1998 Ford Escort Other or unknown Problems
- Complaints
- 13about this part
- Share
- 3%of 375 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 13 complaints about the other or unknown of the 1998 Ford Escort, 3% of the 375 complaints for this model year. 1 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.
“Hello, my complaint concerns the rear coil springs of '98 ish escorts. In my case, the first spring failed at about 80,000 kms and the second was confirmed just today while having a tire replaced due to a puncture. Three garages have made unsolicited comments concerning the awful coils delivered with the car wondering if they (the rear coils) had failed yet. Initially I was skeptical of the mechanics motives; now I just fume when I hear these comments. If this is such a problem, why isn't Ford making arrangements to redress this problem? …”
NHTSA complaint #10071377, filed 2004-01“I have had this problem since I purchased the vehicle, as you are driving the back of the seat will drop down. I had taken it in to the service center and made comment of this to which I was told I have never heard anything like it before. What I have found out over the years and miles, is that the seatbelt strap at the lap can catch on the release lever of the seat and any shifting in position will pull on the lever and release the seat back. This is just a warning to others as it can cause a fatal accident as it catches the unsuspecting driver off guard when the back of your seat falls. …”
NHTSA complaint #10070873, filed 2004-01“Sensor light comes on and off intermittently. Consumer took vehicle to dealership, and mechanic fixed vehicle. Dealership mechanic replaced wiring in front of vehicle, and problem came back three months ago.dealer told her to ride with sensor light on. Service engine soon light on steady due to powertrain control module (PCM) failure.”
NHTSA complaint #868150, filed 2000-08“Customer is not happy with the interior system : map light, both driver and passanger side mirror in visor and rear door hatch light are all missing in this model year. Yh”
NHTSA complaint #609914, filed 1999-02“While traveling on a straight portion of highway, driver heard a click sound from under the vehicle. Vehicle swerved to right, driver lost control and crashed.”
NHTSA complaint #536738, filed 1998-06Other or unknown: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2001 | 1 | 1% |
| 2000 | 1 | 1% |
| 1999 | 3 | 1% |
| 1998 | 13 | 3% |
| 1997 | 22 | 4% |
| 1996 | 6 | 3% |
| 1995 | 16 | 3% |
| 1994 | 3 | 1% |
| 1993 | 8 | 2% |
| 1992 | 7 | 4% |
| 1991 | 1 | 0% |
| 1989 | 2 | 1% |
| 1988 | 3 | 2% |
| 1986 | 2 | 4% |
| 1983 | 1 | 14% |
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 29, 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