE OWNED IT. I AM HAVING THE CAR REPAINTED. *NM
Oct 07, 2004
THE BOLT TO PUT LICENSE TAGS ON THE CAR WERE NOT PROPER FIT. YH
Mar 01, 1999
CUSTOMER IS NOT HAPPY WITH THE STRUCTURE, THERE IS NO HOOD LIGHT ON THIS MODEL. YH
Feb 01, 1999
+ 4 more complaints for this component
TIRES
8 complaints
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
Sep 06, 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
Dec 20, 2010
JULY 2002 GOING NORTH ON I65 IN THE EDGE OF LOUISVILLE KY DRIVING APX 55 MPH THE RIGHT REAR INSIDE DUEL TIRE BLEW OUT WITH THE OUTER RUBBER AND STEEL COMING OFF THE CASING OF THE TIRE. THIS WAS THE FIRST OF TWO BLOWOUTS. THE SECOND HAPPENED OCT 2002 IN FLORIDA ON I 75 NEAR OCALA. THE FIRST TIRE WAS REPLACED BY A FIRESTONE DEALER IN COLUMBUS INDIANA AT NO COST> THE SECOND WAS REPLACED BY A FIRESTONE DEALER IN OCALA, FL. AT A 60% COSTING ME 50.24. I HAVE CONTACTED FIRESTONE AND THEY OFFERED TO GIVE ME 50% OF THE COST OF THE TIRES ON ANOTHER TIRE THEY SAID I NEED TO UPGRADE TO THE CORRECT TIRE THAT SHOULD OF BEEN PUT ON THE M/H BY FORD FIRESTONE WANTS ME TO PUT 4 TIRES THAT ARE THEIR BETTER DESIGN FOR MH USAGE. THEY WILL GIVE ME ONLY 50% ON 4 TIRES SAYING I ONLY NEED TO REPLACE THE REAR TIRES. I HAVE HAD TWO TIRES SEPERATE IN THE LAST 3,000 MILES OR SO. I DO NOT THINK THESE TIRES ARE SAFE AND I DON'T THINK IT WOULD BE SAFE TO MIX THE TWO DIFFERENT TIRES. I AM STUCK WITH 7 FIRESTONE TIRES THAT HAVE THE HISTORY OF FAILING . I HAVE REPLACED ALL THE TIRES (6 )ON THE GROUND WITH MICHELIN TIRES AT A COST OF $1,200.00. IS THERE ANY RELIEF I CAN GET FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF THESE TIRES? DT
Nov 08, 2002
TIRE T301887-GCW-74M8MS - TIRE BLOWOUT AT 65 MPH. *AK (DOT NUMBER: MKMF BEWR TIRESIZE: P185/60R15)
Jun 16, 2001
PE00 048; CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 65MPH ON HIGHWAY AND HEARD A LOUD BANGING NOISE. SHE SAW SMOKE FROM REARVIEW MIRRIOR. SHE WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER, AND NOTICED THAT FRONT RIGHT PASSENGER TIRE TREAD SEPARATED FROM VEHICLE. GOODYEAR TIRE. GOODYEAR WAS NOTIFIED.*AK
Apr 02, 2001
+ 3 more complaints for this component
AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS
8 complaints
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
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.
