CarRecallWatchThe 1997 Ford Escort has 1 safety recall on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 543 complaints with NHTSA, including 67 crashes, 83 fires, 65 injuries.
The most-reported problem area is Air Bags (152 reports).
1997 Ford Escort recalls
Most common 1997 Ford Escort problems
Problem areas named in the 543 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Air Bags | 152 |
| Electrical System | 151 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 74 |
| Suspension | 71 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 42 |
| Visibility | 36 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 31 |
| Power Train | 31 |
| Steering | 25 |
| Unknown Or Other | 21 |
What owners report
The rubber fuel filler neck hose that connects the metal fuel filler neck to the gas tank failed for the first time in 2013. During fueling, a large pool of gasoline leaked onto the pavement under the vehicle, presenting an environmental and fire hazard. The filler neck hose was replaced with a Ford OEM hose purchased from a local Ford dealer in Sacramento, CA. The replacement hose failed in a similar manner the original hose in less than two years time - thus requiring replacement in 2015. A genuine Ford OEM replacement was obtained from a dealer in the Sacramento area and installed. This hose failed in less than 2 years time, in 2017. Again a replacement hose was obtained from a Sacr
FLASHING AIR BAG READINESS LIGHT IN A "51" PATTERN.
SAFETY HORN STICKS AND REMAINS IN ON POSITION CREATING A DRIVING SAFETY RISK. DEALER EXPLAINS THAT THE HORN SWITCH IS ASSOCIATED WITH THE AIR BAG. BASED ON ALL INTERNET COMPLAINTS AND AIR BAG PROBLEMS, MIGHT BE TIME TO FURTHER INVESTIGATE FORD'S COMMITMENT TO SAFETY AND AIRBAG PERFORMANCE. HTTP://WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/FORD/ESCORT/1997/ACCESSORIES-INTERIOR/COMMUNICATIONS-HORN_ASSEMBLY.SHTML
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD ESCORT. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE POWER STEERING SEIZED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE WIRES AND FUSES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE UNKNOWN.
MY MOTHER AND I WERE DRIVING TO MY GRANDPARENTS HOUSE WHEN SHE HIT A BABY DEER GOING ABOUT 35 MPH. I WAS 12 YEARS OLD AT THE TIME AND SITTING IN THE FRONT SEAT. THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED HITTING ME IN RIGHT SIDE OF THE FACE. MY TEETH WENT INTO MY LIP, AND I HAD BURN MARKS FROM THE AIRBAG ON MY CHEEKBONES, AND CHIN, ALSO MY RIGHT EYE WAS SWOLLEN SHUT THE NEXT DAY. I WAS TAKEN TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM WHERE THE POLICE OFFICER INFORMED MY MOTHER THAT THE AIRBAGS SHOULD NOT HAVE DEPLOYED. HE SAID THE AIRBAGS WERE SO SENSITIVE THAT HE COULD HAVE KICKED THE BUMPER AND THEY WOULD HAVE WENT OFF. MY MOTHER ONLY RECEIVED A BROKEN FINGER FROM WHERE HER HANDS WERE RESTING ON THE STEERING WHEEL. *JS
1997 Ford Escort questions
Does the 1997 Ford Escort have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 safety recall for the 1997 Ford Escort: Air Bags:Frontal:Sensor/Control Module-Inactive. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 1997 Ford Escort?
Based on 543 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Air Bags (152), Electrical System (151), Engine And Engine Cooling (74).
How do I check if a recall on my 1997 Ford Escort has been fixed?
Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.