MYRModel Year Report

1997 Ford Escort

■ Significantly worse — known issue year
1997 Ford Escort
BUILT 2026-10-10

This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints
543
Recalls
2

Campaigns on file for 1997

Investigations
2

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Air bags

28% of complaints

Complaints per year

1981: 1 complaint 1981 1982: 4 complaints 1983: 7 complaints 1984: 21 complaints 1984 1985: 26 complaints 1986: 46 complaints 1987: 59 complaints 1987 1988: 148 complaints 1989: 152 complaints 1990: 104 complaints 1990 1991: 335 complaints 1992: 166 complaints 1993: 383 complaints 1993 1994: 289 complaints 1995: 576 complaints 1996: 205 complaints 1997: 543 complaints 1997 543 1998: 375 complaints 1999: 325 complaints 2000: 98 complaints 2001: 68 complaints 2002: 33 complaints 2002 2003: 10 complaints
1981: 1 complaint 1981 1982: 4 complaints 1983: 7 complaints 1983 1984: 21 complaints 1985: 26 complaints 1985 1986: 46 complaints 1987: 59 complaints 1987 1988: 148 complaints 1989: 152 complaints 1989 1990: 104 complaints 1991: 335 complaints 1991 1992: 166 complaints 1993: 383 complaints 1993 1994: 289 complaints 1995: 576 complaints 1995 1996: 205 complaints 1997: 543 complaints 1997 543 1998: 375 complaints 1999: 325 complaints 1999 2000: 98 complaints 2001: 68 complaints 2001 2002: 33 complaints 2003: 10 complaints 2003
1981: 1 complaint 1981 1982: 4 complaints 1982 1983: 7 complaints 1983 1984: 21 complaints 1984 1985: 26 complaints 1985 1986: 46 complaints 1986 1987: 59 complaints 1987 1988: 148 complaints 1988 1989: 152 complaints 1989 1990: 104 complaints 1990 1991: 335 complaints 1991 1992: 166 complaints 1992 1993: 383 complaints 1993 1994: 289 complaints 1994 1995: 576 complaints 1995 1996: 205 complaints 1996 1997: 543 complaints 1997 543 1998: 375 complaints 1998 1999: 325 complaints 1999 2000: 98 complaints 2000 2001: 68 complaints 2001 2002: 33 complaints 2002 2003: 10 complaints 2003

1997: 543 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19811
19824
19837
198421
198526
198646
198759
1988148
1989152
1990104
1991335
1992166
1993383
1994289
1995576
1996205
1997543
1998375
1999325
200098
200168
200233
200310

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Air bags

28% · 152 reports

Most commonly citing frontal and sensor/control module.

CRASHFIREINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owns a 1997 Ford Escort. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH, the air bag light illuminated and smoke emitted from under the dashboard. The contact maneuvered to the shoulder and the vehicle stalled.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-07-25

While in motion, consumer was involved in a collision and the airbags did not deploy. The seat belt also did not hold. Consumer suffered chest injuries to the rib cage. Consuemr wishes to have airbags opened and inspected at the local dealership.

NHTSA ODI report, 2002-08-28

Also filed under Seat belts

Vehicle was involved in a minor collision in which both driver's and passenger's air bags deployed, causing the window shield to break. Please describe further details.

NHTSA ODI report, 1996-11-18

Electrical system

22% · 118 reports

Most commonly citing horn and wiring.

CRASHFIREINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

I turned right into a parking lot and slowly turned right again into a parking space. While I was braking, the car accelerated and hit a building.

NHTSA ODI report, 2014-03-05

Also filed under Vehicle speed control

While being parked over night vehicle caught on fire internally. Owner saw windshield black, and dashboard melted. Cause of fire was unknown at this time. Please describe details.

NHTSA ODI report, 2002-08-27

Flashing air bag readiness light in a "51" Pattern.

NHTSA ODI report, 2019-01-24

Engine and engine cooling

14% · 74 reports

Most commonly citing engine and gasoline.

FIRE

Suspension

13% · 71 reports

Most commonly citing springs and coil springs.

CRASH

Service brakes

8% · 44 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic and air.

CRASHFIREINJURY

Safety timeline

2 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. ▮
    1997Complaint volume 543 complaints filed for this model year.
  2. I
    2002-01-30Preliminary evaluationClosed 2002-06-10 Integrated air bag monitor water
  3. I
    2002-06-10Engineering analysisClosed 2002-12-11 Water intrusion into airbag monitor
  4. R
    2003-02-11Air bags02V323000 On certain passenger vehicles, the integrated air bag monitor (Iabm) can be contaminated with water or other liquids and could experience internal electrical shorting.

    Remedy: Dealers will install the shield over the iabm and apply nyogel grease to the connector. Owner notification began February 11, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  5. R
    2004-08-27Seat belts04E048000 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…

    Remedy: Trw will notify the customers who purchased the replacement seat belt assemblies free of charge. The recall began on August 27, 2004.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1997 Ford Escort — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Air bags: 152 reports on file for this year.
  • Electrical system: 118 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine and engine cooling: 74 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 02V323000 · Air bags
  • Recall 04E048000 · Seat belts
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 1997 Ford Escort reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1997 Ford Escort is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 1997 Ford Escort?
The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 28% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1997 Ford Escort have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.