1998 Ford Escort Vehicle speed control Problems
- Complaints
- 14about this part
- Share
- 4%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 14 complaints about the vehicle speed control of the 1998 Ford Escort, 4% of the 375 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 95,000 miles. 3 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.
“Dt: the contact states the vehicle has a loud roar when idling. The vehicle also accelerates rapidly on its own. He took the vehicle to an independent garage. The technician suggested a new speed control and an idle control module. This was replaced twice but did not correct the problem. A diagnostic check did not detect any codes. The dealer was unable to determine the cause of this problem. There have been no further repairs at this time. Updated 12/27/2005 - this problem seemed worse in cold weather. …”
NHTSA complaint #10142692, filed 2005-11, 3,000 miles“The contact owns a 1998 Ford Escort. The contact stated while sitting idle at a traffic stop with the brakes depressed, the vehicle abnormally accelerated to 80 MPH. The contact was able to avoid a crash by weaving in and out of traffic and attempted to shift into park but to no avail. The contact then engaged the emergency brake with the assistance of the passenger. The contact stated that there was very little brake fluid in the vehicle but enough that the brakes should have stopped the vehicle. …”
NHTSA complaint #10345410, filed 2010-07, 150,000 miles“Vehicle vibrates terribly at stops signs, consumer was advised by mechanic that Ford is aware that this is a known problem,which is called poor idle quality and that a recall would probably go out soon to remedy the problem, consumer still has not received any recall notification and the vibation is intolerable and very loud.”
NHTSA complaint #560530, filed 2001-03“The car is constantly shaking, once you put the gearshift in drive. Car was checked and reviewed by mechanic through the computer.the tps was replaced. The motor support rubbers are ok. Went to Ford dealer and they do not find how to fix the problem.this continuous shaking movement is really annoying.”
NHTSA complaint #749888, filed 2001-08“While driving throttle remained open and was stuck. Ended up hitting another vehicle. Also hit a tree & a pole. Tried to shift into neutral & vehicle failed to slow down or stop. Finally shut vehicle off. Sometime later, restarted vehicle & it was still running at full throttle. Have not taken to dealership.”
NHTSA complaint #857830, filed 2000-03Vehicle speed control: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 2 | 20% |
| 2002 | 1 | 3% |
| 2001 | 10 | 15% |
| 2000 | 5 | 5% |
| 1999 | 8 | 2% |
| 1998 | 14 | 4% |
| 1997 | 28 | 5% |
| 1996 | 5 | 2% |
| 1995 | 18 | 3% |
| 1994 | 6 | 2% |
| 1993 | 49 | 13% |
| 1992 | 22 | 14% |
| 1991 | 19 | 6% |
| 1990 | 3 | 3% |
| 1989 | 9 | 6% |
| 1988 | 3 | 2% |
| 1987 | 1 | 2% |
| 1986 | 2 | 4% |
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 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