Auto Recall Watch
U.S. public vehicle records

1998 Ford ESCORT: complaints, problems and recalls

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

375 owner complaints analyzed

0 distinct recall campaigns

75,000 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 1998 model year. Data updated: . 57 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Air Bags:Frontal is the most frequently named component, appearing in 59 of 375 complaints (15.7%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
TopicMatching reportsShare of complaints
Braking behavior4110.9%
Transmission and shifting287.5%
Steering behavior236.1%
Engine operation215.6%
Fuel system concerns164.3%
Electrical and battery issues112.9%

Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.

Component breakdown

Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.

Air Bags:Frontal
59
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine
26
Power Train:Automatic Transmission
24
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
15
Suspension:Rear:Springs
15
Air Bags
14
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline
13
Electrical System
12
Component breakdown data
CategoryCount
Air Bags:Frontal59
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine26
Power Train:Automatic Transmission24
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip15
Suspension:Rear:Springs15
Air Bags14
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline13
Electrical System12

Air Bags:Frontal: 59; Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine: 26; Power Train:Automatic Transmission: 24; Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip: 15; Suspension:Rear:Springs: 15; Air Bags: 14; Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline: 13; Electrical System: 12

Reported problems by failure mileage

Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.

Under 25,000
6
25,000 to 49,999
10
50,000 to 74,999
12
75,000 to 99,999
15
100,000 to 149,999
9
150,000 and above
5
Reported problems by failure mileage data
CategoryCount
Under 25,0006
25,000 to 49,99910
50,000 to 74,99912
75,000 to 99,99915
100,000 to 149,9999
150,000 and above5

Under 25,000: 6; 25,000 to 49,999: 10; 50,000 to 74,999: 12; 75,000 to 99,999: 15; 100,000 to 149,999: 9; 150,000 and above: 5

75,000 to 99,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (15). 318 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.

Complaints over time

Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.

1997
3
1998
45
1999
81
2000
53
2001
53
2002
46
2003
26
2004
27
2005
20
2006
7
2007
2
2008
4
2009
1
2010
4
2013
1
2019
2
Complaints over time data
CategoryCount
19973
199845
199981
200053
200153
200246
200326
200427
200520
20067
20072
20084
20091
20104
20131
20192

1997: 3; 1998: 45; 1999: 81; 2000: 53; 2001: 53; 2002: 46; 2003: 26; 2004: 27; 2005: 20; 2006: 7; 2007: 2; 2008: 4; 2009: 1; 2010: 4; 2013: 1; 2019: 2

Pattern summary

Air Bags:Frontal leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 41 complaint narratives. Transmission and shifting appears in 28 complaint narratives. Steering behavior appears in 23 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.

Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.

Examples from the source records

Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.

Owner report 10001168 · 2002-12-18 (December 18, 2002)

WHILE DRIVING THE REAR LEAF SPRING BROKE. CONSUMER STATES DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. CAUSE IS UNKNOWN. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. TS

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10001168 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10003820 · 2003-01-14 (January 14, 2003)

CONSUMER STATED THE ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE STALLED, DUE TO ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE.*JB

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10003820 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10004735 · 2002-12-21 (December 21, 2002)

SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT APPEARED ON DASH. THE CONSUMER STATED THE TROUBLE DATED BACK TO THE RECALL, PRIOR TO THE RECALL THERE WERE NO PROBLEMS. THE DEALER STATED THE PROBLEM WAS DUE TO AN OVER SENSITIVE SENSOR OR AIR BEING IN THE GAS TANK. THE PROBLEM WAS DETERMINED TO BE A BOGUS CODE. *JB NAR 1/21/2003

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10004735 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10004950 · 2003-01-30 (January 30, 2003)

THERE HAVE BEEN MANY PROBLEMS WITH MY 1998 FORD ESCORT SINCE I PURCHASED IT NEW IN AUGUST, 1998. THE MOST SEVERE AND RECENT PROBLEM WAS REPAIRED IN DECEMBER, 2002. THE HEAD GASKET BLEW, CAUSING MAJOR OVERHEATING PROBLEMS IN MY VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE HAD LESS THAN 40,000 MILES. I AM NOT CERTAIN IF THE HEAD GASKET BECAME FAULTY WHILE VEHICLE WAS BEING BUILT, OR IF FULLERTON FORD DAMAGED THE GASKET WHILE DOING WORK ON MY VEHICLE, AND THEN ATTEMPTED TO SODDER THE PART TOGETHER. ACCORDING TO CORBO'S AUTO SERVICE IN SOMERVILLE, THE GASKET HAD A "S…

Owner-reported narrative. 39,500 miles reported. Look up ODI 10004950 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10006758 · 2003-02-07 (February 7, 2003)

INTERMITTENT STALLING WHILE DRIVING. DEALER HAS BEEN UNABLE TO DUPLICATE PROBLEM OR DETERMINE CAUSE. PH...*AK

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10006758 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10007335 · 2003-02-13 (February 13, 2003)

THE POWER STEERING HOSE FAILED.*JB

Owner-reported narrative. 75,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10007335 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10008182 · 2003-02-27 (February 27, 2003)

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

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10008182 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10012524 · 2003-03-26 (March 26, 2003)

THE VEHICLES GEAR SHIFT LOCKED AND COULDN'T BE MOVED FROM PARK TO DRIVE. MANUFACTURER NOTIFIED. *NLM

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10012524 at NHTSA ↗

Recall history

0 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.

No recall campaigns are recorded in this snapshot.

Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.

Data completeness

375 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-09-30.

15.2%Usable mileage57 / 375 records
79.7%Valid incident date299 / 375 records
100.0%Valid filing date375 / 375 records
79.7%Ordered incident and filing dates299 / 375 records

Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.

Problems by model year

Model-wide comparison of the eight most reported components across the model. Cells show counts and shares within each model year. Open a cell for source examples.

Component complaint heatmap
Component198919901991199219931994199519961997199819992000200120022003
Seat Belts
74.6%
ODI 10318126 · 100,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1989 FORD ESCORT. THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH WHERE SHE WAS REAR-ENDED. THE CONTACT SUFFERED INJURIES TO HER HEAD AREA. SHE MENTIONED SHE WAS WEARING HER SEAT BELTS AT THE TIME OF THE CRASH AND BELIEVED THE FAILURE OF THE SEATBELTS CONTRIBUTED TO HER INJURIES. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER AND THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED FOR THE INCIDENT. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 100,000.

Look up ODI 10318126 at NHTSA ↗

76.9%
ODI 10351100

WHILE TRAVELING ON A FREEWAY AT THE SPEED LIMIT OF 65 MILES PER HOUR, I ENDED UP IN A SKID ON DRY PAVEMENT. I DON'T REMEMBER HOW I GOT INTO THE SKID DUE TO HEAD INJURIES RECEIVED IN THE RESULTING ACCIDENT. THE CAR SKIDDED SIDEWAYS FOR QUITE A WAYS AND DID NOT RESPOND NORMALLY TO ATTEMPTS TO STEER IT. PERHAPS THE ENGINE STALLED AND THE POWER STEERING WAS NO LONGER WORKING. THE CAR EVENTUALLY HIT THE RAISED CONCRETE RUMBLE STRIPS WHILE SKIDDING SIDEWAYS. THE CAR THEN FLIPPED OVER IN THE AIR AND TUMBLED DOWN THE MEDIAN, WITH THE FIRST IMPACT LIKE…

Look up ODI 10351100 at NHTSA ↗

4513.8%
ODI 10057240 · 135,000 mi

AUTOMATIC PASSIVE RESTRAINT SYSTEM FAILED TO OPERATE WHEN OPENING THE DOOR. MECHANISM JAMMED, AND HAD TO BE MANUALLY DISCONNECTED TO GET IN AND OUT OF THE VEHICLE. *AK *NM

Look up ODI 10057240 at NHTSA ↗

148.6%
ODI 10068870 · 111,000 mi

THE ATOMATIC SEATBELT IS NOT RUNNING IN IT'S TRACK CONTINUOUSLY. IT HAS DECIDED TO WORK WHEN AND IF IT FEELS LIKE IT. THE PAINT STARTED PEELING ON THE TOP OF THE TRUNK IN 1998 OR 99 APPROXIMATELY, I HAVE NEVER HAD THE MONEY TO GET THE PAINT FIXED. I DID HOWEVER GET THE SIDE PAINTED WHEN I WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT IN 1993. THAT PAINT HAS BUBBLED. I DON'T REMEMBER WHAT IT COST ME, I THINK JUST MY INSURANCE DEDUCTIBLE AT THAT TIME.

