1998 Ford Escort Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 43about this part
- Share
- 11%of 375 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 64,544miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 43 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1998 Ford Escort, 11% of the 375 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 64,544 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The failure involves the interlock that keeps you from shifting out of park without applying the brake. My left rear turn signal bulb had burned out. I stopped the car, put it in park, and set the emergency brake, to get out and check the other turn signals. First I turned on the left side and verified that the left rear bulb wasn't working. Then I asked the passenger in the car to switch on the right signals. She leaned on the shift lever to try to reach the turn signal lever, and when she did, the car went into reverse. …”
NHTSA complaint #10135027, filed 2005-09, 91,500 miles“The vehicle was experiencing transmission failure. It would only move in reverse and would slip in all gears. It has been determined that transmission failure is due to modification consumer made to protect the transmission when in tow. Warranty repair is denied by the dealer.”
NHTSA complaint #566352, filed 2002-10, 11,019 miles“I have been in the service center 3 times for this vibration and 1 special service bulletin.I was also told by the service manager after having my iat sensor replaced in my transmisson and he told me sometimes their service technicians replace parts that.”
NHTSA complaint #705782, filed 1999-04“I have had near accidents relating to car fuel pump or transmission shops couldn't find any problems but the drivablity of my 98 Escort zx2 cost me more money in problem solving, 1,500 plus in recent repairs including emergency and repeat repairs and faulty repairs. My fuel economy is 160 miles per tank to almost 200 miles. No one can seem to find the problem(s). Large thunking in rear trunk (scary)when im taking off and reaching a steady speed. Take the car to major Ford dealerships, to no avail. Car doesn't always go from a complete stop in traffic,this has caused quite a scare as well. …”
NHTSA complaint #10157775, filed 2006-05“I live in burlington ontario canada, yet felt that this issue needed to be addressed beyond contacting the ministry of transportation in canada, (of which I am in the process of doing). I belong to a large group of Escort zx2 owners who are on the second and even 3rd transmission! This model was first introduced in 1998(the year of my car) and should not have had so many problems with our transmissions. It is extremely weak and has frequent mis-syncing shifts. I feel this is not only a safety issue, yet one that deserves immediate attention. …”
NHTSA complaint #737227, filed 2000-12Related service bulletins
- 10014086Dec 13, 2004General (pcm) power train control module programming procedures.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 1 | 10% |
| 2002 | 5 | 15% |
| 2001 | 13 | 19% |
| 2000 | 18 | 18% |
| 1999 | 35 | 11% |
| 1998 | 43 | 11% |
| 1997 | 29 | 5% |
| 1996 | 19 | 9% |
| 1995 | 36 | 6% |
| 1994 | 19 | 7% |
| 1993 | 30 | 8% |
| 1992 | 8 | 5% |
| 1991 | 30 | 9% |
| 1990 | 4 | 4% |
| 1989 | 8 | 5% |
| 1988 | 7 | 5% |
| 1987 | 1 | 2% |
| 1986 | 1 | 2% |
| 1985 | 3 | 12% |
Other parts of the 1998 Ford Escort
75 complaintsSuspension
50 complaintsEngine cooling
49 complaintsElectrical system
43 complaintsBrakes
35 complaintsFuel system
22 complaintsSeat belts
17 complaintsSteering
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 31, 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