1997 Ford Escort Equipment Problems
- Complaints
- 8about this part
- Share
- 1%of 543 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 63,792miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the equipment of the 1997 Ford Escort, 1% of the 543 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 63,792 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I took my Escort in for an inspection and the rear coil springs are broken again the first time they broke the dealer replaced them and said he thought a recall would be issued because Ford new there was a problem with them now once again they are broken and there is still no recall if someone knew there was a problem with them why aren't they correcting the problem and do we the consumers have to keep shelling out our hard earned money for repairs. This car is a 1997 Ford Escort and rear springs were replaced twice just not fair.”
NHTSA complaint #10241830, filed 2008-09, 100,000 miles“Cruise control quit working a few days later I blew a fuse for the brakes lights. I replace the fuse and blew that one. At this same time I noticed that I could not shut off the air conditioning. I will contact dealer next buisness day.”
NHTSA complaint #708227, filed 1999-07“In august 2001the air conditioner started making a noise and then the air bag light and chime started. We took the car to the brandon Ford dealership. They fixed the air conditioner. But they said it would be at least $1000 to just look at the air bag. We do not have that kind of money to waste on air bags. I was eight months pregnant at the time and we asked the dealership if the air bags would deploy. They said the air bags would not deploy. Now I read an article stating that the air bags in the same type of vehicle have deployed for no reason. …”
NHTSA complaint #766070, filed 2002-08“An electrical short circuit is occurring within vehicle which is causing vehicle battery to completely lose power. Consumer states radio caused battery to drain and speakers to pop, radio replaced 3 times, experiencing other electrical problems with the headlights dimming when the heater is on or when applying brakes, radiator had to be replaced, engine lights come on intermittently, and poor acceleration when going up a hill.”
NHTSA complaint #8002796, filed 2002-01“Vehicle would stall out at different speeds. Almost rearended because of stalling unexpectedly. Had vehicle towed back to dealer. Was informed could not find problem for stalling, even had vehicle test driven. Air conditioner blew hot air, dealer repaired wiring assembly. Tires experienced wear, consumer did not give specific tire information. Engine light illuminated and vehicle was hard to restart, vehicle also lost power and dealer has not been able to resolve the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #818691, filed 1997-10Related service bulletins
- 10013060Oct 14, 2002Climate control a/c service tech tips.
Equipment: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2000 | 2 | 2% |
| 1999 | 15 | 5% |
| 1998 | 13 | 3% |
| 1997 | 8 | 1% |
| 1996 | 1 | 0% |
| 1995 | 6 | 1% |
| 1994 | 4 | 1% |
| 1993 | 4 | 1% |
| 1992 | 1 | 1% |
| 1991 | 6 | 2% |
| 1990 | 3 | 3% |
| 1989 | 1 | 1% |
| 1988 | 1 | 1% |
| 1987 | 2 | 4% |
| 1986 | 1 | 2% |
Other parts of the 1997 Ford Escort
152 complaintsElectrical system
114 complaintsSuspension
67 complaintsEngine cooling
66 complaintsBrakes
42 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
31 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
29 complaintsVehicle speed control
28 complaintsOther or unknown
22 complaintsSteering
22 complaintsFuel system
16 complaintsExterior lighting
12 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 Ford Escort
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology