1998 Ford Escort: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 375 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is air bags (18% of complaints); the 1996 and 2000 model years look more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Jul 2004
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 375 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“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”Owner report · Engine · Sep 2019
“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”Owner report · Tires · Jan 2013
“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”Owner report · Tires · Dec 2010
Show 7 more owner reports
“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”Owner report · Suspension · Oct 2010
“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”Owner report · Suspension · Apr 2009
“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”Owner report · Suspension · Mar 2009
“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”Owner report · Seat Belts · Oct 2008
“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.”Owner report · Seat Belts · Aug 2008
“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”Owner report · Steering · Aug 2007
“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”Owner report · Suspension · Jun 2007
When filing, owners marked a crash in 84 of these complaints and injuries in 78 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
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.
Remedy: TRW WILL NOTIFY THE CUSTOMERS WHO PURCHASED THE REPLACEMENT SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 27, 2004.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 1998 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact Escort by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1998 Ford Escort reliable?
NHTSA has 375 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 1998 Ford Escort. The most complained-about area is air bags (18% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1998 Ford Escort problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 75,000 miles or less.
Does the 1998 Ford Escort have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning seat belts:front. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.