Look up ODI 10068870 at NHTSA ↗

5414.2%
ODI 10013614 · 98,181 mi

AUTOMATIC DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT FAILED. *JB

Look up ODI 10013614 at NHTSA ↗

4415.8%
ODI 10068872 · 40,000 mi

THE CABLE FOR THE SEATBELT IS MANGLED, AND THE SEATBELT (SHOULDER) DOES NOT WORK.

Look up ODI 10068872 at NHTSA ↗

7813.5%
ODI 10013852

THE FRONT SHOULDER HARNESS SEATBELT ON THE DRIVER SIDE IS STUCK MID-TRACK, WHICH CAUSES THE SEATBELT TO REST ACROSS YOUR NECK. DURING ANY AUTOMOBILE ACCIDENT, THIS WOULD CAUSE THE DRIVER TO BE IMPROPERLY RESTRAINED OR NOT RESTRAINED AT ALL, RESULTING IN SERIOUS INJURY, EVEN DEATH. A CALL (AND TRIP) TO THE DEALER GOT ME NOWHERE, THEY SAY I WILL HAVE TO PAY OVER $500.00 TO HAVE THE SEATBELT AND ITS COMPONENTS REPAIRED AND/OR REPLACED. *NLM

Look up ODI 10013852 at NHTSA ↗

3215.6%
ODI 10070426 · 80,000 mi

TRIES TO ACCELERATE AND PUSH THROUGH STOPLIGHTS WHEN MY FOOT IS ON THE BRAKE. ACCELERATES WITH OUT ME AND EVEN TRYING TO BRAKE WON'T STOP. STOP AND PUT IT IN PARK AND IT REVS THE ENGING TO VERY HIGH RPM'S.

Look up ODI 10070426 at NHTSA ↗

30.6%
ODI 527075

FALSE DEPLOYMENT OF BOTH AIR BAGS.

Look up ODI 527075 at NHTSA ↗

71.9%
ODI 10031584 · 92,000 mi

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.

Look up ODI 10031584 at NHTSA ↗

41.2%
ODI 10158690 · 8,000 mi

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE STOPPED, THE VEHICLE WAS REAR ENDED. THE OTHER VEHICLE WAS GOING 45-55 MPH. WHEN THIS OCCURRED THE FUEL SYSTEM DID NOT SHUT OFF, THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, AND THE SEAT BELTS DID NOT RETRACT. THE ENTIRE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE WAS CRUSHED; THE CONTENTS OF THE TRUNK STRUCK THE CONTACT CAUSING MINOR INJURIES. THERE WAS A POLICE REPORT TAKEN AT THE SCENE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THE REAR END WAS REPLACED.

Look up ODI 10158690 at NHTSA ↗

22.0%
ODI 10152000

I HAD AN ACCIDENT IN EAST GRAND FORKS, MINNESOTA ON 02/28/06 I WAS GOING NORTH ON 5TH AVE N.E. AND T-BONED THE OTHER VEHICLE TRAVELING WESTBOUND ON 10TH ST N.E. THEY FAILED TO STOP AT A STOP SIGN. MY AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY ALL THE WAY OUT THEY POPPED OUT OF THE STEERING WHEEL AND DASH ON THE PASSENGER SIDE BUT THE AIR BAG LAYED IN MY LAP AFTER THE ACCIDENT AND VEHICLES CAME TO A REST I STILL HEARD THE AIR BAGS TRYING TO INFLATE ON IMPACT MY DRIVERS DOOR ALSO FLEW OPEN AND MY SEAT BELT ON THE DRIVERS SIDE DID NOT LOCK I WAS THE ONLY PERSON IN T…

Look up ODI 10152000 at NHTSA ↗

11.5%
ODI 10437578 · 35,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2001 FORD ESCORT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT SHIFT OUT OF PARK AFTER ENGINE STARTUP. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE DEALER CONFIRMED THAT THE SHIFTER AND SHIFT CONSOLE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SEAT BELT WAS TWISTED AND CAUSING THE SEAT BELT TO NOT LOCK PROPERLY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 35,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 75,000.

Look up ODI 10437578 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Air Bags:Frontal
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

20.5%
ODI 821974

WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE ON DRY PAVEMENT, WHEN ABS BRAKES WERE DEPRESSED THEY WOULD LOCK UP. VEHICLE THEN SKIDDED OFF ROAD, HIT TREE HEAD-ON. NO AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. PREVIOUS PROBLEM, DRIVER'S REAR WHEEL WOULD LOCK UP. HAS POLICE REPORT* AK.

Look up ODI 821974 at NHTSA ↗

3311.8%
ODI 10408678 · 115,404 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 FORD ESCORT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE CONTACTED AND EXPLAINED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 94V218000 (AIR BAGS:FRONTAL). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 115,404.

Look up ODI 10408678 at NHTSA ↗

488.3%
ODI 516360

PREMATURE INNER TIE ROD FAILURE CAN CAUSE LOSS OF CONTROL WITH LITTLE WARNING.

Look up ODI 516360 at NHTSA ↗

125.9%
ODI 10015412 · 106,359 mi

THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT, THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY AND THE SEAT BELT DID NOT RESTRAIN THE CONSUMER AS DESIGNED, THE CONSUMER WAS INJURED. *JB *SCC

Look up ODI 10015412 at NHTSA ↗

6311.6%
ODI 10009039

THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED WITHOUT IMPACT TO THE VEHICLE.*JB

Look up ODI 10009039 at NHTSA ↗

5915.7%
ODI 10020322

WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION YET NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOY. *NLM

Look up ODI 10020322 at NHTSA ↗

5115.7%
ODI 10008084

AIR BAGS DID NOT RELEASE WHEN IMPACT TO A TREE OCCURRED. ESTIMATED SPEED WAS 45 MILES PER HOUR. DAMAGED DONE TO FRONT BY COLLISION WITH TREE.*JB

Look up ODI 10008084 at NHTSA ↗

1313.3%
ODI 10072948 · 48,000 mi

MY DAUGHTER HAD A FRONT END COLLISION AND THE AIR BAG DID NOT RELEASE. SHE WAS STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT AND A 2000 HONDA ACCORD CAME AROUND THE CORNER AND HIT HER HEAD ON ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. *AK

Look up ODI 10072948 at NHTSA ↗

710.3%
ODI 10011394

THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION, AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY.*JB

Look up ODI 10011394 at NHTSA ↗

26.1%
ODI 10148736 · 64,002 mi

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH AT 20MPH, NEITHER FRONT AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE WAS DAMAGED WHILE STRIKING ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE DRIVEN 2 MILES FROM THE INITIAL IMPACT SIGHT BEFORE THE ENGINE STALLED. ALL THREE OCCUPANTS OF THE VEHICLE RECEIVED INJURIES TO THE NECK AND BACK. THE POLICE WERE AT THE SCENE OF THE ACCIDENT AND INSPECTED THE AIR BAGS. THE POLICE NOTICED THE SMELL OF THE AIR BAGS WERE PRESENT, ALTHOUGH THE AIR BAGS DID NOT INFLATE. THE INSURANCE ALSO FI…

Look up ODI 10148736 at NHTSA ↗

110.0%
ODI 10089490 · 12,000 mi

WHILE DRIVING AT 25 MPH CONSUMER'S VEHICLE REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE, AND THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. DRIVER SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES. MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN CONTACTED.*AK

Look up ODI 10089490 at NHTSA ↗

Electrical System:Ignition:Switch
3120.4%
ODI 506532

IGNITION SWITCH SHORTED, CAUSING FIRE. *DH

Look up ODI 506532 at NHTSA ↗

1615.8%
ODI 10037188 · 39,786 mi

THE CAR STARTS FINE WHEN COLD. AFTER DRIVING TO TOWN SOMETIMES WON'T START RIGHT OFF,SOMETIMES IT DOES. MOSTOF THE TIME I HAVE TO TRY AND TRY.SOME TIMES WHEN IT DOES START IT REVS UP THEN DIES. THEN TRY TO START AGAIN, SOMETIME THE SAME THING SOMETIME WILL START. WHEN STARTED IT RUNS JUST FINE. *AK

