Ford Escort overheating problems

Filed Sep 6, 2003 · Airbags, Brakes · NY

I purchased a new 1997 ford escort in september 1996. After driving the car for about a week the anti-lock brake light came on and the car was losing brake fluid. This happened a couple of times. I took the car back to the dealer and was advised that the brake fitting was missing some threads. Dealer fixed problem. This past january I got a letter from ford about the recall for the air bag monitor/sensor problem and had to take it to the local dealer to have that problem corrected. Now the car has a slow coolant leak. I took it to a repair shop and was advised that the head gasket is leaking. The car only has about 62,850 miles on it and has been very well maintained. It will cost approximately $800.00 - $1000.00 to replace the head gasket. I feel this head gasket failure is premature and ford should pay for it. This was the first ford vehicle I ever purchased and it will probably be the last. I want to know why they cannot put a $14,000 car together correctly and assure its quality to last. I looked at some of the service bulletins and previous complaints on the federal safety agency web site regarding the 1997 ford escort and they are distressing to say the least. My next vehicle will be a gm product.

Filed Jul 1, 2003 · Engine · CT

Consumer states that high ambient temperatures caused the vehicle to leak and overheat. Consumer feels a fire may start as a result.

Filed Apr 21, 2003 · Airbags · TX · fire

The consumer received a recall notice 02v323000 which was remedied on 4-6-03, however on 4-7-03, while driving, there was a "burning" smell and smoke coming the from dashboard area. The consumer pulled over and when he returned for vehicle the next day, it caught fire due to a coolant leak onto the airbag frontal control module.

Filed Jan 30, 2003 · Engine · 39,500 miles · NJ

There have been many problems with my 1998 ford escort since I purchased it new in august, 1998. The most severe and recent problem was repaired in december, 2002. The head gasket blew, causing major overheating problems in my vehicle. The vehicle had less than 40,000 miles. I am not certain if the head gasket became faulty while vehicle was being built, or if fullerton ford damaged the gasket while doing work on my vehicle, and then attempted to sodder the part together. According to corbo's auto service in somerville, the gasket had a "soddered" hole in it which caused the gasket to blow. Fullerton form was the only repair facility I had taken my vehicle to be repaired before it was taken to corbo's. I have called ford on several occasions to complain about the service work at fullerton. I have expressed to them that I believe fullerton ford was hurting my vehicle more than it was helping it. The ford company has not been very supportive in my efforts to investigate fullerton fords service practices.

Filed Nov 12, 2001 · Engine · NY

Dealer was unable to diagnose vehicle problem of high pitch whining sound that developed after the engine warmed up to normal operating temperature. In my observations I noted that the engine was not circulating the engine oil properly. When pulling out the oil dipstick it was apparent that a vacuum problem existed in the engine. Also when taking off the oil filler cap a vacuum sound was detected. Finally I removed the part at the top rear of the engine which is connected with hoses to the air filter housing. I immediately noted that the engine started to run smoother and after driving the vehicle for 2 hrs no noise was detected from the engine. It is obvious that the vacuum caused by the defective filter did not allow the engine to be properly circulated in the engine. The vehicle ran hot and the coolant had to be topped off. I feel the defective filter has caused engine damage. I took the part #f8cz-6a768-ab to the local ford dealership parts dept and have ordered a replacement. My complaint is that ford and their dealerships could not diagnose a problem that could lead to complete engine failure due to overheating.

Filed Oct 17, 2001 · Electrical · VA

Wiring harness that is connected to headlight bulb overheats and short circuits, causing headlights to become inoperable. *ak consumer stated the front headlights failed at different times.

Filed Aug 13, 2001 · Engine · TX

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.

Filed Jul 8, 2001 · Fuel system · MA

The fuel pump shorted while driving the vehicle. Smoke came out of the dasboard when driving, and the vehicle stalled and would not start. Later investigation by the mechanic showed the fuel pump caused an electrical short, causing the wiring to overheat because ford did not put a fuse in the power lines to the fuel pump. The fuel connections inside the gas tank were melted and could have caused an explosion. The entire wiring harnes to the fuel pump melted because of the electrical short and needs to be completly replaced. I'm appauled that there is no fuse or circuit breaker to prevent such a dangerous hazard. None of the fuses in the fuse block were blown. Tracing the wiring from the fuel pupm shows that it completely bypasses the fuse block. The fuel cut-off switch never tripped, nor does it seem to be designed to address electrical shorts to the pump. This design poses serious threats to life, as an electrical short can cause an explosion in the fuel tank. My family feels lucky to be alive. I have replaced the fuel pump, and now am trying to replace the wiring harness. This was the original fuel pump as the rust around the pump seals indicates. I'm holding on to the pump to show the melted connections which indicate a potential explosion hazard as well as the melted wiring connections/connector and wires to the pump.

Filed May 30, 2001 · Engine · IN

Consumer has to add 1 quart of oil every 500 miles because engine (2.0) runs hot and smokes. Vehicle at the time had 1,285 miles on it. Dealer replaced the hgo valve, but the problem hasn't been corrected. Consumer drove 5 miles, and it overheated since hgo valve was put in. Dealer has no remedy.

Filed May 16, 2001 · Engine · AZ

While driving about 45 MPH when engine overheated, and at time of driving engine stalled.