VehicleVerdict

1998 Ford Escort problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 470 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 3.7 times the median Escort year — the 1998 model ranks #4 of 23 Escort years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include one death and 94 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across airbags (76), engine (57), and electrical system (54), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

470

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

102

Crash-involved

17

Fires reported

94

Injuries

1

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1998 compare to other Escort years?

Escort NHTSA complaints by model year, 1998 highlighted729 complaints1981: 2 complaints1982: 5 complaints1983: 7 complaints1984: 27 complaints1985: 31 complaints1986: 53 complaints1987: 65 complaints1988: 206 complaints1989: 199 complaints1990: 128 complaints1991: 413 complaints1992: 222 complaints1993: 480 complaints1994: 351 complaints1995: 725 complaints1996: 257 complaints1997: 729 complaints1998: 470 complaints1999: 413 complaints2000: 128 complaints2001: 85 complaints2002: 41 complaints2003: 13 complaints
Escort NHTSA complaints by model year, 1998 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Escort years to avoid →

What are the most common 1998 Ford Escort problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Airbags7616%
Engine5712%
Electrical System5411%
Suspension5211%
Transmission449%
Brakes378%
Fuel System266%
Steering174%
Seat Belts174%
Visibility & Wipers163%
Speed Control153%
Body & Structure143%
Other133%
Seats92%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)82%
Tires & Wheels61%
Lighting41%
Latches & Locks31%
Child Seat20%

Does the 1998 Ford Escort have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

04E048000Seat BeltsJuly 12, 2004 · 388 units

Defect

CERTAIN TRW DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELTS MANUFACTURED ON DECEMBER 6 AND 9, 2002, FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR 1997 FORD ESCORT 4-DOOR AND STATION WAGON PLATFORM VEHICLES, FORD'S P/N F7CZ54611B09AAC. THE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES EXHIBIT A NO-LOCK CONDITION WHICH DOES NOT COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 209, SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES.

Consequence

IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE RESTRAINT SYSTEM MAY NOT PROVIDE ADEQUATE PROTECTION TO THE SEAT OCCUPANT, WHICH MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.

Remedy

TRW WILL NOTIFY THE CUSTOMERS WHO PURCHASED THE REPLACEMENT SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 27, 2004.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“CONSUMER STATES WHILE SHE WAS SITTING AT A STOP LIGHT, ANOTHER AUTO HIT HER FROM BEHIND, CAUSING THE BACK END OF THE AUTO TO COME IN THE FRONT SEAT. SHE STATES HER AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. SHE WAS TOLD THAT BY AN INVESTIGATOR THAT AN IMPACT OF THAT MAGNITUDE THE AIR BAGS SHOULD HAVE DEPLOYED. SHE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · August 30, 2002 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD ESCORT. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE UNDER THE HOOD WITHOUT WARNING. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · September 18, 2019 · fire

“CONSUMER WAS TURNING OFF THE IGNITION AND NOTICED THAT THERE WAS FIRE UNDER THE STEERING WHEEL AREA, CONSUMER AND HER DAUGHTER TRIED TO PUT OUT THE FIRE THEMSELVES, HOWEVER COULD NOT, CLAIM 14-1385-223. *SLC ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · March 29, 2001 · fire

“WHILE SWERVING TO AVOID HITTING AN ANIMAL REAR END FAILED. AS A RESULT, VEHICLE COLLIDED INTO A TREE, THEN FLIPPED, AND LANDED ON ALL FOUR TIRES. UPON IMPACT, DUAL AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · November 29, 2003 · crash

“DT: CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE GARAGE WHEN A FIRE STARTED IN THE LEFT FRONT UNDERNEATH THE HOOD. THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN DRIVEN THE PREVIOUS NIGHT, AND HAD BEEN SITTING FOR APPROXIMATELY 15 HOURS. THE FIRE INVESTIGATOR DETERMINED THE CAUSE OF FIRE WAS FROM THE POWER CONTROL…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · February 20, 2005 · fire

1998 Ford Escort — common questions

Is the 1998 Ford Escort reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 470 complaints put the 1998 model at #4 of 23 Escort years. It is one of the Escort years to avoid.

What are the most common 1998 Escort problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are airbags (76 complaints), engine (57 complaints), electrical system (54 complaints).

Does the 1998 Ford Escort have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1998 Ford Escort. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1998 Ford Escort under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Ford Escort years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Escort years to avoid are 1997, 1995, 1993, 1998, 1991, 1999, 1994, 1996, 1992, 1988, 1989. The cleanest record among Escort years belongs to 1981.

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.