Aug 26, 2008
WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH CONSUMER'S VEHICLE REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE. UPON IMPACT, SEAT BELTS DID NOT LOCK, AND AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *AK
Mar 15, 2005
I WAS DRIVING MY 1998 FORD WINDSTAR WITH 5 PASSENGERS, AND MYSELF AS THE DRIVER. WE REAR ENDED A CAR ON THE LEFT FRONT BUMPER. NO AIRBAGS DEPLOYED, THAT IS A QUESTION FOR MYSELF. MY 4YR OLD IN BACKSEAT DIRECTLY BEHIND ME SITS IN A HIGH BACK BOOSTER, NOT USING THE 5 PT HARNESS. HE IS IN A REGULAR SHOULDER/LAP BELT. UPON IMPACT MY CHILD FLEW FORWARD SLAMMING INTO MY SEAT AND HAVING HIS GLASSES ALSO FLY FORWARD OFF OF HIS FACE. QUESTION ON SEAT BELT. PLEASE HELP!!!!!*AK
Mar 09, 2005
WHILE WAITING TO MAKE A TURN ANOTHER CAR HIT CONSUMER'S VEHICLE ON RIGHT SIDE. DASHBOARD CRACKED, BUT NONE OF FRONTAL AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. ALSO, SEAT BELT CAME LOOSE. THE DRIVER WAS INJURED DURING THE ACCIDENT.*AK
Feb 15, 2001
+ 3 more complaints for this component
SEAT BELTS
8 complaints
DT: 1998 FORD ESCORT. BOTH OF THE REAR SEAT BELTS DO NOT WORK. THE SEAT BELT STRAPS WILL NOT PULL OUT FROM THE SEAT, WHICH MAKES IT IMPOSSIBLE TO USE THEM. ABOUT A YEAR AGO THE DRIVER'S SIDE REAR SEAT BELT STOPPED RETRACTING. THIS WAS IN JUNE OF 2004. AND ON 7-25-05 THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR SEAT BELT STOPPED RETRACTING. THE CONSUMER HAD TAKEN IT TO TWO DIFFERENT DEALERSHIPS AND THEY TOLD HER THAT THE SEAT BELTS WERE NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. WHEN SHE CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER, THEY TOLD HER THE SAME THING. THERE WERE NO OTHER KNOWN PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE AT THIS TIME. CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT IN 2002. BUT, IT WAS JUST A FENDER BENDER TYPE ISSUE. NO ONE WAS IN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE AT THAT TIME. *AK
Aug 01, 2005
REAR OUTBOARD SEAT BELTS ARE UNABLE TO RETRACT. AS A RESULT, THE CHILD SEATS ARE NOT BEING RESTRAINT. *AK
Jun 14, 2004
VEHICLE'S REAR SEAT BELTS ARE LOCKING IN THE RETRACT POSITION AND WOULDN'T RELEASE. CONSUMER IS UNABLE TO PROPERLY RETRAIN CHILDREN IN CSS. THE DEALERSHIP INDICATED THE SEAT BELT SYSTEM NEEDS REPLACEMENT IN ORDER THE CORRECT PROBLEM.
Jul 30, 2003
WHEN THE CONSUMER PLACED HER DAUGHTER INSIDE OF THE CHILD INTERGRATED CAR SEAT, THE CONSUMER NOTICED THE STRAP HAD SEPARATED. *JB
May 06, 2003
DRIVER'S SIDE AUTOMATIC SEATBELT IS GOES UP AND DOWN INTERMITTENTLY WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING. BELT IS STUCK HALF WAY BECAUSE IT IS OFF THE TRACK. DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF PROBLEM.*AK
Dec 14, 2001
+ 3 more complaints for this component
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
8 complaints
MY WIFE WAS TEACHING AT THE LOCAL JR. COLLEGE HERE IN PENSACOLA FLORIDA. SHE PARKED THE TRUCK AT APPROX. 6:45PM ,HER CLASSROOM FACES THE PARKING LOT. FROM THE SECOND FLOOR SOME OF HER STUDENTS COULD SEE SOMETHING ON FIRE IN THE PARKING LOT, IT'S APPROX. 8:40PM BY NOW. THE CAR WAS SEEN BY THE GROUNDSKEEPERS AND SERCURITY TO HAVE WHAT APPEARED TO BE SMOKE AND SPARKS OF FIRE COMMING FROM THE HOOD. THEY ATTEMPTED TO USE FIRE EXTINGUSHERS BUT THE FLAMES AND FIRE BY THIS TIME WAS TO HOT.SOON AFTERWARDS THE FIRE DEPT. ARRIVED. MOST OF THE FIRE WAS UNDER THE HOOD ON THE DRIVERS SIDE THAT ENGULFED THE FRONT DRIVERSIDE INCLUDING THE ROOF DRIVER DOOR AND THE TIRE COMPLETLY MELTED AWAY ON THE DRIVERS SIDE. WE'VE SPOKEN WITH FORD MOTOR COMPANY AND WE WHERE ASKED VERY POINTANTLY EXACTLY WHAT DID WE EXPECT OF FORD MOTOR COMPANY.WE CAN'T IMAGION A MORE LUDACRIS QUESTION! WE WHERE TOLD THAT THE LEGAL DEPT. AT FORD MOTOR COMPANY WOULD GET BACK WITH US IN 24-48HRS. WE'VE EXCEEDED 48HRS + NOW...
