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1998 Ford Escort body problems

14 complaints (4% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 94,000.

owner complaints
14
of this car's complaints
4%
typical mileage
94,000
crashes
0
recalls
0

Which part fails

  • Body: door
    3
  • Frame and members
    2
  • Body
    2
  • Frame and members: underbody shields
    1
  • Body: trunk lid
    1
  • Body: hood
    1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Ford Escort body problems in other years

199019911993199419951996199719981999200120022003

Related recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

What 1998 Ford Escort owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jan 26, 2019 · Body · 80,000 miles · PR

I am concerned regarding rear bumper cover. This very important paft on tbis vehicle is made totally of fiberglass or a similar product which becomes more cracked with time and the main issue is that it has no hard metal bar for protection in the event of a rear impact . This bumper which I had removed to rplaced what was left of it has something that appears to be a bar attached or part of it yet it is not any type of metal that would in any way help endure the rear of the vehicle in the event of a rear impact. In fact I am concerned that it can easily seriously cause serious injury to rear passengers if not death because there is no protection with this bumper. Besides this and making it more dangerous , the gas tank is right next to this said bumper and this makes it much more dangerous . I don't know if there was a recall for this item , I just want to let the federal safety agency know the safety hazard this is and the danger it poses to the rear passengers and really all people in this vehicle in the event of a rear impact.

Filed Mar 6, 2008 · Body, Brakes · 187,000 miles · PA

I was sold a 1998 ford escort zx2 for 800 dollars, from but behind a local dealership. The dealership did the notary, and they were the ones who signed off on the car and gave me a hand written receipt with someone else's name on it. They also did the inspection later on after we replaced one of the ball joints. We had the car looked at by another official inspection station and they said the car was a death trap. We contacted a state trooper. He did an inspection, failed the car, and took the sticker. There was a long list of problems. I tried to get a refund before I got the cops involved and he refused. This was also before the 10 days were up for the inspection. I paid for the car on the 13th of feb. 2008.

Filed Dec 28, 2006 · Airbags, Body · MA

Tl* - the contact stated horn has not worked properly since she purchased the vehicle. The vehicle currently has 31,000 miles. The contact took the vehicle to dealer for repairs, and was told that the airbag was defective , and that itwas causing the horn not to work. The horn has been replaced, but it still did not work. The contact stated the horn would just come on and would not stop. The contact removed the circuit breaker a few weeks ago, but now the service engine light will not turn off. The dealer checked the computer system and found nothing wrong with the vehicle. The driver's side front had a leak in the firewall. The contact had the leak repaired four times.

Filed May 18, 2006 · Body, Engine · FL

I have had near accidents relating to car fuel pump or transmission shops couldn't find any problems but the drivablity of my 98 escort zx2 cost me more money in problem solving, 1,500 plus in recent repairs including emergency and repeat repairs and faulty repairs. My fuel economy is 160 miles per tank to almost 200 miles. No one can seem to find the problem(s). Large thunking in rear trunk (scary)when im taking off and reaching a steady speed. Take the car to major ford dealerships, to no avail. Car doesn't always "go" from a complete stop in traffic,this has caused quite a scare as well. Thank you for helping and making note of my account. Debbie

Filed Dec 8, 2004 · Body · 134,000 miles · OR

Constantly wet condition on driver side floor - during wet weather. Water coming through the floor or firewall (near the floor) and filling the floor with water. *jb 1998 ford escort lx

Filed Oct 7, 2004 · Body · 69,887 miles · TN

The paint on the drivers side front panel was striped off in a car wash. And to my knowledge the cars has not been repainted. Well... Not while I've owned it. I am having the car repainted.

Filed Aug 20, 2004 · Body · 94,000 miles · AR

While driving at 45 MPH vehicle stalled, and soon after consumer heard something hit the ground. Vehicle was guided to the shoulder, and consumer found that the air conditioner brackets broke. This in turn, caused the AC compressor to fall and rip a hole into the oil pan.*ak

Filed Jul 11, 2000 · Body, Fuel system · CA

Fuel guage fails to register the correct amount of fuel. Also, transmission would jump/jerk forward if placed into gear. Whenever the brakes are applied, the transmission would jerk. Rear passenger door cannot be open from the inside. Took to dealer & had transmission replaced. Mechanic indicated nothing was wrong.

Filed Mar 16, 1999 · Body, Brakes · TX

When you try to stop the car take long time to stop,water leak from windsheld,trunk,front end left side make loud noise,car make nocking noise,when hit speed bumb stario change on it's owne to tape,front driver door leak& more.

Filed Mar 1, 1999 · Body · MO

Missing jack in the car. Yh

Questions about the 1998 Ford Escort body

Does the 1998 Ford Escort have body problems?

Owners have filed 14 complaints about the body of the 1998 Ford Escort, 4% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 1998 Ford Escort body problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 94,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 1998 Ford Escort body?

There is no recall for this problem on this model year.

Other 1998 Ford Escort problems

Airbags 75Suspension 50Engine 49Electrical 43Transmission 43Brakes 35Fuel system 22Seat belts 17Steering 17Visibility 16Acceleration 14Seats 9Tires 6Lights 3Locks 3

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