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1998 Ford Escort transmission complaints

Page 2 of 3: complaints 11 to 40 of 43, newest first, as owners wrote them.

See the summary of 1998 Ford Escort transmission problems: which part fails, at what mileage and related recalls.

Filed Jul 13, 2002 · Transmission · VA

Vehicle had transmission repaired in august of 2001. Soon thereafter, it started to have difficulties with shifts. Now, the vehicle grinds going into 5th gear / refuse to go into 5th and will actually force itself out of 5th gear while at highway speeds, which is obviously unsafe trying to merge onto / drive on dc highways. Took it to a dealer on may 30th, who said they could not recreate the problem. Took vehicle to same dealer on july 5th, rode with shop manager who recreated the problem but was told it would be at least 2 weeks for repair. Took vehicle to another dealer, who had it all week, repaired some component, but problem resurfaced on trip home from dealership. Contacted dealer, who suggested that I could drive a vehicle in this condition on the highway for the next two weeks, then bring it in. I am teaching in another state for the next two weeks, so I am in an urgent need of a functional vehicle.

Filed May 20, 2002 · Transmission · NJ

While driving 30-40 MPH driveshaft was forced into engine and caused engine to stop operating. Feel freee to provide any further information.

Filed Feb 14, 2002 · Transmission · PA

Transmission slips in every gear and shifts hard, especially on cold mornings. Vehicle taken to dealer 2 times, cannot remedy the problem.

Filed Feb 6, 2002 · Transmission · OK

When vehicle gets started up it will not move out of park. Vehicle will just sit there and not move anywhere.

Filed Jan 29, 2002 · Engine, Transmission · MO

When you try to use the washer fluid it leaks on the hood of the car causing the hood to become discolored from the windsheild washer fluid. Also whenever you are at a stop the car starts to shake, they ford say that it is from the engine mounts and that it is not hazardous so they will not do anything about. Last their is problems with the transmision, whenever you are moving slow or in a stop position and start to move the car jerks really bad. It makes you feel like someone ran into you or that you ran something over. I have reported this to the company, but they can't do nothing about. I have heard other people with the ecaxt same car have the exact same problems

Filed Aug 7, 2001 · Engine, Transmission · TX

Consumer states vehicle will not shift properly, it often revs at high RPM and does not return to a normal RPM unless vehicle comes to a complete stop, possible transmission problems.

Filed May 23, 2001 · Brakes, Suspension · CA

Consumer states vehicle has been experiencing brake problems.

Filed May 2, 2001 · Transmission · CA

Transmission broke down while traveling 65mph. Prior to break down, had heard a snapping sound. Vehicle stopped dead. Was towed to an independent mechanic, and had transmission replaced with a used one since old transmission was not repairable.

Filed Dec 3, 2000 · Transmission · AK

I live in burlington ontario canada, yet felt that this issue needed to be addressed beyond contacting the ministry of transportation in canada, (of which I am in the process of doing). I belong to a large group of escort zx2 owners who are on the second and even 3rd transmission! This model was first introduced in 1998(the year of my car) and should not have had so many problems with our transmissions. It is extremely weak and has frequent mis-syncing shifts. I feel this is not only a safety issue, yet one that deserves immediate attention. Please have ford do a study on this transmission and come up with some sort of "fix" as the present is unacceptable. I have gone through every other channel of which I could in canada and am now coming to you. Please help.

Filed Oct 13, 2000 · Transmission · WI

Transmission failed prematurely. Nlm

Filed Sep 20, 2000 · Transmission · NY

Vehicle doesn't go into overdrive about 60%of the time. Vehicle in a high speed and it will drop out of overdrive and drive. She has to pull over to the sgoulders to manually pull the vehicle into drive.

Filed Aug 18, 2000 · Electrical, Transmission · CA

Sensor light comes on and off intermittently. Consumer took vehicle to dealership, and mechanic fixed vehicle. Dealership mechanic replaced wiring in front of vehicle, and problem came back three months ago.dealer told her to ride with sensor light on. *ak service engine soon light on steady due to powertrain control module (PCM) failure.

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 May 3, 2000 · Transmission · MI

All the transmission fluid leaked out after driving car for 2 days. Dealership insisted only lose clamp, trans ok. On 4/30/00 began having trouble with 1st gear. Had to have complete overhaul of transmission.