Jun 04, 2005
AIR VACCUME CONTROL
Jan 03, 2001
NO SUMMARY
Aug 27, 2000
WINDOW SILL FAILED. *YC
Feb 01, 1999
CUSTOMER IS NOT HAPPY WITH THE INTERIOR SYSTEM : MAP LIGHT, BOTH DRIVER AND PASSANGER SIDE MIRROR IN VISOR AND REAR DOOR HATCH LIGHT ARE ALL MISSING IN THIS MODEL YEAR. YH
Feb 01, 1999
+ 3 more complaints for this component
SEATS
8 complaints
FRAME BROKE FROM UNDER PASSENGER'S SIDE SEAT. CAN'T MOVE SEAT UP OR BACKWARDS. FRAME RUSTED OUT FROM UNDER SEAT. DEALER CONTACTED. *AK
May 06, 2002
I WAS REAR-ENDED BY A MOVING TRUCK (LIKE A RYDER TRUCK) WHO WAS TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH WHEN HE HIT ME. I WAS ALMOST AT A COMPLETE STOP. THE PROBLEM THAT I AM ASKING ABOUT, BECAUSE I WANT TO KNOW IF THERE HAVE BEEN ANY OTHER PROBLEMS LIKE THIS REPORTED, IS THAT MY SEAT, THE DRIVER'S SEAT, BROKE AND TWISTED ON IMPACT. AFTER THE IMPACT THE SEAT WAS LEFT BENT BACKWARDS AND TWISTED TO THE RIGHT CONSISTENT WITH MY INJURIES. I GUESS WHAT I REALLY WANT TO KNOW IS, SHOULD THE SEAT HAVE DONE THAT AT THAT IMPACT SPEED WITH A WOMAN SITTING IN THE SEAT THAT IS 5' 5" AND WEIGHT 140 LBS? I DON'T KNOW IF YOU CAN ANSWER MY QUESTION OR IF THIS IS EVEN THE RIGHT PLACE TO ASK BUT I JUST THOUGHT THAT I WOULD TRY. THANKS FOR ANY HELP THAT YOU CAN GIVE ME.*AK
Apr 23, 2001
DRIVER/PASSENGER HEADRESTS HAVE STAPLES AT BOTTOM & THEY ARE COMING OUT. PART OF HEADREST IS SEWN. BOTTOM OF HEADREST IS NOT COMING APART EVEN THOUGH IT WAS LOSING STAPLES. HAVE NOT TAKEN VEHICLE TO DEALER. HAD CONTACTED DEALERSHIP & WAS INFORMED TO BRING VEHICLE IN TO BE CHECKED. TOOK VEHICLE A FEW MONTHS LATER, AND REPRESENTATIVE CHECKED IT OUT. TOOK DOWN SOME INFORMATION & NOTHING ELSE. *AK
Jan 02, 2001
NO SUMMARY
Aug 27, 2000
THIS VEHICLE WAS IN A REAR END ACCIDENT WERE THE DRIVER'S SEAT BECAME TOTALLY DISCONNECTED FROM VEHICLE. DRIVER OF THE VEHICLE DIED. VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING AT 70 MPH AND WAS STRUCK FROM THE REAR. MANUFACTURER HAS NOT BEEN CONTACTED. *AK *ML
Feb 24, 2000
+ 3 more complaints for this component
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
4 complaints
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
Jan 14, 2008
WHEN HAZARD FLASHERS ARE ON CONSUMER CAN SHIFT GEARS WITHOUT APPLYING THE BRAKES. DEALER NOTIFIED. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.*AK
May 27, 2003
WHEN EVER YOU USE A TURN SIGNAL OR BRIGHT LIGHTS WHICH ARE ALL BUILT INTO THE SAME ARM WILL CAUSE THE LIGHTS TO GO OUT. I WAS LUCKY THAT I WAS ON A LONELY ROAD AT 3:00 AM WITH MY TEEN DAUGHTER WHEN THEY WENT OUT FOR THE 1ST TIME. AS I HAVE 4 CHILDREN AND 2 PARENTS TO CARE FOR WITH A FULL TIME JOB AND WAS AWAY FROM HOME AT THE TIME TO HELP MY DAUGHTER. I WAS UNABLE TO GET THIS TAKEN CARE OF UNTIL OCT, 2001. I CALLED IN SEPTEMBER AND WAS UNABLE TO REACH ANYONE UNTIL 10-3-2001. I FEEL THAT THIS IS A DEFECTIVE THING AS I HAVE TALKED TO OTHER PEOPLE THAT HAVE HAD PROBLEMS IN THE OFFICE WITH THE FORD ELECTRICAL. I AM VERY CONCERNED AS ALL THE DASH LIGHTS GO OUT AS WELL AS THE HEAD LIGHTS. AS YOU DO NOT HAVE ANY WARNING THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM UNTIL YOU ARE IN THE DARK. IN A MOVING VECHICAL. I HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO DRIVE THIS CAR IN BAD WEATHER OR AT NIGHT DO TO THIS. IF I HIT A BUMP IN THE ROAD IT WOULD KNOCK THE OUT TOO. AS I WAS GOING BACK ROADS TO GET TO MY PARENTS HOME TO GET MY DAD TO THE HOSPITAL I HAD NO CHOICE BUT TO GO ON AND I DID NOT KNOW WHAT WAS HAPPENING. NOR WAS THERE ANYONE THAT I COULD CALL IF I NEED TO AS THERE WAS NOT ANYTHING AROUND.
