1997 Ford Escort Other or unknown Problems
- Complaints
- 22about this part
- Share
- 4%of 543 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 22 complaints about the other or unknown of the 1997 Ford Escort, 4% of the 543 complaints for this model year.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Mechanic was told by prts suppliers this part in '97 escorts are dropping like flies -to me that is bad design and possibly a hazard to drivers when this part fails.I was lucky and going very slow speed when mine broke loose.”
NHTSA complaint #709745, filed 1999-08“While sitting at a light vehicle shut down, and engine check light came on. Vehicle shut completely down due to computer module failure. Also, alternator and battery died out, and engine belt, that runs everythng within the vehicle, disconnected due to the harmonic balancer that almost came off. Three sensors were also replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #846304, filed 2000-02“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“Engine check light will come on when operating vehicle for a long period of time or climbing a hill. The transmission failed twice and was replaced by the dealer. But the transmission's erratic shift uphill and check the engine soon light continued.”
NHTSA complaint #866109, filed 2000-07“While traveling noticed air bag indication light flashing. Then, stopped the next day and indication light flashed. Also, cooling indication light came on. Consumer parked vehicle and air bags deployed. Please provide further information.”
NHTSA complaint #865675, filed 2000-07Other or unknown: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2001 | 1 | 1% |
| 2000 | 1 | 1% |
| 1999 | 3 | 1% |
| 1998 | 13 | 3% |
| 1997 | 22 | 4% |
| 1996 | 6 | 3% |
| 1995 | 16 | 3% |
| 1994 | 3 | 1% |
| 1993 | 8 | 2% |
| 1992 | 7 | 4% |
| 1991 | 1 | 0% |
| 1989 | 2 | 1% |
| 1988 | 3 | 2% |
| 1986 | 2 | 4% |
| 1983 | 1 | 14% |
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 complaintsSteering
22 complaintsFuel system
16 complaintsExterior lighting
12 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 27, 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