1998 Ford Escort Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 14about this part
- Share
- 4%of 375 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 94,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 14 complaints about the body and structure of the 1998 Ford Escort, 4% of the 375 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 94,000 miles.
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.
“I am concerned regarding rear bumper cover. This very important paft on tbis vehicle is made totally of fiberglass or a similar product which becomes more cracked with time and the main issue is that it has no hard metal bar for protection in the event of a rear impact . This bumper which I had removed to rplaced what was left of it has something that appears to be a bar attached or part of it yet it is not any type of metal that would in any way help endure the rear of the vehicle in the event of a rear impact. …”
NHTSA complaint #11172236, filed 2019-01, 80,000 miles“I was sold a 1998 Ford Escort zx2 for 800 dollars, from but behind a local dealership. The dealership did the notary, and they were the ones who signed off on the car and gave me a hand written receipt with someone else's name on it. They also did the inspection later on after we replaced one of the ball joints. We had the car looked at by another official inspection station and they said the car was a death trap. We contacted a state trooper. He did an inspection, failed the car, and took the sticker. There was a long list of problems. …”
NHTSA complaint #10220292, filed 2008-03, 187,000 miles“The paint on the drivers side front panel was striped off in a car wash. And to my knowledge the cars has not been repainted. Well... Not while I've owned it. I am having the car repainted.”
NHTSA complaint #10093797, filed 2004-10, 69,887 miles“While driving at 45 MPH vehicle stalled, and soon after consumer heard something hit the ground. Vehicle was guided to the shoulder, and consumer found that the air conditioner brackets broke. This in turn, caused the AC compressor to fall and rip a hole into the oil pan.”
NHTSA complaint #10081871, filed 2004-08, 94,000 miles“Constantly wet condition on driver side floor - during wet weather. Water coming through the floor or firewall (near the floor) and filling the floor with water. 1998 Ford Escort lx”
NHTSA complaint #10102387, filed 2004-12, 134,000 milesBody and structure: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 1 | 10% |
| 2002 | 1 | 3% |
| 2001 | 2 | 3% |
| 1999 | 7 | 2% |
| 1998 | 14 | 4% |
| 1997 | 8 | 1% |
| 1996 | 4 | 2% |
| 1995 | 6 | 1% |
| 1994 | 4 | 1% |
| 1993 | 9 | 2% |
| 1991 | 4 | 1% |
| 1990 | 3 | 3% |
| 1989 | 2 | 1% |
| 1988 | 3 | 2% |
| 1986 | 6 | 13% |
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 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 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