1998 Ford Escort Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems
- Complaints
- 16about this part
- Share
- 4%of 375 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 16 complaints about the visibility of the 1998 Ford Escort, 4% of the 375 complaints for this model year.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The vehicle is equipped with the rear defroster, but the rear defroster is inoperable which causes visual problems in the rear, may result in an accident. Dealer cannot determine problem. Consumer stated there is a knock when starting the vehicle, and driving at 60 MPH, also engine is consuming 4 quarts of oil, also vehicle overheated.”
NHTSA complaint #828637, filed 1998-10“Smell comes from A/C-heater vents when either one is turned on. Makes passenger nauseous. .was told by my 2 yr. Old to turn off, making him feel sick. Reported to dealer. Twice. No problem found. 97/98 cougar same problems as reported by friend.”
NHTSA complaint #705489, filed 1999-04“A severe fogged front windshield caused poor visibility. Consumer was unable to remove or cleaned it. Manufacturer was not notified at this time. Feel free to provide any further details on this matter.”
NHTSA complaint #879034, filed 2001-01“When you try to stop the car take long time to stop,water leak from windsheld,trunk,front end left side make loud noise,car make nocking noise,when hit speed bumb stario change on it's owne to tape,front driver door leak& more.”
NHTSA complaint #704532, filed 1999-03“While driving at a steady speed of 65 MPH the windows vibrate. Dealer is aware of the problem and has tried to correct this problem 4 times. Consumer is still experiencing the problem. Please provide any further details.”
NHTSA complaint #836118, filed 1999-03Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 1 | 10% |
| 2001 | 2 | 3% |
| 2000 | 6 | 6% |
| 1999 | 8 | 2% |
| 1998 | 16 | 4% |
| 1997 | 31 | 6% |
| 1995 | 14 | 2% |
| 1994 | 14 | 5% |
| 1993 | 20 | 5% |
| 1992 | 4 | 2% |
| 1991 | 3 | 1% |
| 1990 | 2 | 2% |
| 1989 | 1 | 1% |
| 1988 | 4 | 3% |
| 1985 | 1 | 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 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 29, 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