Oct 05, 2001
THIS IS TO COMPLAIN ABOUT YOUR REQUIRING THE HEADLIGH DIMMER SWITCH TO BE ON THE STEERING COLUM. THAT IS NOT ONLY INCONVIENIENT, ITS DANGEROURS. IT IS EASIER TO KEEP BOTH HANDS ON THE WHEEL IF YOU DON'T HAVE TO KEEP REACHING TO DIM YOUR LIGHTS. PLEASE ALLOW THE ON-FLOOR "FOOT CLICKER" SWITCH AGAIN.
Jan 04, 1999
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
3 complaints
WHILE TRAVELING AT 69MPH HOOD ATTEMPTED TO POP & WAS CAUGHT BY A SECONDARY LATCH. CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO CLOSE LATCH, AND IT WOULD NOT RELEASE BY PULLING CABLE. BUT COULD PULL IT UP BY HAND. DEALER WILL REPAIR HOOD AT CONSUMER'S COST & DEDUCTIBLE. *AK
Mar 27, 2000
TRUNK DID NOT STAY OPEN. IT HAS FALLEN ON CONSUMER, CAUSING HEAD INJURIES. DEALER HAS NOT SEEN VEHICLE. *AK
Feb 07, 2000
DOOR WILL NOT OPEN FROM THE INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. NLM
Feb 01, 1999
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,AIR BAGS
2 complaints
WHILE DRIVING IN INCLEMENT WEATHER DRIVER APPLIED THE BRAKES AND THE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. VEHICLE HYDRO PLANED , AND THE DRIVER WAS UNABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, SMASHING INTO A CONCRETE BARRIER. UPON IMPACT, BOTH AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE DRIVER REFUSED MEDICAL ATTENTION ON THE SCENE, BUT WENT TO THE HOSPITAL LATER THAT DAY. VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND TOTALED BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY. *AK
Feb 08, 2005
WHILE DRIVING SOUTH ABOUT 35-40MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE TURNED THE CORNER, HEADING NORTH & SPEEDING, DRIFTED INTO ESCORT'S LANE. ESCORT DRIVER APPLIED BRAKES TO AVOID VEHICLE, & VEHICLE PULLED LEFT. IT SKIDDED ACROSS THE ROAD & HIT A POLE. ABS DID NOT WORK. RIGHT BRAKES HAD DISINTERGRATED. AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, BUT SEAT BELT HELD. DRIVER HAS BRUISED KNEE. VEHICLE TOTALED BY INSURANCE CO.
Oct 23, 1998
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
2 complaints
ON AUGUST 5, 2003, I WAS REARENDED WHILE DRIVING A 1998 FORD ESCORT. THE AUTO KILL SWICH NEVER KILLED THE ENGINE. LUCKILY THE GAS TANK STAYED INTACT. THE DAMAGE TO THE CAR WAS SO SEVERE THAT THE FIRE PERSONELL AT THE SCENE COULD NOT BELIEVE THAT THE KILL SWITCH WAS NOT TRIPPED. BOTH BACK DOORS WERE JAMMED WITH MY 6 YEAR OLD TRAOOED IN THE BACK.
Aug 06, 2003
FUEL TANK PRESSURE SENSOR FAILED.
