1997 Ford Escort visibility problems

Filed Apr 30, 2008 · Brakes, Electrical · 115,000 miles · WI

Tl*the contact owns a 1997 ford escort. When making a right turn at various speeds, the contact heard a clunking sound coming from the front end ball joints. The dealer stated that the brake pads, rotors, drums, and front wheel bearing on the passenger side needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the odometer and speedometer have both been replaced three times, but she does not trust that the speedometer is currently working properly. The failure mileage was 115,000. Updated 06-03/08. *lj the tie rod end, rear spring, windshield, upper ball joint, odometer knob, real passenger seal were all replaced. Updated 05/30/08

Filed Jan 13, 2006 · Airbags, Visibility · 110,000 miles · NC · 1 injury

Dt*: the contact stated there was a recall for the vehicle, the federal safety agency # 02v323000, concerning the air bag sensor. However, the recall remedy did not correct the problem. The vehicle was parked at an independent repair shop. The technician noticed the windows fogging up and opened the driver side door. While inside looking at the gauges the air bag deployed. This pinned the technician between the seat and steering wheel. The deployment cracked the windshield. Upon inspection, the technician determined it is the same problem indicated in the recall. There was water accumulated in the integrated air bag monitor. *nm updated 3/1/2006 - the consumer still has the defective parts in her possession.

Filed Nov 4, 2005 · Visibility · 82,000 miles · FL · fire

Dt: the contact stated the heater core ruptured, which caused water to get into the electrical system, and vehicle caught on fire. The vehicle has not been inspected to determine the cause of the problem. *ak upodated11/29/05.

Filed Jul 29, 2005 · Visibility · GA

This is pertaining to a 1997 ford escort, VIN [xxx] 1. My heater core developed a leak 2. I had the heater core repaired at the dealership--in the service ticket they noted "air bag light will be on. Coolant damaged air bag monitor will need to be replaced" (prior to this, the air bag monitor appeared to be working--I.e. The dash light showed normal operation.) since they had already put the dash back on and I was told that it would cost about $800 to take it back off and replace the monitor, I waited until I had both the money and time. 3. I received a recall notice (02s44): this was to have a shield placed over the air bag monitor to prevent damage from water and other liquids. 4. I took the car in for the recall repair and informed them of the fact that the damage had already occurred but was told that the recall only covered putting in a shield and not the repair of the damage. 5. I called ford motor company asking them to repair the damage that occurred prior to the recall at no cost to me but I was informed that they will only install a shield to prevent future damage. (that seems to me like closing the barn door after the animals have left). *nm updated 07/19/2012 *js information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6)

Filed Nov 4, 2004 · Airbags, Visibility · OH

While driving and stopping at a stop sign air bag deployed. Vehicle started to smoke, and the heater coil went out. There was anti freeze all over the floor of the vehicle, and the air bag busted the front windshield. Ford will not do anything to help the consumer.

Filed Mar 3, 2004 · Visibility · 100,000 miles · AZ

Manufacturer's recall 02544 concerning heater core failure. Heater core fluid dripped on the air bag module, causing a short. Vehicle was repaired once, but the problem recurred.

Filed Aug 22, 2003 · Airbags, Visibility · 74,239 miles · NV

Consumer had recall 02v323000 remedied in 03/03. The airbag warning light illuminated again and the consumer was very concerned for her safety. *ak the air bag light came on while driving. The air bag light stayed on for two days. The dealer stated they were unable to do anything about it unless it had come back on. *scc the power window failed to roll down.

Filed Aug 14, 2003 · Electrical, Visibility · 114,697 miles · AZ · fire

Heater core leaked onto the airbag monitor which caught on fire and short circuited the electrical system.

Filed Apr 17, 2003 · Visibility · 50,000 miles · KS

Since vehicle was purchase in 1999 the consumer has replaced four defective heater cores. The first failure in 04/01 resulted in damage to the airbag module due to leakage from the heater core. The most recent failure was in 10/02. Nlm

Filed Apr 16, 2003 · Visibility · LA

The rear window on my 1997 ford escort shattered while the car was under the carport. The window exploded from the inside. The incident happened at approximately 7:30 p.m. Cdt. There was no prior structural damage to the window. There was no vandalism involved, monroe police dept. Was called and they found no evidence of a criminal act. On observing the window, the officers commented that the window shattered from the inside. There seems to have been a structural defect in the window.