1997 Ford Escort Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 8about this part
- Share
- 1%of 543 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 108,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the body and structure of the 1997 Ford Escort, 1% of the 543 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 108,500 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
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.
“1997 Ford Escort lx wagon component: structure:hatchback hydraulic cylinder:trunk cylinder manufacturer: Ford motor company the clips that hold the hydraulic cylinder to the frame have come off the passenger side liftgate assist. How this was determined was I opened the hatchback and leaned in and the hydraulic arm came off and the hatchback fell on me. Both scary and painful I contacted Ford attempting to obtain replacement clips, but they are requiring me to purchase an entire assembly. …”
NHTSA complaint #10306773, filed 2010-02, 111,000 miles“My wife was involved in a head on collision. She and my two children were choppered to a trauma unit. My 10 week old son was in the evenflo on my way system and the base broke apart upon impact. The system held him in place, but my concern is with the base breaking apart. Model#4921b7p2 manufactured 14 jan98.”
NHTSA complaint #10018606, filed 2003-05, 106,000 miles“During normal operation of vehicle a metal to metal grinding/rubbing noise was being emitted from vehicle, unknown location. . Then, vehicle would not maintain control when going over bumps, and in general seemed bouncy. A private mechanic informed consumer that rear bolt springs were busted, and that gas struts were busted/ leaking fluid. Rear struts and springs broke and leaking.”
NHTSA complaint #886103, filed 2001-04“Vehicle was in an collision and was hit on the driver's side. The driver side door armrest was like a spear, causing injuries to the driver of vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #815471, filed 1997-08Body and structure: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 1 | 10% |
| 2002 | 1 | 3% |
| 2001 | 2 | 3% |
| 1999 | 7 | 2% |
| 1998 | 14 | 4% |
| 1997 | 8 | 1% |
| 1996 | 4 | 2% |
| 1995 | 6 | 1% |
| 1994 | 4 | 1% |
| 1993 | 9 | 2% |
| 1991 | 4 | 1% |
| 1990 | 3 | 3% |
| 1989 | 2 | 1% |
| 1988 | 3 | 2% |
| 1986 | 6 | 13% |
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 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