Feb 01, 1999
CHILD SEAT
2 complaints
GRACO 8442 CYP CHILD SAFETY SEAT. *MR PH
Jun 16, 2003
CHOOSING CHILD SAFETY SEAT ON THE MENU BROUGHT ME TO THIS FORM...ANYWAY, CHILD SAFETY SEATS THAT DO NOT HAVE A MEANS TO ADJUST THE STRAPS WITHOUT REMOVING THE SAFETY SEAT FROM THE VEHICLE ARE UNSAFE. MANY PARENTS WILL JUST PUT THEIR CHILD IN THINKING THE SEAT IS SAFELY INSTALLED AND THEY DON'T REALIZE THAT PROPER STRAP ADJUSTMENT IS A MAJOR PART OF THE CHILD'S SAFETY. I RECOMMEND A RECALL ON ALL SEATS THAT DON'T HAVE AN ADJUSTMENT LEVER AT THE FRONT OF THE SEAT. THIS TIME OF YEAR IS ESPECIALLY DANGEROUS, WHEN THE WEATHER ONE DAY WILL REQUIRE A WINTER COAT AND THE WEATHER THE NEXT IS SUMMER LIKE. AN EXAMPLE OF AN UNSAFE SEAT IS THE COSCO VENTURA. AN EXAMPLE OF A SAFE SEAT IS THE CENTURY BREVVERA.*AK
May 07, 2002
PARKING BRAKE
2 complaints
VECHICLE WAS PARKED ON A HILL IN AN INCLINE POSITION AND EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS IN A UPRIGHT POSITION, VECHICLE ROLLED DOWN THE HILL AND HIT A TREE. *AK
Oct 15, 1999
WHILE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN AN UPHILL POSITION WITH EMERGENCY BRAKE ON, VEHICLE ROLLED DOWN THE HILL AND HIT A TREE. *AK
Oct 15, 1999
ENGINE
1 complaint
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
Sep 19, 2019
SUSPENSION,PARKING BRAKE,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
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
Mar 06, 2008
AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
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
Dec 28, 2006
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,POWER TRAIN,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
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
May 18, 2006
STEERING,SUSPENSION
1 complaint
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
Oct 07, 2005
SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
1 complaint
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
Sep 06, 2005
STRUCTURE,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
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
Aug 20, 2004
SEAT BELTS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
I HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM SINCE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE, AS YOU ARE DRIVING THE BACK OF THE SEAT WILL DROP DOWN. I HAD TAKEN IT IN TO THE SERVICE CENTER AND MADE COMMENT OF THIS TO WHICH I WAS TOLD I HAVE NEVER HEARD ANYTHING LIKE IT BEFORE. WHAT I HAVE FOUND OUT OVER THE YEARS AND MILES, IS THAT THE SEATBELT STRAP AT THE LAP CAN CATCH ON THE RELEASE LEVER OF THE SEAT AND ANY SHIFTING IN POSITION WILL PULL ON THE LEVER AND RELEASE THE SEAT BACK. THIS IS JUST A WARNING TO OTHERS AS IT CAN CAUSE A FATAL ACCIDENT AS IT CATCHES THE UNSUSPECTING DRIVER OFF GUARD WHEN THE BACK OF YOUR SEAT FALLS. I HAVE HAD THIS HAPPEN OVER A DOZEN TIMES SINCE OWNING THE VEHICLE.
Jan 15, 2004
TIRES,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
HELLO, MY COMPLAINT CONCERNS THE REAR COIL SPRINGS OF '98 ISH ESCORTS. IN MY CASE, THE FIRST SPRING FAILED AT ABOUT 80,000 KMS AND THE SECOND WAS CONFIRMED JUST TODAY WHILE HAVING A TIRE REPLACED DUE TO A PUNCTURE. THREE GARAGES HAVE MADE UNSOLICITED COMMENTS CONCERNING THE AWFUL COILS DELIVERED WITH THE CAR WONDERING IF THEY (THE REAR COILS) HAD FAILED YET. INITIALLY I WAS SKEPTICAL OF THE MECHANICS MOTIVES; NOW I JUST FUME WHEN I HEAR THESE COMMENTS. IF THIS IS SUCH A PROBLEM, WHY ISN'T FORD MAKING ARRANGEMENTS TO REDRESS THIS PROBLEM? NOW I'M WONDERING WHETHER THAT BUSTED COIL WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR YESTERDAY'S PUNCTURED TIRE - THE GARAGE THOUGHT THIS WAS CERTAINLY NOT OUT OF THE QUESTION.
