1999 ford escort, 5 speed manual transmission, station wagon: oil leaked through the camshaft bolts into the manual clutch assembly, causing it to gum up and eventually fail to disengage the transmission. Symptoms included the car lurching forward when starting the engine with the clutch fully depressed, and a thumping sound when the clutch was depressed while driving. The clutch was replaced at owner's expense by kayser ford in madison wi; unclear what was done with the old parts.
Ford Escort jerking problems
11 of the 3,480 owner complaints about the Ford Escort describe jerking or lurching, most of them for the 1997 model year.
- owner complaints
- 11
- worst model year
- 1997
Is there a fix? There is 1 recall for this area of the car. See below
By model year
- 19991
- 19984
- 19974
- 19952
Often reported together
What owners say
The vehicle accelerated and lurched forward while pulling into a parking space, causing the vehicle to hit a brick wall. Upon impact, both frontal air bags failed to deploy. The driver sustained minor injuries, and was transported to the local hospital. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified.
Vehicle has been in for service 5 times for transmission, still lurches in first, has heavy sideways vibration until vehicle hits highway speeds. Have been charged for repair while under warranty from first repair, ford motor company did not provide assistance. Dt
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
Vehicle overheats when air conditioner is running. Temperature gauge goes to hot. Also, air conditioner will be cool when first starting the car. But, if vehicle slows down air will become warm. Then, vehicle starts to spudder, and jerk foward. Consumer took vehicleto a mechanic and had relays/ sensors, thermostat/ coolant fan , and radiator replaced more than once since 1999. Please provide any further information.
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.
While driving vehicle vibrates and jerks and hesitates when shifting gears. Dealer cannot identify the cause. Please give any further details.
While driving 20mph in 2nd gear vehicle lurched forward real fast. Ran into the curb to stop the vehicle.
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.
While driving vehicle jerks or vibrates and hesitates when shifting gears. Dealer cannot identify the problem. Please give any further details.
Related recalls
Power train: manual transmission: shift pattern indicator
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with the s/r option. The s/r option includes, among other features, a 5-speed manual transmission. On these vehicles, the transmission shift pattern is not displayed in the occupant compartment in view of the driver. This does not comply with the requirements of fmvss no. 102, "transmission shift lever sequence, starter interlock, and transmission braking effect."
- Risk
- The driver may not be aware of the transmission position of the vehicle.
- Remedy
- Owners will be provided with an adhesive backed plaque containing the shift pattern, along with materials and instructions for locating and affixing the plaque to the vehicle center console, just forward of the shift lever. Owners will also be advised that their dealer can affix the plaque if they prefer.
Recall number 99V276000 · Recall details
Questions about the Ford Escort jerking
Which Ford Escort years have jerking or lurching problems?
The model years with the most reports are 1997 (4 complaints), 1998 (4 complaints) and 1995 (2 complaints).
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used Ford Escort?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history