Look up ODI 10037188 at NHTSA ↗

4212.8%
ODI 485051

IGNITION SWITCH FAILED. *SKD

Look up ODI 485051 at NHTSA ↗

1710.5%
ODI 10001934 · 39,000 mi

THE CONSUMER NOTICED FUEL LEAKAGE FROM THE TANK. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED A HOLE IN THE TANK. THE TANK HAD LEAKED AGAIN. THE CONSUMER CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER WHO ADVISED HER THAT THE V.I.N. WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RELATED RECALL 92V117000. TS AFTER THE PURCHASE OF THE VEHICLE, A SUSPENSION BAR WAS NEEDED, AND WITHIN THE FIRST YEAR, THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS REPLACED. THE CONSUMER WAS ADVISED TO KEEP THE FUEL AT HALF FULL. SCC

Look up ODI 10001934 at NHTSA ↗

154.0%
ODI 505417

IGNITION SWITCH SHORT.*SD

Look up ODI 505417 at NHTSA ↗

82.9%
ODI 10061083

WHEN THE CONSUMER PURCHASED THE USED VEHICLE, SHE WAS INFORMED THE IGNITION AND CLUTCH PLATE HAD BEEN REPLACED AND THE PARTS WERE UNDER WARRANTY. THE IGNITION FAILED AND SUBSEQUENTLY THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS REPLACED. *AK THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS REPLACED THREE TIMES. *JB

Look up ODI 10061083 at NHTSA ↗

132.3%
ODI 10116045

THE IGNITION SWITCH HAS HAD TO BE REPLACED 5 TIMES ON MY CAR. I'M A SINGLE MOM AND ON LIMITED INCOME AND HAVE HAD TO GO WITHOUT CAR MONTHS AT A TIME. I HAVE TO HAVE THE SWITCH REPLACED FOR AROUND $150 EACH TIME PLUS TOWING. I HAVE NOT KEPT THE OLD PARTS BECAUSE I DID NOT KNOW I NEEDED TO. ON THIS SAME CAR THE TIMING BELT HAS GONE OUT TWICE SINCE I HAVE OWNED IT, FOR THREE YEARS NOW. IS THIS DUE TO THE CAR OR IS THERE SOMETHING WRONG WHEN REPAIRED?

Look up ODI 10116045 at NHTSA ↗

21.0%
ODI 602704

IGNITION SWITCH FAILED TWICE.

Look up ODI 602704 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

20.5%
ODI 717171

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…

Look up ODI 717171 at NHTSA ↗

30.9%
ODI 701984

THE CAR WILL INCONSISTENTLY NOT START. I HAVE BEEN HAVING THIS PROBLEM SINCE JULY OF 1998 (IT BEGAN MILDLY AND CONTINUED TO GET WORSE), AND THE DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. THEY HAVE REPLACED ONE PART, BUT AFTER SEVERAL WEEKS AFTER THE PROBLEM BEGAN AGAIN. NOW I AM WAITING FOR FORD TO COME OUT WITH SOME COMPUTER CONFIGURATION. WHEN YOU TURN THE KEY SOMETIMES IT WILL BE TOTALLY DEAD, SOMETIMES IT WILL BEGIN TO IDLE, AS LONG AS YOU KEEP PUMPING THE ACCELERATOR (RECOMMENDED BY MY DEALER), HOWEVER, THE SECOND YOU REMOVE YOUR FOOT FROM THE ACCELER…

Look up ODI 701984 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline
95.9%
ODI 503808

ENGINE FIRE. *DSH

Look up ODI 503808 at NHTSA ↗

76.9%
ODI 507466

ENGINE FIRE. (OHIO STATE POLICE REPORT)

Look up ODI 507466 at NHTSA ↗

72.1%
ODI 486952

VEHICLE FIRE. *SKD

Look up ODI 486952 at NHTSA ↗

74.3%
ODI 502785

VEHICLE FIRE.

Look up ODI 502785 at NHTSA ↗

82.1%
ODI 489426

ENGINE FAILED, REQUIRED REPLACEMENT. *TW

Look up ODI 489426 at NHTSA ↗

155.4%
ODI 480085

RIGHT REAR WINDOW CAME OFF DOOR TRACK.

Look up ODI 480085 at NHTSA ↗

223.8%
ODI 509988

SPEEDOMETER CABLE REPLACED DUE TO FLUCTUATION.

Look up ODI 509988 at NHTSA ↗

136.3%
ODI 547864

ENGINE BLEW OUT RESULTING IN VEHICLE SMOKING. NLM

Look up ODI 547864 at NHTSA ↗

213.9%
ODI 10037367

I PURCHASED A NEW 1997 FORD ESCORT IN SEPTEMBER 1996. AFTER DRIVING THE CAR FOR ABOUT A WEEK THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE CAR WAS LOSING BRAKE FLUID. THIS HAPPENED A COUPLE OF TIMES. I TOOK THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALER AND WAS ADVISED THAT THE BRAKE FITTING WAS MISSING SOME THREADS. DEALER FIXED PROBLEM. THIS PAST JANUARY I GOT A LETTER FROM FORD ABOUT THE RECALL FOR THE AIR BAG MONITOR/SENSOR PROBLEM AND HAD TO TAKE IT TO THE LOCAL DEALER TO HAVE THAT PROBLEM CORRECTED. NOW THE CAR HAS A SLOW COOLANT LEAK. I TOOK IT TO A REPAIR SHOP…

Look up ODI 10037367 at NHTSA ↗

133.5%
ODI 10157775

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…

Look up ODI 10157775 at NHTSA ↗

309.2%
ODI 10052053 · 41,000 mi

WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED CONSUMER FELT VIBRATION THROUGHOUT THE VEHICLE. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO A MECHANIC, WHO INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT MOTOR AND TRANSMISSION MOUNTS NEEDED REPLACEMENT. DEALER WAS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM, BUT THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT.*AK

Look up ODI 10052053 at NHTSA ↗

77.1%
ODI 10037591 · 60,480 mi

ALUMINUM CASTING CRACKED ON AIR CONDITIONER BRACKET CAUSING THE SERPENTINE BELT TO COME OFF MAKING THE CAR UNDRIVEABLE. *JB

Look up ODI 10037591 at NHTSA ↗

22.9%
ODI 8008054

CONSUMER STATES WHILE TRAVELING AT 45 MPH THE VEHICLES ENGINE SUDDENLY DIED WITHOUT WARNING. CONSUEMR STATES THAT THE POWER STEERING, AND BRAKES WERE REALLY HARD TO OPERATE. NLM

Look up ODI 8008054 at NHTSA ↗

26.1%
ODI 769479

STALLS AT RED LIGHTS WON'T IDLE VIBRATION AT IDLE SHAKES THE WHOLE CAR. DT

Look up ODI 769479 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Fuel System, Gasoline:Storage:Tank Assembly
42.6%
ODI 10024430

MHTSA#92-V-117-000:FATIGUE CRACKS CAN DEVELOP IN THE SOLDER JOINT BETWEEN THE FUEL RETURN TUBE AND THE FUEL PUMP SENDING UNIT LOCATED AT THE TOP OF THE FUEL TANK. CONSUMER HAS THE SAME PROBLEM. HOWEVER,THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT RECALLED BECAUSE YEAR OF MANUFACTURING, 1989. *AK

Look up ODI 10024430 at NHTSA ↗

33.0%
ODI 505392

FUEL TANK LEAK. *SD

Look up ODI 505392 at NHTSA ↗

206.1%
ODI 480107

FUEL TANK BODY ASSEMBLY REPLACED.