Jan 15, 2004
SUSPENSION,AIR BAGS
1 complaint
WHILE SWERVING TO AVOID HITTING AN ANIMAL REAR END FAILED. AS A RESULT, VEHICLE COLLIDED INTO A TREE, THEN FLIPPED, AND LANDED ON ALL FOUR TIRES. UPON IMPACT, DUAL AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *AK
Jan 07, 2004
STEERING,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
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
Feb 27, 2003
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
THE FUEL PUMP WAS REPLACED 20,000 MILES AGO; DEALER WILL NOT HONOR WARRANTY. DT
Oct 23, 2002
STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
WHILE DRIVING HIT THE HORN AND IT STUCK. HAD TO UNPLUG FUSE TO CUT HORN OFF. DEALER CONTACTED. TARGO SWITCH INSIDE STEERING WHEEL PAD BROKE.*AK
Aug 08, 2002
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,VISIBILITY
1 complaint
WHEN YOU TRY TO USE THE WASHER FLUID IT LEAKS ON THE HOOD OF THE CAR CAUSING THE HOOD TO BECOME DISCOLORED FROM THE WINDSHEILD WASHER FLUID. ALSO WHENEVER YOU ARE AT A STOP THE CAR STARTS TO SHAKE, THEY FORD SAY THAT IT IS FROM THE ENGINE MOUNTS AND THAT IT IS NOT HAZARDOUS SO THEY WILL NOT DO ANYTHING ABOUT. LAST THEIR IS PROBLEMS WITH THE TRANSMISION, WHENEVER YOU ARE MOVING SLOW OR IN A STOP POSITION AND START TO MOVE THE CAR JERKS REALLY BAD. IT MAKES YOU FEEL LIKE SOMEONE RAN INTO YOU OR THAT YOU RAN SOMETHING OVER. I HAVE REPORTED THIS TO THE COMPANY, BUT THEY CAN'T DO NOTHING ABOUT. I HAVE HEARD OTHER PEOPLE WITH THE ECAXT SAME CAR HAVE THE EXACT SAME PROBLEMS
Jan 29, 2002
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,AIR BAGS
1 complaint
CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 45MPH ON DRY ROADS ANOTHER VEHICLE CUT IN FRONT TRYING NOT TO HIT VEHICLE. CONSUMER HIT TWO PARKED CARS INSTEAD. AIRBAGS IN FRONT DIDN'T DEPLOY. MANUFACTURER REFERRED CONSUEMR TO A FORD DEALER. VEHICLE HAS A FUEL INJECTION SWITCH THAT CUT VEHICLE OFF. VEHICLE STARTED BACK UP. *AK
Feb 27, 2001
AIR BAGS,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
WHILE DRIVING HORN KEPT GOING OFF WHICH MIGHT STARTLE OCCUPANT AND CAUSE A CRASH. DEALER SAID IT WAS DUE TO AIRBAG SYSTEM WHICH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AT 59,000 MILES. AIRBAG LIGHT DID NOT COME ON. COMMON PROBLEM. *AK
Jan 24, 2001
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
ENGINE VIBRATES, AND HAS A HIGH IDLE. ENGINE RUNS ROUGH AND SHAKES. ENGINE SURGES AND HESITATES. CAR STALLS. I HAVE HAD THE VEHICLE IN FOR THIS SAME REPAIR SEVERAL TIMES SINCE THE PURCHASE OF IT. THE MECHANICS HAVE REPLACED SPARK PLUGS, FUEL GUAGE, FUEL FILTER, VALVE IDLE AIR CONTROL, VAPOR MANAGEMENT, MOTOR MOUNTS. THE DEARLERSHIP IN HILLSBOROUGH REPLACED A CABLE SOMETHING (THE SERVICE MANGER QUIT AND A TICKET WAS NOT FOUND FOR THIS REPAIR.) THE VEHICLE CONTINUES TO HAVE SAME PROBLEM WITHOUT BEING TOTALLY FIXED. THE LAST TIME I BROUGHT THE CAR IN FOR STALLING, THE REPAIR WAS DONE, BUT THE NEXT MORNING THE CAR CONTINUED TO STALL. AS OF THIS DATE, I AM TAKING THE CAR IN FOR THE SAME PROBLEM AGAIN. PLEASE NOTE: IN REVIEWING THE INFORMATION AFTER SUBMITTTING I NOTICED THAT IN # OF FAILURES PASSENGER AIR BAG DEPLOYED 8 TIMES WITH THE DATE OF 7/24/98. THIS IS INCORRECT, CAR WAS NOT IN AN ACCIDENT AND AIR BAGS WERE NOT USED.*AK
Dec 12, 2000
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
ENTERED EXPRESSWAY AND THROTTLE LINKAGE STUCK OPEN. GOT VEHICLE SLOWED FROM UPWARDS TO 75 MPH BY SMASHING BRAKES AND SLOWED ENOUGH TO EXIT. WAS NOT ABLE TO SLOW DOWN TO A STOP SO TURNED RIGHT ON EXITED STREET AND ONCE STRAIGHTENED OUT, WHILE STILL MOVING AT APPROX. 30MPH, SHIFTED IN NEUTRAL, LETTING THE MOTOR RACE UNCONTROLLABLY WHILE VEHICLE WAS BROUGHT TO A STOP. AT THAT TIME LEVER WAS PUT INTO PARK AND MOTOR TURNED OFF. DRIVER SHAKEN UP AND VEHICLE MOTOR MAY BE COMPROMISED DUE TO STUCK ACCELERATOR OVER-REVVING. LOOKED FOR A RECALL FOR MODEL TYPE FOR STUCK THROTTLE LINKAGE-NONE FOR ESCORT BUT THERE IS ONE FOR FORD LIKE MODEL, THE CONTOUR, RECALL # 99V194000. ESCORT WAS BUILT IN 3/1998 WHICH FALLS UNDER TIME OF RECALL FOR OTHER FORD PRODUCT.*AK
Dec 05, 2000
SEAT BELTS,SEATS
1 complaint
CAR "TOTALED" IN REAR-END WRECK. PASSENGER SEATBACK COLLAPSED WHEN HIT FROM REAR, HARD CONTACT WITH 3-POINT SEAT BELTS WHEN THROWN FORWARD WHEN CAR CRASHED INTO VEHICLE STOPPED IN FRONT. GOT RIDE TO HOSPITAL IN AMBULANCE! DRIVER SIDE SEAT BACK DID NOT COLLAPSE, DRIVER OKAY.
