10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
11,000 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.

Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 1997 Ford Escort:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

problem #6

Jan 272003

Escort

  • 66,000 miles
The keys became stuck in the ignition while in use. The mechanic was unable to get the keys out of the ignition, which have been stuck in the ignition for the past 2 months.

- Battlefield, MO, USA

problem #5

Aug 102001

Escort

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Key would not come out of the ignition. Consumer took vehicle to dealer and they replaced the intergrated control module.

- Levittown, NY, USA

problem #4

Sep 202000

(reported on)

Escort

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
While driving on highway without warning vehicle will completely shut down, cause unknown. The dealer had replaced the transmission twice.

- Willingboro, NJ, USA

problem #3

Jun 262000

Escort

  • miles
While driving consumer smelled smoke, stopped car, popped hood and saw fire near spark plugs, consumer indicated that fire went out by itself, consumer felt it may have been an electrical problem, and that vehicle was not safe.

- Decatur, GA, USA

problem #2

Dec 041997

(reported on)

Escort

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
When driving at approximately various speeds engine will stall out, loses power. Put in neutral and give it gas so it can react correctly. Dealer has had vehicle five times. Replaced spark plugs and wires, ignition coil. Defect is stii reocurring.

- Rocky Mount, VA, USA

problem #1

Oct 151996

Escort

  • miles
Failure on the engine, consumer was driving at high speed and the vehicle cut off without any warning.

- Otisville, MI, USA