1997 Ford Escort Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 12about this part
- Share
- 2%of 543 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 52,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 12 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 1997 Ford Escort, 2% of the 543 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 52,000 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.
“Dt: headlights are fogging up due to moisture. Caller is concerned that they will not pass inspection if they get any worse. Dealer said headlights need to be replaced, and that was all they could do. Manufacturer has not been called yet. The 2 headlights were replaced. Consumer thought when the right directional malfunctioned , it was due to the mositure too.”
NHTSA complaint #10124445, filed 2005-08, 52,000 miles“Both rear brake stop lamps failed to operate when stopping. Vehicle has been taken to a repair shop, and mechanic replaced the brake switch under the hood. Within a few months the problem recurred. Consumer was concerned that the vehicle may become involved in a rear end crash due to this problem. Dealer was notified, who informed consumer that the vehicle's problem was not covered under a recall.”
NHTSA complaint #10117038, filed 2005-03, 107,000 miles“We have a 1997 Ford Escort, and the plastic lens that covers the headlights is extremely frosted. This means when driving at night, the amount of light output by the headlights is reduced, limiting the visibility of the road in front of the vehicle which could be hazardous. When the bright lights are turned on, the additional light output is small, once again due to the frosted lens on both headlights. I have noticed this on another Escort, and no doubt it exists on others. A local auto repair shop says it is a defect. The plastic lens should remain clear. I believe Ford should replace them. …”
NHTSA complaint #10049442, filed 2003-12“While driving down road, turn signals come on and off intermittently. Vehicle gives no prior warning. When using turn signas, both lights will blink on dash, but one will blink on outside. Consumer was told it might be flasher, and flasher was replaced. But, problem was still there. Had not contacted dealer. Consumer filed a complaint around march.”
NHTSA complaint #896664, filed 2001-09“Intermittently headlights become inoperable. Headlights would not come on when ca ris warm. If consumer runs the car for an hour with headlights on, then shuts car and lights off, then turns sit back on within an hour or two, headlights will not come on. Dealer checked and replaced relay, but still didn't fix the problem. Possible faulty wiring.”
NHTSA complaint #855873, filed 2000-02Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 1 | 3% |
| 2001 | 1 | 1% |
| 2000 | 2 | 2% |
| 1999 | 12 | 4% |
| 1998 | 3 | 1% |
| 1997 | 12 | 2% |
| 1996 | 1 | 0% |
| 1995 | 12 | 2% |
| 1994 | 5 | 2% |
| 1993 | 5 | 1% |
| 1992 | 8 | 5% |
| 1991 | 16 | 5% |
| 1989 | 9 | 6% |
| 1988 | 11 | 8% |
| 1986 | 2 | 4% |
| 1985 | 1 | 4% |
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 complaintsSeat belts
12 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 Ford Escort
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 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