MYRModel Year Report

1997 Ford Escort

■ Significantly worse — known issue year
1997 Ford Escort
BUILT 2026-09-02

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 PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Ford Escort Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1997 highlighted. 1981: 1 complaints 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 1996 1997: 543 complaints 1997 1998: 375 complaints 1999: 325 complaints 1999 2000: 98 complaints 2001: 68 complaints 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%

28% of complaints: air bags — 152 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing frontal and sensor/control module.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
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, 20120725

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, 20020828

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. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 19961118

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 22%

22% of complaints: electrical system — 118 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing horn and wiring.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
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. *TR

NHTSA ODI report, 20140305

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. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 20020827

FLASHING AIR BAG READINESS LIGHT IN A "51" PATTERN.

NHTSA ODI report, 20190124

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 14%

14% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 74 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing engine and gasoline.

FIRE
SUSPENSION 13%

13% of complaints: suspension — 71 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing springs and coil springs.

CRASH
SERVICE BRAKES 8%

8% of complaints: service brakes — 44 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic and air.

CRASH FIRE INJURY

SAFETY TIMELINE

▮ 1997 — complaint volume: 543
I 20020130 — PE (closed 20020610)

INTEGRATED AIR BAG MONITOR WATER

I 20020610 — EA (closed 20021211)

WATER INTRUSION INTO AIRBAG MONITOR

R 20030211 — air bags

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 AGREE

Campaign 02V323000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20040827 — seat belts

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 F7CZ54611B09A

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

Campaign 04E048000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1997 Ford Escort — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for air bags issues (152 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (118 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (74 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 02V323000 (air bags) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 04E048000 (seat belts) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2002 ▲ 1986 ▲ 1987

WORST YEARS

■ 1995 ■ 1993 ■ 1998

See all years ranked →

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 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.