1997 Ford Escort Vehicle speed control Problems
- Complaints
- 28about this part
- Share
- 5%of 543 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 45,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 28 complaints about the vehicle speed control of the 1997 Ford Escort, 5% of the 543 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 45,000 miles. 6 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Unintended accelleration. Within the last 12 months, on approximately 6 occasions, the vehicle would suddenly accelerate when braking to a stop. The vehicle would be placed immediately into neutral and the idle speed would return to normal. This was not caused by floormats or inadvertant pressing of the gas pedal.”
NHTSA complaint #10118119, filed 2005-04, 17,000 miles“The vehicle accelerated and lurched forward while pulling into a parking space, causing the vehicle to hit a brick wall. Upon impact, both frontal air bags failed to deploy. The driver sustained minor injuries, and was transported to the local hospital. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified.”
NHTSA complaint #10097832, filed 2004-11, 45,000 miles“Daughter was driving car, had a tire blow out, and car suddenly accelerated out of control. She tried shifting gears, using brakes, and pulling parking brake to no avail. She crashed into parked cars after traveling about 200 yards uphill. Witnesses say she was going about 30 to 40 MPH. After the blowout, which happened as she was leaving a stop. Car will not be repaired, will be junked. It is too dangerous for anyone to drive.”
NHTSA complaint #10144374, filed 2005-12, 40 miles“Cruise control quit working a few days later I blew a fuse for the brakes lights. I replace the fuse and blew that one. At this same time I noticed that I could not shut off the air conditioning. I will contact dealer next buisness day.”
NHTSA complaint #708227, filed 1999-07“Vehicle was going 65mph and slowing down to 30mph while still accelerating. Heater core was leaking onto computer for airbag module. This was the second time it happened.*akthe leaking heater core caused alot of damage to the airbag, spark plugs, ignition cable, and oxygen sensors. Consumer paid out of pocket for damaged parts. Heater core replaced under warranty.”
NHTSA complaint #8008606, filed 2002-04Vehicle speed control: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 2 | 20% |
| 2002 | 1 | 3% |
| 2001 | 10 | 15% |
| 2000 | 5 | 5% |
| 1999 | 8 | 2% |
| 1998 | 14 | 4% |
| 1997 | 28 | 5% |
| 1996 | 5 | 2% |
| 1995 | 18 | 3% |
| 1994 | 6 | 2% |
| 1993 | 49 | 13% |
| 1992 | 22 | 14% |
| 1991 | 19 | 6% |
| 1990 | 3 | 3% |
| 1989 | 9 | 6% |
| 1988 | 3 | 2% |
| 1987 | 1 | 2% |
| 1986 | 2 | 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 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 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