1997 Ford Escort Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems
- Complaints
- 31about this part
- Share
- 6%of 543 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 100,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 31 complaints about the visibility of the 1997 Ford Escort, 6% of the 543 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 100,000 miles. 7 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The heater core sprung a leak. This is the second time this has happened within 15 months. I caught the problem before any damage occured. The first time there was extensive damage. The air bag and PCM modules were damaged by the heater core leak. There also was a fire from the PCM and air bag module. This damage cost $1500. The dealer will not fix the problem because it is out of warranty by 3 months. I have found out that there are many cars that are expierencing this problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10003060, filed 2003-01, 152,000 miles“Consumer had recall 02v323000 remedied in 03/03. The airbag warning light illuminated again and the consumer was very concerned for her safety. The air bag light came on while driving. The air bag light stayed on for two days. The dealer stated they were unable to do anything about it unless it had come back on. The power window failed to roll down.”
NHTSA complaint #10022776, filed 2003-08, 74,239 miles“Dt: the contact stated the heater core ruptured, which caused water to get into the electrical system, and vehicle caught on fire. The vehicle has not been inspected to determine the cause of the problem. Upodated11/29/05.”
NHTSA complaint #10141777, filed 2005-11, 82,000 miles“Manufacturer's recall 02544 concerning heater core failure. Heater core fluid dripped on the air bag module, causing a short. Vehicle was repaired once, but the problem recurred.”
NHTSA complaint #10061290, filed 2004-03, 100,000 miles“On the 1997 Ford Escort the airbag control module is installed directly underneath the heater core. On my car the heater core developed a leak and antifreeze flowed over the airbag control module and the electrical connector associated with it. This resulted in burnt insulation on the wiring for the airbag control and blowing the associated fuse. It came very close to causing a fire. The main problem with this is that you do not get indications of an antifreeze leak until it is to late and the air bag system is no longer usable.”
NHTSA complaint #10008070, filed 2003-02, 60,000 milesVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 1 | 10% |
| 2001 | 2 | 3% |
| 2000 | 6 | 6% |
| 1999 | 8 | 2% |
| 1998 | 16 | 4% |
| 1997 | 31 | 6% |
| 1995 | 14 | 2% |
| 1994 | 14 | 5% |
| 1993 | 20 | 5% |
| 1992 | 4 | 2% |
| 1991 | 3 | 1% |
| 1990 | 2 | 2% |
| 1989 | 1 | 1% |
| 1988 | 4 | 3% |
| 1985 | 1 | 4% |
Other parts of the 1997 Ford Escort
152 complaintsElectrical system
114 complaintsSuspension
67 complaintsEngine cooling
66 complaintsBrakes
42 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
29 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 28, 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