1998 Ford Escort Tires Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 2%of 375 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 95,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the tires of the 1998 Ford Escort, 2% of the 375 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 95,000 miles. 2 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“The contact owns a 1998 Ford Escort. The vehicle was equipped with kelly springfield tire size 185/65/14. The contact was driving approximately 5 MPH and he heard a loud, abnormal noise coming from the rear tires. The contact detected that both rear tires had a defect within the inner liner and the cords were visible. The vehicle was taking to the dealer and the tires were replaced. The manufacturer was aware of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 40,000. Updated 10/31/13”
NHTSA complaint #10542299, filed 2013-09, 40,000 miles“The contact owns a 1998 Ford Escort. The tire brand was bridge stone insignia sl, tire size was p175/65r14. The DOT was unknown. While driving approximately 67 MPH, the contact stated that the front right passenger tire blew out without warning. The tires were on the vehicle when it was purchased. The dealer nor the manufacturer were notified. There were no recalls or warranties on the tires. The current and failure mileages were approximately 150,000. Updated 02/08/11 update 02/14/11”
NHTSA complaint #10371777, filed 2010-12, 150,000 miles“Pe00 048; consumer was traveling about 65mph on highway and heard a loud banging noise. She saw smoke from rearview mirrior. She was able to pull over, and noticed that front right passenger tire tread separated from vehicle. Goodyear tire. Goodyear was notified.”
NHTSA complaint #884890, filed 2001-04Tires: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 1 | 10% |
| 2002 | 3 | 9% |
| 2001 | 2 | 3% |
| 2000 | 4 | 4% |
| 1999 | 14 | 4% |
| 1998 | 6 | 2% |
| 1997 | 12 | 2% |
| 1996 | 4 | 2% |
| 1995 | 9 | 2% |
| 1994 | 6 | 2% |
| 1993 | 9 | 2% |
| 1992 | 3 | 2% |
| 1991 | 4 | 1% |
| 1990 | 2 | 2% |
| 1988 | 1 | 1% |
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 30, 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