1997 Ford Escort
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Ford › Escort › 1997
These records cover every 1997 Ford Escort. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
2 recalls name the 1997 Ford Escort. Newest first.
Certain trw driver's side seat belts manufactured on december 6 and 9, 2002, for use as replacement equipment for 1997 ford escort 4-door and station wagon platform vehicles, ford's p/n f7cz54611b09aac. the seat belt assemblies exhibit a no-lock condition which does not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 209, seat belt assemblies.
Risk and remedy
Risk
In the event of a crash, the restraint system may not provide adequate protection to the seat occupant, which may increase the risk of personal injury.
Remedy
Trw will notify the customers who purchased the replacement seat belt assemblies free of charge. the recall began on august 27, 2004.
On certain passenger vehicles, the integrated air bag monitor (iabm) can be contaminated with water or other liquids and could experience internal electrical shorting.
Risk and remedy
Risk
This may, in turn, cause the air bag readiness light to illuminate and in very rare occurrences, air bag deployment, melted wiring, or fire may occur.
Remedy
Dealers will install the shield over the iabm and apply nyogel grease to the connector. owner notification began february 11, 2003. owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact ford at 1-866-436-7332.
Owner complaints
543 complaints67 involved a crash83 involved a fire65 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Fuel/propulsion system
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…
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
- Electrical system
Flashing air bag readiness light in a "51" pattern.
- Air bags
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
- Electrical system
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…
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.
- Air bags
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…
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
- Electrical system · Vehicle speed control
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
- Engine
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…
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
- Service brakes
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
- Air bags
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…
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.
- Engine and engine cooling
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.
- Air bags · Electrical system
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
- Air bags › Frontal
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
- Structure
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…
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
- Suspension · Suspension › Rear
Noise that could not be located in rear. Rear springs were broke . *Tr
- Fuel system, gasoline
1997 ford escort rubber fill pipe deteriorates spilling gasoline on ground when refilling fuel tank. *Tr
- Equipment · Suspension › Rear
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…
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
- Suspension › Rear
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…
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
- Engine and engine cooling
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
- Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel · Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components · Steering › Linkages › Tie rod assembly · Suspension · Suspension › Front › Wheel bearing · Visibility › Windshield
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…
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
- Equipment · Tires
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…
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
- Tires › Bead
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
- Air bags › Frontal › Sensor/control module
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…
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.
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Emission control › Gas recirculation valve (egr valve)
1997 ford escort fuel evaporative emission control system. Purge control valve circuit malfunctioned. *jb
- Air bags › Frontal › Sensor/control module
I am the service manager at c.h.urness motor co in the dalles,or, I purchased a 1997 ford escort for my daughter on 06/02/2007,then on 06/04/2007,the car had a fire under the dash,upon inspection we found an open recall "02s44"for this exact failure,i contacted the local ford dealer(ray schultens…
I am the service manager at c.h.urness motor co in the dalles,or, I purchased a 1997 ford escort for my daughter on 06/02/2007,then on 06/04/2007,the car had a fire under the dash,upon inspection we found an open recall "02s44"for this exact failure,i contacted the local ford dealer(ray schultens ford and was told they could not help me because the airbag module was no longer available!. I then contacted ford motor co. Customer relations(case # 1433871927).on 07/23/07 I received a letter stating "ford motor co. Was unable to offer any assistance at this time"the customer service rep told me over the phone that I should make the dealer I bought the car at "buy it back,after all you work for them"this car has an unrepaired recall and IS unable to be repaired due to no parts available,what IS my next step in this process? *jb
- Air bags › Frontal · Electrical system › Horn
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…
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
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Water intrusion into airbag monitor
By letter of december 6, 2002, ford notified the agency that it would conduct a safety recall on all 1997 ford escort and mercury tracer vehicles.ford found that electrical shorting of the integrated air bag monitor (iabm)due to liquid intrusion of water or engine coolant can occur in the subject vehicles.ford and…
By letter of december 6, 2002, ford notified the agency that it would conduct a safety recall on all 1997 ford escort and mercury tracer vehicles.ford found that electrical shorting of the integrated air bag monitor (iabm)due to liquid intrusion of water or engine coolant can occur in the subject vehicles.ford and lincoln mercury dealers will install a protective shield over the iabm and apply nyogel grease to it's electrical connector.see ford's december 6, 2002 defect and noncompliance information report for details.