Nov 13, 2000
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
HORN WILL GO OFF WITHOUT ANY ONE TOUCHING IT. ALSO, CONSUMER WAS HAVING A PROBLEM WITH STEREO. *AK
Aug 21, 2000
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
SENSOR LIGHT COMES ON AND OFF INTERMITTENTLY. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP, AND MECHANIC FIXED VEHICLE. DEALERSHIP MECHANIC REPLACED WIRING IN FRONT OF VEHICLE, AND PROBLEM CAME BACK THREE MONTHS AGO.DEALER TOLD HER TO RIDE WITH SENSOR LIGHT ON. *AK SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT ON STEADY DUE TO POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM) FAILURE. *YH
Aug 18, 2000
STEERING,AIR BAGS
1 complaint
WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH IN WET CONDITIONS DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE AND RAN INTO A TREE HEAD ON ,DID NOT HAVE ENOUGH TIME TO APPLY BRAKES , DUAL AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, CAUSING HEAD INJURIES. *AK
Aug 07, 2000
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,POWER TRAIN,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
FUEL GUAGE FAILS TO REGISTER THE CORRECT AMOUNT OF FUEL. ALSO, TRANSMISSION WOULD JUMP/JERK FORWARD IF PLACED INTO GEAR. WHENEVER THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED, THE TRANSMISSION WOULD JERK. REAR PASSENGER DOOR CANNOT BE OPEN FROM THE INSIDE. TOOK TO DEALER & HAD TRANSMISSION REPLACED. MECHANIC INDICATED NOTHING WAS WRONG.*AK
Jul 11, 2000
SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
1 complaint
CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER TO HAVE IT CHECKED. DEALER DISCOVERED THAT STEERING/ BRAKES SQUEAKED. *AK
Apr 05, 2000
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
VEHICLE STARTED, ENGINE RATTLED UPON ACCELERATION AT ALL SPEEDS AT 2300 MILES. AFTER NUMEROUS FAILED REPAIR ATTEMPTS BY DEALER,I SENT COMPLAINT TO FORDS DSB BOARD.WORKING THROGH ARBITRATION VEHICLE LOOKED AT BY ENGINEER.THEY REPLACED PCM.PROBLEM GOT WORSE,ALONG WITH NEW PROBLEMS,LACK OF POWER,HARD START,TRANSMISSION HESITAING.THEN THEY REPLACED FUEL PUMP,DIDNT HELP, THEN IGNITION SWITCH, DIDNT HELP,THEN MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR AND AIR FILTER, DIDNT HELP.FINALLY VEHICLE STARTED STALLING WHILE DRIVING, DURING ACC. TOWED BACK TO SHOP, FORD HAD IT SIX WEEKS THIS TIME REPLACED PCM TWO MORE TIMES.I HAVE VEHICLE BACK,STILL PROBLEM WITH TRANSMISSION HESITATING.VEHICLE IN SHOP EIGHT TIMES FOR SAME OR RELATED PROBLEMS AND TOTALLING ALMOST THREE MONTHS IN SHOP. STILL IN ARBITRATION, CONSDERING CLOSING CASE AND TAKING TO DSB. PERSONALLY. *AK
Jan 10, 2000
STEERING,POWER TRAIN
1 complaint
LEASED VEHICLE: WHILE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY AN INDEPENDENT REPAIRS SHOP. MECHANIC INFORMED CONSUMER THATE DRIVESHAFT BUSHING WAS DETERIORATING AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.ALSO, DEALER REPLACED POWER STEERING RACK BUSHING *AK
Nov 09, 1999
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER,AIR BAGS
1 complaint
NO DEPLOYMENT OF AIR BAG, AND SHUT OFF VALVE FAILED DURING ACCIDENT RESULTING IN HEADACHES FROM HITTING HEAD ON MIRROR, NECKACHES AND UPPER BACK PROBLEMS. NLM
Oct 19, 1999
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