Look up ODI 480107 at NHTSA ↗

2012.3%
ODI 10001934 · 39,000 mi

THE CONSUMER NOTICED FUEL LEAKAGE FROM THE TANK. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED A HOLE IN THE TANK. THE TANK HAD LEAKED AGAIN. THE CONSUMER CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER WHO ADVISED HER THAT THE V.I.N. WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RELATED RECALL 92V117000. TS AFTER THE PURCHASE OF THE VEHICLE, A SUSPENSION BAR WAS NEEDED, AND WITHIN THE FIRST YEAR, THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS REPLACED. THE CONSUMER WAS ADVISED TO KEEP THE FUEL AT HALF FULL. SCC

Look up ODI 10001934 at NHTSA ↗

277.1%
ODI 10006958 · 35,000 mi

FUEL TANK LEAKING AT HOSE FITTING. CRACK IN PLASTIC TANK. NO REPLACEMENT AVAILABLE DUE TO MANY FAILURES. BOUGHT CAR NEW AND IT HAS NEVER BEEN IN A WRECK. SEAT BELTS FAIL TO RETRACT IN REAR SEAT COMPARTMENT. DEALER FIXED TWICE FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. CAR IS NOW OUT OF WARRANTY. *MR *NLM **DIMSII IVOQ ENTRY POSTED AFTER 12/12/02 CUT-OVER TO ARTEMIS*768008

Look up ODI 10006958 at NHTSA ↗

10.4%
ODI 809713

WHILE DRIVING SMELLED FUEL AND THE GAS WAS LEAKING FROM BEHIND METAL PLATE FROM THE GAS TANK. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER AND IT'S STILL IS THERE. *AK

Look up ODI 809713 at NHTSA ↗

9817.0%
ODI 10006816

PLASTIC FUEL TANK STARTED LEAKING CAUSING A FIRE HAZARD. I CONTACTED TWO LOCAL FORD DEALERS AND BOTH TOLD ME THAT THE PLASTIC FUEL TANKS IN FORD ESCORTS HAD NUMEROUS PROBLEMS AND WERE SUBJECT TO EMERGENCY MAJOR RECALLS. AFTER RESEARCH ON RECALLS 97V144 AND 97V145, BOTH DEALERSHIPS TELL ME THAT FOR SOME REASON MY VIN NUMBER IS EXCLUDED BUT BOTH DEALERSHIPS FEEL IT IS A MANUFACTURER'S DESIGN DEFECT AND POSES A "SEVERE" SAFETY HAZARD TO LIFE. I CONTACTED FORD CONSUMER SERVICE ND THEY BASICALLY SHINED ME ON. I FEEL FORD SHOULD REPLACE THE FUEL TANK…

Look up ODI 10006816 at NHTSA ↗

21.0%
ODI 603849

FUEL GAUGE FAILED.

Look up ODI 603849 at NHTSA ↗

61.1%
ODI 713658

SMELLED GAS FUMES IN CAR. BROUGHT TO DEALER. FUEL TANK WAS LEAKING DUE TO COMING APART AT THE SEAMS. TANK HAD TO BE REPLACED AT A COST OF $400.

Look up ODI 713658 at NHTSA ↗

41.1%
ODI 608141

FUEL GAUGE FAILED.

Look up ODI 608141 at NHTSA ↗

10.3%
ODI 876920

UNDER CARRIAGE IS SEPARATING. SPOT WELDS ARE BREAKING. FUEL TANK STRAPS ARE NOT SECURED FOR TANK, WHICH CAUSES IT TO MOVE AROUND. STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY OF VEHICLE IS COMPROMISED BECAUSE OF SPOT WELDS. WINDSHIELD TILTS TOWARDS DRIVER. PASSENGER'S DOOR IN REAR OF THE STATION WAGON WOULD PIVOT AND WAS GETTING WORSE. *AK

Look up ODI 876920 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Power Train:Automatic Transmission
42.6%
ODI 965643

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION HESITATES IN PASSING GEAR. TT

Look up ODI 965643 at NHTSA ↗

11.0%
ODI 10313471 · 120,000 mi

1990 FORD ESCORT WITH 1.9 L ENGINE, THROTTLE-BODY FUEL INJ, AND MAN 5-SPEED TRANSM. APPROX 8 HWY MILES FROM HOME, PASSING THRU SMALL TOWN WITH 25-MPH LIMIT, SIGNAL LIGHT, AND RR CROSSING, THE FORD'S ENGINE SUDDENLY REVVED TO INCREDIBLY HIGH RPM'S. FRIGHTENED, I IMMEDIATELY PUSHED IN THE CLUTCH. NO FLOOR MAT OR STUCK ACCELERATOR/MECHANICAL PROBLEMS EXISTED. APPARENTLY THIS WAS A COMPUTER CAUSE. WITHIN SECONDS, PERHAPS 4 TO 8 SECONDS, I WAS PREPARED TO TURN OFF THE KEY IGNITION TO THE VEHICLE. I TRIED PRESSING THE ACCELERATOR ONCE (IN FORMER CARB…

Look up ODI 10313471 at NHTSA ↗

164.9%
ODI 503873

VEHICLE DOWNSHIFTS ON ITS OWN.

Look up ODI 503873 at NHTSA ↗

53.1%
ODI 10105007 · 76,365 mi

ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A STOP POSITION OR WHILE IN MOTION, THE VEHICLE WOULD INTERMITTENTLY HESITATE. *JB

Look up ODI 10105007 at NHTSA ↗

164.2%
ODI 10133008 · 48,000 mi

DT: PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE AT A USED LOT. AFTER 90 DAYS THE TRANSMISSION PUMP WENT OUT. BOUGHT IT WITH 48,000 MILES. WENT TO TWO DIFFERENT MECHANIC SHOPS, AND THEY SAID IT HAD TOO MUCH WEAR FOR THAT AMOUNT OF MILEAGE. THE EXHAUST SYSTEM CAME OFF, THE SHOCKS WERE BAD, THE TIRES WERE AL DEFECTIVE, AND THE BRAKES FAILED. THE DEALER FROM WHO THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED WAS OUT BUSINESS. *AK

Look up ODI 10133008 at NHTSA ↗

155.4%
ODI 10107741 · 45,000 mi

FATAL DEATH DUE TO POSIBLE TRANSMISSION GOING INTO REVERSE FROM PARK WHILE VEHICLE IN IDLE. *JB

Look up ODI 10107741 at NHTSA ↗

183.1%
ODI 10004496 · 21,525 mi

THE CONSUMER WAS ATTEMPTING TO PARK THE VEHICLE WHEN IT SUDDENLY ACCELERATED OUT OF CONTROL. THE CONSUMER CONTINUED TO PRESS THE BRAKE BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP. DEALER NOTIFIED. TS *NLM

Look up ODI 10004496 at NHTSA ↗

52.4%
ODI 518410

SODA SPILLED ON RED GEAR SHIFT RELEASE BUTTON, PREVENTING GEARS FROM ENGAGING WHEN BUTTON IS DEPRESSED.

Look up ODI 518410 at NHTSA ↗

183.3%
ODI 10014273 · 80,000 mi

I HAVE A 1997 FORD ESCORT. AT APPROXIMATELY. 37,000 MILES THE TRANSMISSION REQUIRED SERVICE. TOOK CAR TO BOARD FORD IN WHITTIER, CA. TWO DAYS AFTER SERVICE THE TRANSMISSION FAILED. BOARD FORD ALLOWED AN ESP FOR POWER TRAIN AND REPLACED TRANSMISSION. AT TIME OF REPLACEMENT, BOARD FORD INDICATED THE NEW POWER TRAIN WAS WARRANTED FOR 75,000 MILES. AT APPROXIMATELY 45,000 MILES ON THE NEW POWER TRAIN, IT LITERALLY EXPLODED FROM THE INSIDE OUT (COMPLETELY CRACKED THE CORE). CALLED BOARD FORD AND FORD MOTOR AND WAS TOLD THAT BECAUSE THE CAR HA…

Look up ODI 10014273 at NHTSA ↗

246.4%
ODI 10012524

THE VEHICLES GEAR SHIFT LOCKED AND COULDN'T BE MOVED FROM PARK TO DRIVE. MANUFACTURER NOTIFIED. *NLM

Look up ODI 10012524 at NHTSA ↗

288.6%
ODI 10002893 · 81,000 mi

WITH NO WARNING OR EARLY SIGNS, TRANSMISSION BURNED UP. DROVE FINE THE NIGHT BEFORE, WOKE UP THE NEXT MORNING AND HAD NOT TRANSMISSION. TRANSMISSION FLUID WAS BLACK. HAD TO GET ENTIRE TRANSMISSION REBUILT.

