1998 Ford Escort

■ Significantly worse — known issue year

1998 Ford Escort
BUILT 2026-08-02

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

1998: 375 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
1981	1
1982	4
1983	7
1984	21
1985	26
1986	45
1987	56
1988	143
1989	152
1990	101
1991	327
1992	162
1993	379
1994	279
1995	576
1996	205
1997	543
1998	375
1999	325
2000	98
2001	68
2002	33
2003	10

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

AIR BAGS 16%

16% of complaints: air bags — 59 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE INJURY

Show complaint excerpts

CONSUMER STATES INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION AT 50 MPH. THE OTHER VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING 70 MPH. THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG DEPLOYED, BUT PASSENGER AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. MR

NHTSA ODI report, 20021011

VEHICLE HIT A TREE AT 45 MPH AND NEITHER AIRBAG DEPLOYED. DRIVER HIT HEAD ON WINDSHIELD AND BROKE ARM. DAMAGE TO VEHICLE UNKNOWN.*AK

NHTSA ODI report, 20020912

CONSUMER STATES THAT WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 40 MPH VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION AND THE PASSENGER'S SIDE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 19980302

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 7%

7% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 26 distinct reports on file.

INJURY

Show complaint excerpts

HARMONIC BALANCER FOR THE KING PIN BROKE.*AK CONSUMER STATES WHILE EXITING PARKWAY, THERE WAS A LOUD VIBRATION COMING FROM THE FRONT END, THE HARMONIC BALANCER WAS HITTING INTO THE WALL OF THE VEHICLE, CONSUMERS HUSBAND CHECKED UNDER THE VEHICLE TO...

NHTSA ODI report, 20020826

POWER TRAIN 6%

6% of complaints: power train — 24 distinct reports on file.

CRASH

SUSPENSION 4%

4% of complaints: suspension — 15 distinct reports on file.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC 4%

4% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 15 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY

SAFETY TIMELINE

▮ 1998 — complaint volume: 375

I 20010419 — DP (closed 20011101)

AIR BAG NON-DEPLOYMENT

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

1998 Ford Escort — pre-purchase inspection

Test/inspect for air bags issues (59 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (26 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for power train issues (24 reports on file for this year).
Verify recall 04E048000 (seat belts) has been completed.

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2002 ▲ 1986 ▲ 1987

WORST YEARS

■ 1995 ■ 1997 ■ 1993

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 1998 Ford Escort reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1998 Ford Escort is rated "significantly worse".

What are the most common problems with the 1998 Ford Escort?

The most-reported component is air bags:frontal, accounting for 16% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1998 Ford Escort have?

1 recall on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.