Gas gauge doesn't show the correct amount of gas once it reaches 1/4 of a tank. *ak the vehicle also stalls on highways. The anti-theft alarm goes on for unknown reason. The horn malrunctions too.
1997 Ford Escort engine complaints
Page 3 of 3: complaints 41 to 67 of 67, newest first, as owners wrote them.
While exiting a ramp engine suddenly shutdown, causing loss of all power. Dealer has been contacted.
Moving at 70mph motor sputtered and died. Unable to restart for aprox 20 min. Both times out on the open road and outside temp over 100. Engine temp normal. Fuel better than half a tank.
The head gaskets were sticking causing shaking of the vehicle. The head gaskets, timing belt, thermostat, and other various parts needed to be replaced.
While sitting at a light vehicle shut down, and engine check light came on. Vehicle shut completely down due to computer module failure. Also, alternator and battery died out, and engine belt, that runs everythng within the vehicle, disconnected due to the harmonic balancer that almost came off. Three sensors were also replaced.
Pulled into a parking lot and while waiting for a space heard loud banging noise. Dealer replaced crankshaft pully system. Electrical system short circuited behind fuse box and melted wiring. Additional damage still unknown. Caused dashlighting, tail lights, & reverse lights to fail.
Head gasket failure, resulting in cracked pistons and damaged crank. Failed fuel pump/thermostat.
Heard a funny sound. Took vehicle back to the dealer, but they said this was anormal sound for the engine. Took vehicle a second time back to dealer after engine was making knocking noises and stalled. Contacted the manufacturer. Vehicle's warranty expired.
05/25/1999; while driving at 35 MPH, the head gasket on engine "blew out" car was undriveable. On 07/15/1999; the horn started honking continuously on it's own, when car was parked & locked. Had to remove fuse to shut off. Dealer said it was a bad air-bag module, not covered by warranty, cost $ 675.00. 07/25/99, crankshaft pulley broke off, car not driveable. I note 4 other reports on this web-site for the crankshaft pulley, and 1 each for the head-gasket & horn/airbag problems + many other airbag problems.
While traveling 45mph lost steering power & brakes. Vehicle towed to dealer & was informed by mechanic the alternator belt broke. The pulley had shifted. The damper had failed & pushed the pulley over & caused the alternator to break.
Check engine light illuminates, indicating a problem with the emission control system. Please give any further details. *ak.et
While driving at 60 MPH crankshaft pulley fell off without prior warning.
The vibration damper fails and causes the pully to shift, causing the alt. Belt to rub against the side of the car until it breaks. This caused loss of power steering. Extremely dangerous situation caused by a defect in the design of this ford component
Defective damper pulley in the motor system fell apart, causing the steering and braking to lock up while driving without prior warning, and may cause a crash.
While driving vehicle died and had a fire in the engine compartment without prior warning. Dealer cannot determine the cause. Another times, the transmission fell out without warning. After repairs, the vehicle started making noises and was slow to take off. Vehicle was traded in. *ak.et.
Would like to try to get exstensive information about this vehicle since it has had several major failures.
Service engine soon warning light comes on. Has been serviced numerous times by dealer. No explanation can be given. Have experienced same problems with check coolant warning light.
Exhaust tail pipe failed. Yh
Erg connector failed. Nlm
While driving the head gaskets blew out, causing the vehicle to stall, almost resulting in an accident. Cause unknown. Please provide further details.
Consumer was driving vehicle at approximately 30 MPH; heard a loud banging noise, pulled vehicle over, and noticed engine pulley disconnected. Dealer notified and repaired vehicle at the cost to the consumer.
When making a left hand turn consumer noticed that the engine check light was illuminated on the dash. Consumer contacted the dealer. Dealer stated there was a problem with the emission. *ak consumer stated that dealer made repairs for the check engine light, however now the engine overheats.
While driving the plastic underneath the car next to the exhaust intake manifold burst into flames without any warning. Pulled vehicle over and put flames out. The vehicle had to be towed to dealer.
While vehicle traveling at 60-65 MPH, on highway, engine shut down and would not restart.
When driving at approximately various speeds engine will stall out ,loses power. Put in neutral and give it gas so it can react correctly. Dealer has had vehicle five times. Replaced spark plugs and wires, ignition coil. Defect is stii reocurring.
Vehicle would stall out at different speeds. Almost rearended because of stalling unexpectedly. Had vehicle towed back to dealer. Was informed could not find problem for stalling, even had vehicle test driven. *ak air conditioner blew hot air, dealer repaired wiring assembly. Tires experienced wear, consumer did not give specific tire information. Engine light illuminated and vehicle was hard to restart, vehicle also lost power and dealer has not been able to resolve the problem.
The gear shift handle safety lock does not perform its function. By inadvertently touching the handle, the gear changed without pressing the safety lock on the handle.
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