Look up ODI 10002893 at NHTSA ↗

1212.2%
ODI 10020516 · 62,000 mi

WHILE DRIVING, THE TRANSMISSION FAILED. *JB

Look up ODI 10020516 at NHTSA ↗

913.2%
ODI 10021449 · 30,000 mi

FAILURE OF AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SHIFTER SAFETY INTERLOCK TO FUNCTION AS INTENDED. THE SHIFTER COULD BE MOVED OUT OF 'PARK' AT ANY TIME. CONDITION CAUSED BY PLAY ON THE SELECTOR SHAFT AND DRIED LUBRICATION. *JB

Look up ODI 10021449 at NHTSA ↗

39.1%
ODI 10006928

THE BUMPER SEPARATED, AND THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.*JB

Look up ODI 10006928 at NHTSA ↗

110.0%
ODI 10244249 · 30,724 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD ESCORT. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. IT WOULD NOT MOVE IN REVERSE OR FORWARD. THE VEHICLE WAS LEAKING TRANSMISSION FLUID. THE TRANSMISSION RATTLES AND SHAKES, AND THE ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE FORD DEALER TESTED AND REPAIRED THE TRANSMISSION IN 2007, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE TRANSMISSION HAS A 80,000 MILE WARRANTY, BUT THE DEALER DOES NOT WANT TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT TOOK HER VEHICLE TO FOUR DIFFERENT FORD DEALE…

Look up ODI 10244249 at NHTSA ↗

Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine
42.6%
ODI 740207

RETURNED VEHICLE TO DEALER AND WAS TOLD THE INSURANCE WOULD TAKE CARE OF IT. I REMOVED LOWER CRANKSHAFT PULLY AND RETURNED IT TO DEALER. THEY FINALLY REPAIRED PROBLEM AFTER MUCH INCONVIENCE TO ME. *AK

Look up ODI 740207 at NHTSA ↗

22.0%
ODI 512632

PISTON ROD IS DETERIORATING, ENGINE CAN NOT FUNCTION SHOULD THE PISTON ROD MALFUNCTION.

Look up ODI 512632 at NHTSA ↗

51.5%
ODI 10319837 · 34,000 mi

THE ACCELERATOR STUCK TO THE FLOOR CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO BE IN FULL THROTTLE. THIS OCCURRED WHILE STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT. FORTUNATELY IT WAS A MANUAL TRANSMISSION AND OUT OF GEAR WHEN THE INCIDENT HAPPENED. I HAD STOMPED ON THE GAS PEDAL BY MISTAKE. I SEARCHED THE FLOOR AND ENGINE COMPARTMENT FOR ANYTHING THAT MAY HAVE PREVENTED THE ACCELERATOR FROM DISENGAGING AND FOUND NO APPARENT REASON FOR THE PHENOMENON. *TR

Look up ODI 10319837 at NHTSA ↗

31.9%
ODI 555362

CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER FOR MANY PROBLEMS, DEALER FOUND A LEAK IN THE HEAD GASKET CAUSING THE RADIATOR TO NOT CYLCLE COOLANT CAUSING VEHICLE TO OVERHEAT, STALL, AND SHUT DOWN, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ALWAYS ON. *SLC

Look up ODI 555362 at NHTSA ↗

143.7%
ODI 10054041 · 180,000 mi

VEHICLE'S RPMS STAY HIGH AFTER THE ACCELERATOR IS RELEASED. *MR THE MECHANIC INDICATED THAT THE PEDAL WASN'T STICKY NOR WAS THE THROTTLE CABLE. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT RARELY ILLUMINATED. THIS PROBLEM STARTED OCCURRING DURING COLD WEATHER (BELOW 0 DEGREES). THE RPMS REVVED HIGH AND CONTINUED TO RISE WHEN THE PROBLEM OCCURRED. SHUTTING OFF THE ENGINE "SOLVED" THE PROBLEM FOR A FEW MINUTES OR UNTIL THE PEDAL WAS PRESSED. THE AIR INTAKE VALVE WAS CLEANED BUT THE PROBLEM STILL OCCURRED. *PH *NM

Look up ODI 10054041 at NHTSA ↗

93.2%
ODI 10116483 · 142,708 mi

ENGINE FAILURE. THE HEAD ON THE 1.9 LITRE ENGINES HAVE A BUILT IN FLAW. THE INTAKE VALVE ON NUMBER 4 CYLINDER FAILS. THE VALVE SEAT BREAKS APART CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE PISTON AND ALSO THE HEAD. 4 VEHICLES FOUND TO HAVE THIS DEFECT WHILE WE WERE LOOKING FOR A USED REPLACEMENT HEAD.*AK

Look up ODI 10116483 at NHTSA ↗

152.6%
ODI 503292

TACHOMETER FLUCTUATES. *SD

Look up ODI 503292 at NHTSA ↗

115.4%
ODI 557153

THE ENGINE WAS REPLACED DUE TO BROKEN VALVE SEATS INSIDE THE CYLINDER WHICH DAMAGED THE PISTONS, THE CONSUMER FEELS THAT FORD SHOULD PAY FOR THIS EXPENSE DUE TO THE LOW MILEAGE OF THE VEHICLE AND BECAUSE THE VEHICLE IS VERY WELL MAINTENANCED. *SLC

Look up ODI 557153 at NHTSA ↗

285.2%
ODI 10008733 · 80,000 mi

A FIRE ERUPTED UNDER THE HOOD, WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED.*JB

Look up ODI 10008733 at NHTSA ↗

266.9%
ODI 10004735

SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT APPEARED ON DASH. THE CONSUMER STATED THE TROUBLE DATED BACK TO THE RECALL, PRIOR TO THE RECALL THERE WERE NO PROBLEMS. THE DEALER STATED THE PROBLEM WAS DUE TO AN OVER SENSITIVE SENSOR OR AIR BEING IN THE GAS TANK. THE PROBLEM WAS DETERMINED TO BE A BOGUS CODE. *JB NAR 1/21/2003

Look up ODI 10004735 at NHTSA ↗

226.8%
ODI 10008247

AT APPROX. 30000 MILES THE CAR HAD THE FIRST INCIDENT OF NOT STARTING (AUG. 2001). TOOK IT TO AUTO SHOP AND WAS TOLD THAT THIS MIGHT BE A ONE-TIME INCIDENT. ABOUT 1/2 YEAR LATER THE SAME THING HAPPENED. HAD IT TOWED TO AUTO SHOP, THEY COULD NOT FIND THE PROBLEM AND TOLD ME TO CALL THEM IF IT HAPPENED AGAIN. THEN IT HAPPENED AGAIN LATE 2002 AND I TOOK THE CAR TO ANOTHER AUTO SHOP. THEY COULD NOT EXPLAIN THE REASON EITHER - EVERYTHING SEEMED FINE AND AFTER A WHILE IT STARTED AGAIN AND WAS RUNNING NORMALLY. IT HAPPENED AGAIN LATE JANUARY 2003 AND …

Look up ODI 10008247 at NHTSA ↗

77.1%
ODI 10033582

WHILE DRIVING AT NORMAL SPEED VEHICLE SHUT DOWN. TOOK VEHICLE INTO THE DEALER, DEALER STATED THAT ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. VEHICLE WAS RUNNING WITHOUT WARRANTY. *AK

Look up ODI 10033582 at NHTSA ↗

34.4%
ODI 10047337 · 13,860 mi

IN AUG. 2003, I PURCHASED A 2001 FORD ESCORT, ONLY A SHORT TIME AFTER HAVING IT (2 WEEKS) VEHICLE ENGINE DIED WHILE AT STOP LIGHT. THIS HAS HAPPENED REPEATEDLY, IT IS NOW NOVEMBER, AND MY LOCAL DEALERSHIP HAS HAD MY CAR MORE THAN I HAVE SINCE PURCHASE IN AUGUST. CONTINUALLY TELL ME "THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH IT." THEY INSTALLED A DEVICE TO MONITOR THE TIMES WHEN IT DIES, THEY SERVE PEOPLE HAVE DRIVEN IT AND IT HAS DIED ON THEM, THEY CONTINUE TO SAY THEY DO NOT KNOW HOW TO FIX IT. ALSO, I HAVE BEEN ON THE INTERSTATE WITH CRUISE CONTROL SET…

