1998 Ford Escort
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Ford › Escort › 1998
These records cover every 1998 Ford Escort. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
1 recall names the 1998 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.
Owner complaints
375 complaints84 involved a crash11 involved a fire78 injuries1 deaths
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Engine
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
- Structure › Body
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…
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.
- Tires
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…
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
- Tires
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…
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
- Suspension › Rear › Springs
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
- Vehicle speed control
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…
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
- Suspension › Rear
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
- Suspension › Rear
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
- Air bags › Frontal · Seat belts
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…
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
- Air bags › Frontal · Seat belts
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…
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.
- Parking brake · Structure › Frame and members · Suspension
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…
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
- Exterior lighting › Headlights
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
- Steering › Hydraulic power assist system
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…
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
- Suspension › Rear › Springs › Coil springs
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
- Air bags · Electrical system › Horn · Structure › Body
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…
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
- Suspension › Rear › Springs
Broken rear springs. *Jb
- Suspension › Rear › Springs
Both rear springs broke. this IS the second time in less then 6 months for the 2002. this seems to be a major design flaw in ford escort. I have a 1998 & 2002 and both have broken rear springs. also every technician I have talked to knows the problem. *jb
- Suspension › Rear › Springs › Coil springs
While having possible brake noises checked, the mechanic, while the car was on the lift, saw that both rear coil springs were broken. He stated that the marks he saw indicated that they had been broken for a while. *jb
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline · Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery · Power train › Automatic transmission · Structure › Frame and members › Underbody shields
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…
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
- Engine and engine cooling
Dt*: the contact stated the check engine light illuminated however the vehicle exhibited no problems. the manufacturer was alerted.
- Suspension › Rear › Springs › Coil springs
Was having my 1998 escort serviced. Mechanic found both rear coil springs had fractured in same spot. Had them repaired there instantly at a cost of $710.10 . I called ford they said no recall, I then brought springs to my ford dealer to show them and to ask for reimbursement for defective parts…
Was having my 1998 escort serviced. Mechanic found both rear coil springs had fractured in same spot. Had them repaired there instantly at a cost of $710.10 . I called ford they said no recall, I then brought springs to my ford dealer to show them and to ask for reimbursement for defective parts, I am still waiting for an answer. However ford did offer to get rid of the springs for me but I still have them in my trunk. *Jb
- Vehicle speed control
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…
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
- Steering › Linkages › Tie rod assembly · Suspension › Rear · Suspension › Rear › Springs › Coil springs
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…
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
- Air bags › Frontal
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.…
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
- Electrical system › Alternator/generator/regulator
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…
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
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Air bag non-deployment
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.
- 6092659Some vehicles equipped with the 2.0L spi engine, with manual or automatic transmission, may exhibit an rpm fluctuation (idle rolll) or possible stall at idle.
- 6092160Information regarding a/c peanut o-ring color.
- 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.
- 6091734Information on installing fuses at pre-delivery.
- 6090834Information on using peanut style a/c fittings.
- 6090812Vehicles equipped with the 2.0L spi engine with manual or automatic transmission may exhibit an rpm fluctuation (idle roll) or possible stall at idle.
- 6090731Some vehicles may exhibit a condition of the malfunction indicator light on and diagnostic trouble code p0455 (evaporative emission) in memory.
- 6090647Some vehicles may exhibit a condition of the malfunction indicator lamp light on and diagnostic trouble code p0455 in memory.
- 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.
- 6090131Information on diagnosing a vehicle with malfunction indicator lamp illuminated and diagnostic trouble codes p0442 and p0455 stored in continuous memory.
- 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.
- 636065Information regarding discharged battery charging service tips and guidelines.
- 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.
- 619150Service action 00e11, supplement #1 - update information regarding on-board diagnostic system upgrade.
Every Ford Escort model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.