Ford ZX2 (escort) Problems by Model Year
NHTSA recorded 66 consumer complaints across the 6 model years of the Ford ZX2 (escort) (1998–2003) that have at least 5 complaints. 2001 has the most, with 18. Across all years, the part named most often is engine cooling (25 mentions). Pick a model year below to see its parts, mileage, recalls and service bulletins.
All ZX2 (escort) model years
Years with fewer than 5 complaints are not listed. The score compares years of the same model, allowing for the era and for how long each year has collected complaints: 50 is a typical year, lower means fewer complaints. It is not adjusted for sales volume.
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | TSBs | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 6 | 6,045 | 0 | 4 | — | Not enough data |
| 2002 | 12 | 46,436 | 0 | 4 | — | Not enough data |
| 2001 | 18 | 65,000 | 0 | 5 | — | Stable |
| 2000 | 7 | 68,000 | 0 | 5 | — | Not enough data |
| 1999 | 15 | 91,000 | 0 | 3 | — | Stable |
| 1998 | 8 | 98,341 | 0 | 0 | — | Not enough data |
Parts named most often, all years
Counts add up complaint mentions across the listed years. A complaint can name several parts.
- Engine cooling25 36%
- Transmission and drivetrain18 26%
- Air bags6 8.7%
- Brakes5 7.2%
- Vehicle speed control4 5.8%
- Body and structure4 5.8%
- Electrical system4 5.8%
- Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)3 4.3%
Example complaints
One per model year, chosen for length and detail. Personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
1999: “Control module procedures ok. So if there is a programming procedure if it fails you have the nerve to then tell me your going to charge me 50 dollars to tell me the procedure let me calm down. Your kidding right. …”
NHTSA complaint #10817370, filed 2016-01, 140,000 miles2000: “I was going about 60 on the fwy when traffic slowed. Upon slowing down the car stalled in the fast lane, still going about 55 miles per hour. I lost power steering and all electrical controls. The car now has trouble shifting into gear and can not be moved.”
NHTSA complaint #10461150, filed 2012-06, 100,000 miles1998: “A stalled suburban in the #1 lane at a traffic signal became visible when the van directly ahead of me swerved at the last moment. I hit the brakes but hit the SUV and totaled my escort. The driver's air bag failed to deploy and the seatbelt caused a broken sternum, cracked ribs. Also had right arm broken in 3 places while bracing for impact. Passenger side airbag did deploy, although there was no passenger.”
NHTSA complaint #10236229, filed 2008-07, 130,000 milesOther Ford models
38,918 complaintsFord Explorer
34,637 complaintsFord Escape
27,545 complaintsFord Fusion
22,448 complaintsFord Focus
22,108 complaintsFord Taurus
18,164 complaintsFord Windstar
14,152 complaintsFord Edge
14,107 complaints
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. Methodology