10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
7,446 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 1998 Ford Escort:

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

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #6

Dec 151999

Escort

  • miles
The engine mounts were apparently weakened and allowed the engine to vibrate excessively, beginning at the time of vehicle purchase and continuing, growing worse, through April 2000, when I had the parts replaced under warranty; I was told that there is a tsb involving them but no recall and no public notice... this could potentially be dangerous if the weakened mounts break! my problem has been solved but I would like to have had some warning from Ford or NHTSA that this might occur.

- Owensboro, KY, USA

problem #5

Aug 172000

Escort

  • miles
While driving home from work a grinding ticking noise was heard from the engine compartment. The noise became louder and more constant the closer I got to home. When I got home I opened the hood to investigate and discovered that the outside portion of the crankshaft vibration dampner pulley had slid out and was rubbing on the inner fender well. The serpentine belt was destroyed from not being centered on the tensioner pulley and rubbing on the fender well. I am going to call the dealer tomorrow to report this and see if they will fix it. I just thought you might want to know about this. Thank you.

- Austin, AR, USA

problem #4

Aug 102000

Escort

  • miles
Cranshaft pulley broke, and then crankshaft pulley slid. Consumer lost power steering, and there was a loud noise.

- Potts Town, PA, USA

problem #3

Jun 162000

Escort

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Due to a defective balancer that came apart through the serpertine belt, engine head gasket to blew out, causing vehicle to, stall unexpectly which may have resulted in a crash.

- Cary, NC, USA

problem #2

Jun 022000

Escort

  • miles
At 40000 miles bolt that held the crankshaft became loose without a warning. A technician indicated there was a recall on this problem.

- Westpalm Beach, FL, USA

problem #1

Jan 051999

Escort

  • miles
Engine timing gear chain drops off when in third gear at 3300 RPM's. dozen visits, no reason found as to why.

- Laurel, MD, USA