1997 Ford Escort electrical system problems
The 1997 Ford Escort has 152 electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA — 21% of the year's total, and up sharply from the prior model year.
152
Electrical System complaints
21%
Share of year
2
Crash-involved
0
Related recalls
Electrical System complaints by year
What owners report
“WHILE DRIVING HOME FROM WORK ON 12/1/2002 VEHICLE BEGAN TO SMOKE NEAR DASHBOARD AREA. VEHICLE STALLED AND WAS PUSHED INTO NEARBY PARKING DECK. VEHICLE TOWED TO HOME THE NEXT DAY MUCH TO MY SURPRISE THE ENTIRE DASHBOARD AREA HAD CAUGHT FIRE. WHILE IN DECK AND ENTIRE DASHBOARD AND WIRING SYSTEM…”
Common questions
How many electrical system complaints does the 1997 Ford Escort have?
NHTSA has 152 complaints about the 1997 Ford Escort electrical system — 21% of all complaints filed for that model year.
Related
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.