Look up ODI 10047337 at NHTSA ↗

412.1%
ODI 10003179 · 1 mi

SHAKING IN STEERING WHEEL. MOST NOTICABLE DURING ACCELERATION AND DECELERATION. WAS MENTIONED TO SALESPERSON AT TIME OF TEST DRIVE. HE STATED HE WOULD HAVE THE TIRES BALANCED AND AN ALIGNMENT DONE. AT NO TIME PRIOR TO PURCHASE DID ANYONE STATE IT WAS A BUILT IN DEFECT. WHEN WE MET THE SERVICE PEOPLE THEY WERE TOLD THE TYPE OF VEHICLE BEING PURCHASED AND THE FACT WE WOULD BE BRINGING IT IN FOR THE SHAKING. THIS WAS INTENTIONALLY DISHONEST. WE ATTEMPTED TO TRADE IN ON ANOTHER VEHICLE AND THE SAME DEALERSHIP OFFERED US $7500. THIS IS AFTER 3 MONTH…

Look up ODI 10003179 at NHTSA ↗

220.0%
ODI 10173398 · 23,600 mi

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING, THE IDLE WAS ROUGH. THERE WAS ALSO A RUMBLING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT RIGHT OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A SERVICE DEALER, WHERE THE DEALER DETERMINED THAT THE VIBRATION WAS DUE TO THE WAY THE ENGINE MOUNTS AND BRACKETS WERE INSTALLED, AND THAT SOME VIBRATION WAS INHERENT TO THE DESIGN OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED THERE WAS A CLICKING SOUND WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS APPLIED WHILE IN REVERSE. THE HEATER CORE WAS REPLACED DUE TO IT LEAKIN…

Look up ODI 10173398 at NHTSA ↗

Vehicle Speed Control
42.6%
ODI 501924

THROTTLE BODY CORRODED, CAUSING VEHICLE TO HESITATE. *SD

Look up ODI 501924 at NHTSA ↗

22.0%
ODI 808175

WHEN SHIFTING INTO THE NEXT GEAR THE RPM ACCELERATED, TOOK TO DEALER AND REPLACED THROTTLE BODY . *AK

Look up ODI 808175 at NHTSA ↗

134.0%
ODI 10319837 · 34,000 mi

THE ACCELERATOR STUCK TO THE FLOOR CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO BE IN FULL THROTTLE. THIS OCCURRED WHILE STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT. FORTUNATELY IT WAS A MANUAL TRANSMISSION AND OUT OF GEAR WHEN THE INCIDENT HAPPENED. I HAD STOMPED ON THE GAS PEDAL BY MISTAKE. I SEARCHED THE FLOOR AND ENGINE COMPARTMENT FOR ANYTHING THAT MAY HAVE PREVENTED THE ACCELERATOR FROM DISENGAGING AND FOUND NO APPARENT REASON FOR THE PHENOMENON. *TR

Look up ODI 10319837 at NHTSA ↗

106.2%
ODI 480872

VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATES UPON ENGAGING CLUTCH. *AW

Look up ODI 480872 at NHTSA ↗

4211.1%
ODI 10054041 · 180,000 mi

VEHICLE'S RPMS STAY HIGH AFTER THE ACCELERATOR IS RELEASED. *MR THE MECHANIC INDICATED THAT THE PEDAL WASN'T STICKY NOR WAS THE THROTTLE CABLE. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT RARELY ILLUMINATED. THIS PROBLEM STARTED OCCURRING DURING COLD WEATHER (BELOW 0 DEGREES). THE RPMS REVVED HIGH AND CONTINUED TO RISE WHEN THE PROBLEM OCCURRED. SHUTTING OFF THE ENGINE "SOLVED" THE PROBLEM FOR A FEW MINUTES OR UNTIL THE PEDAL WAS PRESSED. THE AIR INTAKE VALVE WAS CLEANED BUT THE PROBLEM STILL OCCURRED. *PH *NM

Look up ODI 10054041 at NHTSA ↗

51.8%
ODI 480085

RIGHT REAR WINDOW CAME OFF DOOR TRACK.

Look up ODI 480085 at NHTSA ↗

152.6%
ODI 10015411

THE SPEEDOMETER DID NOT READ THE CORRECT SPEED. *JB

Look up ODI 10015411 at NHTSA ↗

31.5%
ODI 552671

POSSIBLE FUEL LINE FAILURE CAUSED FUEL TO LEAK. YH

Look up ODI 552671 at NHTSA ↗

224.1%
ODI 10097832 · 45,000 mi

THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED AND LURCHED FORWARD WHILE PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO HIT A BRICK WALL. UPON IMPACT, BOTH FRONTAL AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES, AND WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE LOCAL HOSPITAL. THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. *AK

Look up ODI 10097832 at NHTSA ↗

102.7%
ODI 10142692 · 3,000 mi

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 T…

Look up ODI 10142692 at NHTSA ↗

61.8%
ODI 10080805

OUR ZX2 HAS BEEN NOTHING BUT TROUBLE! ON 9-10-02 (29,183 MILES) $342.30 WORTH OF WORK WAS DONE ON THE BRAKE SYSTEM: FRICTION RELINE, DISC PADS, BRAKE SHOES, ROTORS, DRUMS, DISC HARDWARE (WHICH WAS BROKEN), SHIM KIT, RETURN SPRINGS (WEAK), BLEED & ADJUST, AND BEARING PACK. ON 6-19-03 (37,829 MILES) WE HAD TO HAVE THE COMPLETE TRANSMISSION REPLACED. THE COST FOR THIS WAS $1560.07, BUT SINCE OUR WARRANTY HAD JUST EXPIRED OUR LOCAL MECHANIC HAD FIREND AT A FORD DEALER WHO GAVE US THE 'GOOD FAITH' POLICY AND WE ONLY PAID HALF. GEE...WHAT A BARGAIN F…

Look up ODI 10080805 at NHTSA ↗

44.1%
ODI 10048159 · 48,000 mi

WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED AND WHENEVER THE GAS PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED THE VEHICLE REVVED, BUT DID NOT ACCELERATE. THE CONSUMER HAD THIS PROBLEM SINCE BUYING THE VEHICLE BRAND NEW. ONE TRANSMISSION HAD BEEN REPLACED BY THE DEALER. *AK THE TRANSMISSION HESITATED AND SHIFTED HARSHLY, THERE WAS A POPPING NOISE WITH THE BRAKING AT ALL TIMES, THE PLASTIC MOLDING INTERIOR OF THE DRIVER MIRROR WAS LOOSE, THERE WAS A SLOW START WHEN COLD OR DAMP WEATHER IS PRESENT,THE VEHICLE WOULD EXPERIENCE ROUGH IDLE AT THE STOP POSITION, THE CD PLAYER HAD B…

Look up ODI 10048159 at NHTSA ↗

57.4%
ODI 10015693 · 20,238 mi

THERE WAS A FAST IDLE, VIBRATION IN STEERING WHEEL, BURNING SMELL COMING FROM THE ENGINE, AND THE VEHICLE STALLED ALONG WITH THE FAST IDLE. THE SERVICE DEALER STATED THE VEHICLE HAD RUN FINE. AFTER FIVE ATTEMPTS TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM, AND AFTER BEING TOLD REPEATEDLY THE VEHICLE RAN NORMALLY, THE CONSUMER WOULD LIKE A FULL REFUND. THE PCV WAS REPLACED, AND THE VEHICLE HAD RUN PERFECT UNTIL THE FAST IDLE HAD RETURNED ALONG WITH THE VIBRATIONS WHICH IRRITATED THE CONSUMER WHICH CAUSED HEADACHES AFTER 20 MILES OF DRIVING. THE VALVE ASSEMBLY/CR…

Look up ODI 10015693 at NHTSA ↗

13.0%
ODI 10958928 · 144,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2002 FORD ESCORT. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE DRIVER OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE AND FOUR OCCUPANTS IN THE OTHER VEHICLE WERE INJURED. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS RECEIVED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED ON IMPACT. PRIOR TO THE CRASH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED WHILE THE BRAKES WERE BEING APPLIED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND DEEMED A TOTAL LOSS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 144,000.

