1997 Ford Escort Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 29about this part
- Share
- 5%of 543 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 80,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 29 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1997 Ford Escort, 5% of the 543 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 80,000 miles. 2 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“My mom bought the car, certified used, with only 16,000 miles on it. As it neared 37,000 miles it needed a new transmission. I had to pay for it. After that the transmission had to be replaced 2 more times before it reached 70,000 miles.”
NHTSA complaint #10133630, filed 2005-08, 37,000 miles“I was driving my 1997 Ford Escort at 70mph down interstate 75 when all of a sudden the wheels locked up. Here to find out the transmission was what locked up the gears just locked up tight causing the wheels to lock. I am 48 years old and have a cdl drivers license. I drive a 40ft. Bookmobile everyday for a living. My complaint is Ford needs to look into this because a less experianced driver would have rolled the car or been run over by other traffic. I had the transmission replaced with a used one at a cost of 887.24. I contacted Ford 2 times and they do not care. …”
NHTSA complaint #10028415, filed 2003-07, 41,000 miles“I have a 1997 Ford Escort. At approximately. 37,000 miles the transmission required service. Took car to board Ford in whittier, ca. Two days after service the transmission failed. Board Ford allowed an esp for power train and replaced transmission. At time of replacement, board Ford indicated the new power train was warranted for 75,000 miles. At approximately 45,000 miles on the new power train, it literally exploded from the inside out (completely cracked the core). …”
NHTSA complaint #10014273, filed 2003-04, 80,000 miles“How can a dealership not acknowledge the motor/transmission are both foreign items. If I wanted to purchase a foreign car I would have. And for both motor replacement cost $2600 and transmission $2800 to go out the same time. Isn't there some law that states a dealership/mfg must acknowledge the type of equipment (parts) being used in a automobile??”
NHTSA complaint #736408, filed 2000-11“I do not drive my Escort wild I try to take care of my car. I have contacted the company to get it repaired; they only cover part's. I am fighting the warranty company that cancelled me; that paid for this at the time.no safety defect listed.”
NHTSA complaint #759580, filed 2002-03Related service bulletins
- 10014086Dec 13, 2004General (pcm) power train control module programming procedures.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 1 | 10% |
| 2002 | 5 | 15% |
| 2001 | 13 | 19% |
| 2000 | 18 | 18% |
| 1999 | 35 | 11% |
| 1998 | 43 | 11% |
| 1997 | 29 | 5% |
| 1996 | 19 | 9% |
| 1995 | 36 | 6% |
| 1994 | 19 | 7% |
| 1993 | 30 | 8% |
| 1992 | 8 | 5% |
| 1991 | 30 | 9% |
| 1990 | 4 | 4% |
| 1989 | 8 | 5% |
| 1988 | 7 | 5% |
| 1987 | 1 | 2% |
| 1986 | 1 | 2% |
| 1985 | 3 | 12% |
Other parts of the 1997 Ford Escort
152 complaintsElectrical system
114 complaintsSuspension
67 complaintsEngine cooling
66 complaintsBrakes
42 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
31 complaintsVehicle speed control
28 complaintsOther or unknown
22 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 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