1998 Ford Escort Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 17about this part
- Share
- 5%of 375 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 75,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 17 complaints about the steering of the 1998 Ford Escort, 5% of the 375 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 75,000 miles. 1 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.
“I took my 1998 Ford Escort to gagne Ford in princeton, wisconsin, to have the oil changed. The technician informed me that they recommend replacing the tie rods. Outer tie rod ends. Right outer is loose. Left outer is siezed. Since there is only 23,200 miles on the car, I checked for recalls. Are people just having this repair done and not reporting it? Do I really need this work done?”
NHTSA complaint #10088160, filed 2004-08, 23,200 miles“I read that that NHTSA conducted a study on tie rod end failure in Ford cars at some point. I have just had two sets of tie rod ends replaced on my Ford Escort (98 model year) within a span of a year and a half. If you are still collecting data for this issue, I respectfully submit my case.”
NHTSA complaint #10008182, filed 2003-02“Dt: consumer took 1998 Ford Escort for a oil change on september 30, 2005. The mechanic found both rear coils springs broke. The rear struts were damaged, and the left front tie rod was broken. The mileage on my vehicle at time of service was 71, 127 miles. The consumer used the car for shopping and pleasure with no hard driving at her age. She was surprised to hear this was common for the 1997 and 1998 Ford escorts. I had other Ford escorts prior to this one and I had no problem. This problem cost the consumer $732. Had not contacted dealership or manufacturer. Had no accidents. …”
NHTSA complaint #10138999, filed 2005-10“The contact owns a 1998 Ford Escort. The contact stated that the steering locked up while driving. She pulled to the side of the road and attempted to restart the vehicle, however, it failed to restart immediately. She stated that the power steering fluid was dark colored and leaking. The dealer stated that the power steering needed to be drained and more tests were needed to determine the cause of failure. The current and failure mileages were 176,432. Updated 12/12/2007 updated 12/12/07.”
NHTSA complaint #10201213, filed 2007-08, 176,432 miles“While driving at approximately 45 MPH in wet conditions driver lost control of vehicle and ran into a tree head on ,did not have enough time to apply brakes , dual airbags did not deploy, causing head injuries.”
NHTSA complaint #867004, filed 2000-08Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 3 | 9% |
| 2001 | 5 | 7% |
| 2000 | 4 | 4% |
| 1999 | 16 | 5% |
| 1998 | 17 | 5% |
| 1997 | 22 | 4% |
| 1996 | 10 | 5% |
| 1995 | 19 | 3% |
| 1994 | 11 | 4% |
| 1993 | 13 | 3% |
| 1992 | 4 | 2% |
| 1991 | 12 | 4% |
| 1990 | 5 | 5% |
| 1989 | 7 | 5% |
| 1988 | 9 | 6% |
| 1987 | 3 | 5% |
| 1986 | 1 | 2% |
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 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
16 complaintsBody and structure
14 complaintsVehicle speed control
14 complaintsEquipment
13 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1998 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