Ford Escort Power Train Problems
Owners have filed 199 complaints with NHTSA about power train problems on the Ford Escort across 9 model years. The 1998 model year has the most (43). The words owners use most often: “transmission failed” (5% of reports).
- 199power train complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 7mention a crash
- 2mention an injury
- 1related recalls
- 43%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Transmission failed: mentioned in 10 of 199 complaints (5%)
At what mileage do power train problems happen?
Based on 46 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 199 complaints, 7 mention a crash, 5 a fire, 2 an injury.
Ford Escort power train complaints by model year
| Model year | Power Train complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 Escort | 1 | 10% | 30,724 |
| 2002 Escort | 5 | 15% | 31,450 |
| 2001 Escort | 13 | 19% | 35,000 |
| 2000 Escort | 18 | 18% | 59,126 |
| 1999 Escort | 35 | 11% | 66,292 |
| 1998 Escort | 43 | 11% | 64,544 |
| 1997 Escort | 29 | 5% | 80,000 |
| 1996 Escort | 19 | 9% | — |
| 1995 Escort | 36 | 6% | 90,502 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (1)
Power train:manual transmission:shift pattern indicator
Model years: 1999
Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 ford escort. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and no occupant inside, the vehicle rolled backwards and crashed into another vehicle. A police report was filed. The contact stated that the gear shift lever was in the park position at the time. The…
Transmission is slipping and does not shift correctly. Timing chain broke while driving and almost caused an accident. Had to have the car towed. Tensioner arm broke while driving shredding the belt. Had to have the car towed.
I have replaced 3 speed sensors & 2 speedometer cables & lithium grease sense i have owned the car and still have transmission oil coming up thru the speed cable into the dash.is this just a bad part or is there a cure? *tr
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford escort. The contact stated that the shift anti- lock actuator failed and the vehicle would not shift out of park. The vehicle was repaired october 24, 2003 when the dealer replaced the shifter and the cable assembly. The contact stated that the failure recurred. In…
Tl* the contact owns 2001 ford escort. The contact stated that the vehicle would not shift out of park after engine startup. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the dealer confirmed that the shifter and shift console needed to be replaced. The contact also mentioned that the rear passenger…
Frequently asked questions
Do all Ford Escorts have power train problems?
No. NHTSA has 199 owner complaints about power train for the Ford Escort. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the Ford Escort power train?
Yes: 1 safety recall list power train. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
What do owners say about power train problems on the Ford Escort?
The most frequent phrase is “transmission failed”, in 10 of 199 complaints.
Other Ford Escort problems
See all Ford Escort problems.