Look up ODI 10958928 at NHTSA ↗

220.0%
ODI 10134201 · 12,000 mi

DT: THE CALLER SAYS VEHICLE VIBRATES WHEN IT IS IN IDLE. ALSO WHEN VEHICLE IS AT A STOP LIGHT OR SIGNS THE STEERING WHEEL SHAKES UNCONTROLLABLY. THIS HAPPENED FOR THE LAST 6 MONTHS AND IT BECAME WORSE. DEALER SAID THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO TO FIX IT. THE MANUFACTURER SAID IT WAS A CHARACTERISTIC OF THE VEHICLE, AND IT COULD NOT BE FIXED. *AK

Look up ODI 10134201 at NHTSA ↗

Darker cells indicate a larger share of submitted complaints. Components overlap. This measures complaint composition, not failure probability.

Failure mileage by component

Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.

Component failure mileage distribution
ComponentMileage range (25th–75th percentile)MedianUsable recordsExamples
Air Bags:FrontalToo few reports for a range85,878 mi2 (sparse)
ODI 10239844 · 81,756 mi

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…

Look up ODI 10239844 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10247134 · 90,000 mi

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

Look up ODI 10247134 at NHTSA ↗

Engine And Engine Cooling:EngineToo few reports for a range39,500 mi3 (sparse)
ODI 10004950 · 39,500 mi

THERE HAVE BEEN MANY PROBLEMS WITH MY 1998 FORD ESCORT SINCE I PURCHASED IT NEW IN AUGUST, 1998. THE MOST SEVERE AND RECENT PROBLEM WAS REPAIRED IN DECEMBER, 2002. THE HEAD GASKET BLEW, CAUSING MAJOR OVERHEATING PROBLEMS IN MY VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE HAD LESS THAN 40,000 MILES. I AM NOT CERTAIN IF THE HEAD GASKET BECAME FAULTY WHILE VEHICLE WAS BEING BUILT, OR IF FULLERTON FORD DAMAGED THE GASKET WHILE DOING WORK ON MY VEHICLE, AND THEN ATTEMPTED TO SODDER THE PART TOGETHER. ACCORDING TO CORBO'S AUTO SERVICE IN SOMERVILLE, THE GASKET HAD A "S…

Look up ODI 10004950 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10025331 · 19,095 mi

I HAVE A 1998 FORD ESCORT I ONLY HAVE 19.099 MILES. I PURCHASE THIS CARD ON NOVEMBER OF1998, THEREFORE THE DRIVING TIME WILL BE 4 YEARS ON THIS NOVEMBER. MY ENGINE WENT DEAD. THE DEALER IS TELLING ME THAT MY CAR NO LONGER HAS ANY WARRANTY.*AK I HAVE EXPLAINED THAT I HAVE EXPENDED $14.000 FOR THE USE OF THIS NEW CAR FOR 4 YEARS. AN AS FAR I COLD SEE. THE ENGINE WAS ALREADY DEFECTIVE FROM THE MANUFACTURER. BECAUSE IF I HAVE DRIVEN THIS CAR 20.000 MILES ON THE FIRST TWO YEARS THE DEFECTIVE ENGINE WOULD HAD GONE LONG BEFORE THAT. AND YOU WOULD HAV…

Look up ODI 10025331 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10091650 · 135,000 mi

WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE SHOOK AND MADE NOISE. THEN, SUDDENLY VEHICLE SHUT DOWN. THE ENGINE WAS DEFECTIVE.*AK CAR SHOOK AND MADE NOISES. THE VEHICLE REFUSED TO START OR MOVE AFTER IT SHUT OFF. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD ENGINE PROBLEMS. *TC UPDATED 11/29/2005 - *NM UPDATED 12/07/05. *JB

Look up ODI 10091650 at NHTSA ↗

Power Train:Automatic TransmissionToo few reports for a range51,260 mi2 (sparse)
ODI 10135027 · 91,500 mi

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 SLO…

Look up ODI 10135027 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 566352 · 11,019 mi

THE VEHICLE WAS EXPERIENCING TRANSMISSION FAILURE. IT WOULD ONLY MOVE IN REVERSE AND WOULD SLIP IN ALL GEARS. IT HAS BEEN DETERMINED THAT TRANSMISSION FAILURE IS DUE TO MODIFICATION CONSUMER MADE TO PROTECT THE TRANSMISSION WHEN IN TOW. WARRANTY REPAIR IS DENIED BY THE DEALER. *JG

Look up ODI 566352 at NHTSA ↗

Suspension:Rear:Springs47,983–95,000 mi55,000 mi9
ODI 10020592 · 25,600 mi

REAR SPRINGS BROKE AT 25,000 MILES. THE DEALER INDICATED THAT FORD DESIGNED THE SPRINGS TOO THIN. FORD WOULD NOT REIMBURSE THE COST TO ME. *TT

Look up ODI 10020592 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10025218 · 55,000 mi

REAR (BOTH) SPRINGS ON 1998 FORD ESCORT BROKE PRIOR TO 55,000 MILES. CAR WAS NOT USED FOR ANY HEAVY DUTY DRIVING.*AK

Look up ODI 10025218 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10093090 · 47,983 mi

WHILE HAVING MY OIL CHANGED, THE TECHNICIAN NOTED THAT THE RIGHT REAR SUSPENSION SPRING WAS BROKEN NEAR THE BOTTOM. THE BROKEN SPRING DID NOT PERCEIVABLY ALTER THE FUNCTION OF THE CAR NOR DID IT MAKE NOISE. IT WAS CLARIFIED TO ME THAT THE SPRING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND BASED ON THE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS ON THIS SITE I FEEL IT IS NECESSARY TO HAVE BOTH SPRING REPLACED. THE ESTIMATE FOR THIS REPAIR IS ESTIMATED AT ABOUT $400. *JB

Look up ODI 10093090 at NHTSA ↗

Air BagsToo few reports for a range97,150 mi4 (sparse)
ODI 10053617 · 55,000 mi

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

Look up ODI 10053617 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10054234 · 104,300 mi

ON DECEMBER, 17TH, IN THE EVENING, MY HUSBAND WAS ON ROUTE 20, IN MARLBOROUGH, MA. HE HAD MADE A WRONG TURN AND WAS GOING 2 MPH, DOING A K-TURN, WHEN BOTH THE AIRBAGS IN HIS 1998 FORD ESCORT INFLATED. HE HAS A STANDARD SHIFT CAR. AT THE TIME OF THE FAULTY INFLATION, AS HE WAS STRUCK BY THE AIRBAG IN THE HEAD, HIS FEET CAME OFF THE PEDALS AND THE CAR STALLED, ROLLING TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND HITTING A CURB. WE ARE VERY LUCKY THAT HE WAS NOT ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN THESE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. HAD HE NOT MADE THE WRONG TURN, HE WOULD HAVE BEEN ON…

Look up ODI 10054234 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10107080 · 110,000 mi

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

Look up ODI 10107080 at NHTSA ↗

Electrical SystemToo few reports for a range32,400 mi3 (sparse)
ODI 10049176 · 51,950 mi

CAR WILL LOOSE POWER ABOUT 1 TO 2 MILES AFTER SLOWING DOWN FROM HIGH SPEEDS (55-75 MPH) TO PASS THROUGH AN AUTOMATED EPASS SYSTEM (35MPH). THERE IS NO BUCKING OR SURGING, SIMPLY A LOSS OF POWER. YOU CAN PUT THE ACCELATOR TO THE FLOOR TO NO AVAIL. ONCE DOWN BELOW 10 MPH THE CAR WILL STALL OUT. AFTER WAITING 1/2 HOUR THE CAR CAN BE RESTARTED. THE FIRST TIME THIS OCCURED THE CAR WAS TOWED TO SUN STATE FORD. THE FUEL PUMP WAS REPLACED TO NO AVAIL. THE SECOND TIME THE CAR WAS ALLOWED TO SIT AND THEN DRIVEN TO CAR MAX (PLACE OF PURCHASE) WHERE …

Look up ODI 10049176 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10127682 · 10,200 mi

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.

Look up ODI 10127682 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10127883 · 32,400 mi

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.

