1997 Ford Escort Latches, locks and linkages Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 1%of 543 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the latches, locks and linkages of the 1997 Ford Escort, 1% of the 543 complaints for this model year.
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.
“The wasp design of the rear door locks make the locks extremely vulnerable to breakage. Exact replacements are very hard to find. When locl plunger is broken off, the passengers in the back seat are trapped in the cat until someone in front releases the electric doorlocks. I do not know if it is at all possible to get back door open with manual door locks.”
NHTSA complaint #762834, filed 2002-06“If there is a movement of the vehicle, forward, if a person is on a grade forward and if a strong wind is coming from the rear forward, the front door will swing open and will hit anything without anyone being able to control it. One must use both hands to securely lock the door. Scc”
NHTSA complaint #517201, filed 1997-05“Hood latch pops loose while driving. Hood does not come up/ latch does not stay tight. Consumer has not contacted dealer. Please provide any further information.”
NHTSA complaint #891992, filed 2001-07Latches, locks and linkages: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 1 | 10% |
| 2000 | 2 | 2% |
| 1999 | 3 | 1% |
| 1998 | 3 | 1% |
| 1997 | 5 | 1% |
| 1996 | 3 | 1% |
| 1995 | 4 | 1% |
| 1994 | 2 | 1% |
| 1993 | 4 | 1% |
| 1992 | 2 | 1% |
| 1991 | 1 | 0% |
| 1990 | 3 | 3% |
| 1989 | 1 | 1% |
| 1988 | 2 | 1% |
| 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 30, 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