- Integrated air bag monitor water
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10014086General (pcm) power train control module programming procedures.
- 10013060Climate control a/c service tech tips.
- 10009870Trw vehicle safety systems, inc. IS recalling certain service replacement seatbelt retractors (driver's side front retractor in gray) manufactured in december 2002 and sold as a service replacement part between december 2002 and july 2004.
- 10008580Lamp-brake-invadvertent disabling of brake shift interlock.
- 10004027Remote keyless entry (rke) - service tips.
- 10003194Idle vibration on vehicles equipped with 2.0L spi or zetec engine only.
- 10002780Malfunction indicator lamp (mil) illumination with diagnostic trouble codes p0442, p0455, p0456, p0457, p1442 or check fuel cap lamp illuminated with diagnostic trouble code p0457.
- 6092093Nners of the edsr-of-the-month quality award announcement for september.
- 6092004Brief information regarding transmission fluid.
- 6091978Some vehicles may exhibit a malfunction indicator light on with a diagnostic trouble code p1744.
- 6091974Vehicles may exhibit transmission and / or malfunction indicator lamp on concerns relating to the diagnosis and replacement of the transmission ranger sensor (trs).
- 6091913Concerns with lack of heat / thermostat contamination.
- 6090586Information regarding brake caliper pin corrosion. *Mjs
- 6090426Information regarding brake caliper pin corrosion. *Mjs
- 6090277Concerns with a malfunction indicator light on with a diagnostic trouble code p1744.
- 6090273Some vehicles may exhibit transmission and / or mil on concerns relating to the diagnosis and replacement of the transmission range sensor.
- 6090087Information on identifying non-approved / alternate refrigerants which could cause safety, and performance concerns if installed in ford a/c systems.
- 6090085Service information for musty and mildew type odors coming from the air conditioning / heating system.
- 6090082Information for servicing and diagnosing brake vibration, brake inspection, and brake friction material replacement.
- 6089681Subject on a wire harness terminal repair kit available for repairing electrical wiring harnesses.
- 637615Rough idle, low power and / or stall at idle, a malfunction indicator lamp illuminated and diagnostic trouble codes p0300 through p0304 stored in memory.
- 636089Some vehicles equipped with the 2.0L spi engine may exhibit a malfunction indicator lamp (mil) illuminated and diagnostic trouble codes (dtc) p0300 through p0304 stored.
- 630515Engine oil system priming procedures, service tips for reports of premature engine failure.
- 630001Some engine assemblies with aluminum cylinder heads repaired in-vehile have been found to leak coolant and/or oil from the cylinder head gasket area.
- 627927Some vehicles may exhibit vacuum or air leaks in the intake manifold and / or engine system causing diagnostic trouble codes p0171 and or p0174.
- 625715Brake shift interlock.*jb
- 623988Information regarding transmission fluid usage charts. *Slc
- 623944Some vehicles may exhibit heater core leaks. *Slc
- 622804Some vehicles produced through july 1999 may exhibit rear suspension spring failure with no resulting operational concern.
- 619329Some vehicles with 2.0L spi engine only, may exhibita burning oil smell noted from outside or from within the passenger compartment.
- 615541Some vehicles may exhibit malfunction indicator light on, stall at tip-in from idle, engine hesitation, and / or surge caused by the mass air flow (maf) sensor.
- 615540Subject regarding the ngs fuel economy test.
- 615477This bulletin mentions that for all vehicles with antilock brake module concerns that require a module replacement, the technician must call for approval before removing and / or replacing the module.
- 615454Brief information stating that the ngs fuel economy test on some vehicles may not function properly.
- 615385Information concerning click noise from front calipers during brake application.
- 615335Some vehicles may exhibit a hard start / long crank, cold start stall, cold rough idle concern.
- 615270Some vehicles may exhibit brief spark knock on acceleration during hot weather once the engine has thoroughly warmed up.
- 613790The workshop manual reference to transmission fluid temperature sensor resistance IS incorrect. This bulletin list the correct resistance.
- 613789Information on the different types of remote keyless entry systems.
- 613779Some vehicles may exhibit concerns created by water ingestion into the integrated relay control module (ircm).
Every Ford Escort model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.