Look up ODI 10127883 at NHTSA ↗

Complaint and recall timeline

Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.

1 reports2024-102026-09

Solid line: filed complaints. Dashed amber lines: recall announcement dates for this vehicle selection; markers include all recall components. The latest month is partial. Temporal proximity does not establish causation.

Monthly counts, recall campaigns and complaint examples
Monthly complaint and recall timeline
MonthComplaintsCampaigns announcedExamples
2024-100None

No examples available for this selection.

2024-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2024-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-090None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-100None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-09 (partial)0None

No examples available for this selection.

Emerging complaint spikes

Complete months in the latest six months with at least 10 complaints, at least twice the preceding 12-month average, and at least three square-root deviations above that average.

This is a descriptive screening rule, not a statistical defect finding. Publicity and reporting changes can increase submissions.

No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.

Equal-age model-year comparison

Model-wide cumulative reports during the first three or five calendar years, starting with the model year (age 0). Only fully elapsed windows are compared.

Age 0Age 1Age 217 reports

2002: 17 complaints · 2003: 5 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model yearThrough age 0Through age 1Through age 2
200291517
2003135
Date coverage across each selected cohort
Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
YearIncident dates usedFiling date fallbacksExcluded dates
20023030
20031000

Incident date is preferred when valid and no later than filing; otherwise filing date is used. Model year approximates age. Equal observation time does not adjust for sales, distance driven or reporting delays. One complaint linked to multiple model years can appear in each cohort.

Components reported together

Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.

Component co-occurrence matrix
ComponentAir Bags:FrontalEngine And Engine Cooling:EnginePower Train:Automatic TransmissionService Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited SlipSuspension:Rear:SpringsAir BagsEngine And Engine Cooling:Engine:GasolineElectrical System
Air Bags:Frontal—0
1
ODI 824383

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

Look up ODI 824383 at NHTSA ↗

2
ODI 10111174

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

Look up ODI 10111174 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 829376

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.

Look up ODI 829376 at NHTSA ↗

0000
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine0—
1
ODI 757475

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…

Look up ODI 757475 at NHTSA ↗

00000
Power Train:Automatic Transmission
1
ODI 824383

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

Look up ODI 824383 at NHTSA ↗

1
ODI 757475

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…

Look up ODI 757475 at NHTSA ↗

—000
3
ODI 10157775

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…

Look up ODI 10157775 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 717171

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…

Look up ODI 717171 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 819834

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

Look up ODI 819834 at NHTSA ↗

0
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
2
ODI 10111174

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

Look up ODI 10111174 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 829376

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.

Look up ODI 829376 at NHTSA ↗

00—0000
Suspension:Rear:Springs0000—000
Air Bags00000—00
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline00
3
ODI 10157775

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…

Look up ODI 10157775 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 717171

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…

Look up ODI 717171 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 819834

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

Look up ODI 819834 at NHTSA ↗

000—0
Electrical System0000000—

Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.

Recurring narrative patterns

Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.

7 patterns with matching reports.

Stalling or loss of power

22 mentions · 5.9% of complaints

Median mileage: 80,500 mi (4 usable records).

ODI 10003820

CONSUMER STATED THE ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE STALLED, DUE TO ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE.*JB

Look up ODI 10003820 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10006758

INTERMITTENT STALLING WHILE DRIVING. DEALER HAS BEEN UNABLE TO DUPLICATE PROBLEM OR DETERMINE CAUSE. PH...*AK

Look up ODI 10006758 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10049176 · 51,950 mi

CAR WILL LOOSE POWER ABOUT 1 TO 2 MILES AFTER SLOWING DOWN FROM HIGH SPEEDS (55-75 MPH) TO PASS THROUGH AN AUTOMATED EPASS SYSTEM (35MPH). THERE IS NO BUCKING OR SURGING, SIMPLY A LOSS OF POWER. YOU CAN PUT THE ACCELATOR TO THE FLOOR TO NO AVAIL. ONCE DOWN BELOW 10 MPH THE CAR WILL STALL OUT. AFTER WAITING 1/2 HOUR THE CAR CAN BE RESTARTED. THE FIRST TIME THIS OCCURED THE CAR WAS TOWED TO SUN STATE FORD. THE FUEL PUMP WAS REPLACED TO NO AVAIL. THE SECOND TIME THE CAR WAS ALLOWED TO SIT AND THEN DRIVEN TO CAR MAX (PLACE OF PURCHASE) WHERE …

Look up ODI 10049176 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(stall\w*|loss of power|lost power|engine shut\w* off)\b

Steering assistance concerns

10 mentions · 2.7% of complaints

Median mileage: 81,756 mi (3 usable records).

ODI 10007335 · 75,000 mi

THE POWER STEERING HOSE FAILED.*JB

Look up ODI 10007335 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10201213 · 176,432 mi

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

Look up ODI 10201213 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10239844 · 81,756 mi

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…

Look up ODI 10239844 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(power steer\w*|steering assist\w*|steering lock\w*|steering wheel lock\w*)\b

Hard or delayed shifting

5 mentions · 1.3% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 757475

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…

Look up ODI 757475 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 769267

VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN FOR SERVICE 5 TIMES FOR TRANSMISSION, STILL LURCHES IN FIRST, HAS HEAVY SIDEWAYS VIBRATION UNTIL VEHICLE HITS HIGHWAY SPEEDS. HAVE BEEN CHARGED FOR REPAIR WHILE UNDER WARRANTY FROM FIRST REPAIR, FORD MOTOR COMPANY DID NOT PROVIDE ASSISTANCE. DT

Look up ODI 769267 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 8004057

TRANSMISSION SLIPS IN EVERY GEAR AND SHIFTS HARD, ESPECIALLY ON COLD MORNINGS. VEHICLE TAKEN TO DEALER 2 TIMES, CANNOT REMEDY THE PROBLEM. *AK

Look up ODI 8004057 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(hard shift\w*|rough shift\w*|delay\w* shift\w*|shift\w* hard|jerk\w*|lurch\w*)\b

Brake response concerns

4 mentions · 1.1% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 701152

CAR DID NOT STOP WHEN BRAKES WERE APPLIED. BRAKE PEDAL TRAVELED VERY CLOSE TO FLOOR BEFORE FEELING SLOWING WAS FIRST FELT.

Look up ODI 701152 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 8008593

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

Look up ODI 8008593 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 827243

CONSUMER EXPERIENCING BRAKE FAILURE. INTERMITTENTLY BRAKES WOULD SQUEAK OR GRIND. WHEN APPLYING BRAKE PEDAL THE VEHICLE WOULD EITHER KEEP GOING OR HAVE A DELAY BEFORE STOPPING. VEHICLE BEEN IN/OUT DEALER SHOP AND PROBLEM CANNOT BE RESOLVED. *AK

Look up ODI 827243 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(brake fail\w*|brakes fail\w*|brake pedal|braking distance|unintended braking|phantom braking)\b

Battery drain and no-start mentions

2 mentions · 0.5% of complaints

Median mileage: 67,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10135272 · 67,000 mi

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

Look up ODI 10135272 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 835013

WHILE AT A STOP VEHICLE STALLS WHICH MAY CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. ALSO, HAS A NO START CONDITION. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION AND VIN#. *AK

Look up ODI 835013 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(parasitic drain|battery drain\w*|dead battery|won.t start|would not start|no.start)\b

Fuel smell or leak mentions

1 mentions · 0.3% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 826546

THE DEFECTIVE FUEL CONTROL VALVE MALFUNCTIONED, CAUSING FUEL LEAKAGE AND FUEL SMELL WHICH MAY CAUSE A FIRE. DEALER REPL.ACED VALVE TWICE. PROBLEM IS STILL OCCURRING. DEALER CANNOT DETERMINE PROBLEM. *AK

Look up ODI 826546 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(fuel leak\w*|gas leak\w*|gas(?:oline)? smell|smell\w* (?:of )?(?:fuel|gas))\b

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

1 mentions · 0.3% of complaints

Median mileage: 81,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10156961 · 81,000 mi

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED HOWEVER THE VEHICLE EXHIBITED NO PROBLEMS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALERTED.

Look up ODI 10156961 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(warning light\w*|check engine|dashboard warning\w*|malfunction indicator)\b