VEHICLE WOULD ACCELERATE. WOULD START REVVING AT STOP LIGHT/SIGN. MANUA CLUTCH MAKES NOISE. SPEED NOT A FACTOR. THE BRAKES WOULD JERK & JIGGLE WHEN APPLIED. HAD RATTLE IN RIGHT FRONT AFTER REPAIRS. WAS INFORMED THAT WAS NORMAL. *AK
Aug 11, 1999
AIR BAGS,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
IN A CRASH, I WAS HIT BY A CAR GOING APPROX. 40 MPH, THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. HOWEVER, FOR 4 DAYS FOLLOWING THE ACCIDENT THERE WAS AN OVERWHELMING ODOR OF PROPELLANT IN THE CAR. THIS ODOR BROUGHT ON A SEVERE ASTHMA ATTACK FOR ME. ALSO, THE CAR HESITATES AND LOSES POWER WHEN THE AIR CONDITIONING COMPRESSOR KICKS IN. THE CAR LOSES POWER ENOUGH SO THAT IT SLOWS ITSELF DOWN WHEN TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY. ALSO IT IS VERY ALARMING WHEN IT KICKS ON WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A STOP SIGN OR STOPLIGHT. THE HESITENCY AND POWER LOSS CAUSES GREAT CONCERN FOR THE WELFARE OF THE CAR. *AK
Jul 04, 1999
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
1 complaint
THE FUEL PUMP / FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR WAS REPLACED, DUE TO POOR MILEAGE. *YC
Jun 14, 1999
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,VISIBILITY,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
WHEN YOU TRY TO STOP THE CAR TAKE LONG TIME TO STOP,WATER LEAK FROM WINDSHELD,TRUNK,FRONT END LEFT SIDE MAKE LOUD NOISE,CAR MAKE NOCKING NOISE,WHEN HIT SPEED BUMB STARIO CHANGE ON IT'S OWNE TO TAPE,FRONT DRIVER DOOR LEAK& MORE.
Mar 16, 1999
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VISIBILITY
1 complaint
THE VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH THE REAR DEFROSTER, BUT THE REAR DEFROSTER IS INOPERABLE WHICH CAUSES VISUAL PROBLEMS IN THE REAR, MAY RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT. DEALER CANNOT DETERMINE PROBLEM. *AK CONSUMER STATED THERE IS A KNOCK WHEN STARTING THE VEHICLE, AND DRIVING AT 60 MPH, ALSO ENGINE IS CONSUMING 4 QUARTS OF OIL, ALSO VEHICLE OVERHEATED.*JB
Oct 06, 1998
POWER TRAIN,AIR BAGS
1 complaint
BACKING OUT OF DRIVEWAY AND LOOKING IN THE MIRROR TO SEE IF ANY ONE WAS COMING, ALL OF A SUDDEN VEHICLE FLEW FORWARD AND HIT FENCE. THEN WHEELS TURNED TO THE RIGHT, MISSING THE TELEPOLE. VEHICLE ENDED UP HITTING TREES AND STOPPED. AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. HAD SEAT BELT ON. *AK
Jul 01, 1998
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN
1 complaint
WHEN PULLING OUT FROM A STOP, VEHICLE MAY LOSE POWER. *AK CONSUMER STATES TRANSMISSION SLIPS WITHOUT WARNING WHEN PULLING FROM A STOP, ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT ON 4 OCCASIONS, DEALER CAN NOT FIND A REMEDY FOR THE PROBLEM. *SLC
Dec 09, 1997
Frequently Asked Questions
How many problems does the 1998 FORD Escort have?
The 1998 FORD Escort currently has 416 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 1998 FORD Escort?
The most common problems reported for the 1998 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 1998 FORD Escort problem data come from?
All problem and complaint data for the 1998 FORD Escort comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.
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