Filed Jan 10, 2000 · Electrical, Engine · NV

Vehicle started, engine rattled upon acceleration at all speeds at 2300 miles. After numerous failed repair attempts by dealer,I sent complaint to fords dsb board.working throgh arbitration vehicle looked at by engineer.they replaced PCM.problem got worse,along with new problems,lack of power,hard start,transmission hesitaing.then they replaced fuel pump,didnt help, then ignition switch, didnt help,then mass air flow sensor and air filter, didnt help.finally vehicle started stalling while driving, during acc. Towed back to shop, ford had it six weeks this time replaced PCM two more times.I have vehicle back,still problem with transmission hesitating.vehicle in shop eight times for same or related problems and totalling almost three months in shop. Still in arbitration, consdering closing case and taking to dsb. Personally.

Filed Nov 9, 1999 · Steering, Transmission · CA

Leased vehicle: while vehicle was inspected by an independent repairs shop. Mechanic informed consumer thate driveshaft bushing was deteriorating and needed to be replaced.also, dealer replaced power steering rack bushing

Filed Nov 3, 1999 · Transmission · MA

While driving tansmission disengages.the dealer is aware of the this problem. Please provide any futher information.

Filed Oct 22, 1999 · Transmission · AK

The transmission fails to shift into gear. Would be making loud noises. Vehicle was not drivable. The engine had blown. Was running on 2 cylinders (25 aug 99). Had vehicle towed to dealer. The mechanic & was informed transmission needed to be replaced. Would need to order a engine. So far no engine.

Filed Sep 3, 1999 · Transmission · PA

Intermittently transmission slips out of gear, causing the vehicle to stall. The dealer repaired the vehicle prior to this incident.

Filed Aug 11, 1999 · Acceleration, Brakes · NC

Vehicle would accelerate. Would start revving at stop light/sign. Manua clutch makes noise. Speed not a factor. The brakes would jerk & jiggle when applied. Had rattle in right front after repairs. Was informed that was normal.

Filed Jun 23, 1999 · Brakes, Transmission · MD

Brakes pull to the left when engaging.

Filed Jun 22, 1999 · Transmission · GA

Automatic transmission will not downshift to change gears once it has warmed up a bit. Has taken vehicle to dealer & it was test driven for over a week. Mechanic could not find cause of non downshifting.

Filed Jun 14, 1999 · Electrical, Fuel system · IL

Radio does not work.

Filed Apr 19, 1999 · Transmission · VA

I have been in the service center 3 times for this vibration and 1 special service bulletin.I was also told by the service manager after having my iat sensor replaced in my transmisson and he told me sometimes their service technicians replace parts that.

Filed Feb 1, 1999 · Transmission · CA

Transmission mounts broke, causing transmission problems. Nlm

Filed Dec 21, 1998 · Transmission · NY

I was driving the car on july 15th and stopped at the red light before crossing the tracks and when the light turned green I attempted to go forward and the car would not go forward. I flagged the people behind me to back up and I couldn't go backwards. I panicked because it was early morning rush hour and my 5 year old daughter was with me but after a couple of minutes the car slowly went forward. I called service and made the appointment to take the car in on july 22 which was the earliest they could get me in. On the morning I went to take the car in I was driving down the street at 30 miles per hour and the car started to slow down and I looked at the dashboard and realized that the indicator lights were all on. Fortunately I was able to pull over and had my fiance' with me. I took the car in and needless to say it took two weeks to get a replacement transmission which they said would be brand new and on the receipt it says reman transmission and that there was also a leak at the emv valve which the

Filed Dec 2, 1998 · Transmission · NY

Transmission failed causing vehicle to stall.

Filed Oct 29, 1998 · Transmission · VA

Consumer has a 5 speed transmission and while the vehicle is parked, it slips out of gear, causeing the vehicle to crash into another parked vehicle. Dealer has been contacted.

Filed Jul 1, 1998 · Airbags, Transmission · PA · crash

Backing out of driveway and looking in the mirror to see if any one was coming, all of a sudden vehicle flew forward and hit fence. Then wheels turned to the right, missing the telepole. Vehicle ended up hitting trees and stopped. Air bag did not deploy. Had seat belt on.

Filed May 25, 1998 · Transmission · NC

After slowing to turn and then accelerating again, the transmission slips and the engine revs. Vehicle must be put in regular drive to move. Feels like vehicle is still in overdrive and it never downshifted. Vehicle moves slightly if engine is reved high enough.

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