1998 Ford Escort Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 1about this part
- Share
- 0%of 375 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 144,998miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 1 complaints about the engine of the 1998 Ford Escort, 0% of the 375 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 144,998 miles. 1 a fire, 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.
“The contact owns a 1998 Ford Escort. While driving 20 MPH, the vehicle caught fire under the hood without warning. The fire department arrived and extinguished the fire. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. There were no injuries. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and did not assist. The failure mileage was 144,998.”
NHTSA complaint #11256695, filed 2019-09, 144,998 milesEngine: other model years
Other parts of the 1998 Ford Escort
75 complaintsSuspension
50 complaintsEngine cooling
49 complaintsElectrical system
43 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
43 complaintsBrakes
35 complaintsFuel system
22 complaintsSeat belts
17 complaintsSteering
17 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
16 complaintsBody and structure
14 complaintsVehicle speed control
14 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1998 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