1998 Ford Escort transmission problems
The 1998 Ford Escort has 44 transmission complaints filed with NHTSA — 9% of the year's total, and up sharply from the prior model year.
44
Transmission complaints
9%
Share of year
1
Crash-involved
0
Related recalls
Transmission complaints by year
What owners report
“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…”
Common questions
How many transmission complaints does the 1998 Ford Escort have?
NHTSA has 44 complaints about the 1998 Ford Escort transmission — 9% 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.