1997 Ford Escort problems
Owners have filed 729 complaints about the 1997 Ford Escort with NHTSA. Air bags account for 20.9% of them — narrowly the most common, ahead of electrical system at 20.7%.
Complaints729
Crashes78
Fires133
Injuries74
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Air bags 20.9% · 152
Electrical system 20.7% · 151
Engine and engine cooling 10.2% · 74
Suspension 9.7% · 71
Service brakes, hydraulic 5.8% · 42
Visibility 4.9% · 36
Vehicle speed control 4.3% · 31
Power train 4.3% · 31
Severity
Of those complaints, 78 describe a crash, 133 describe a fire and 74 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 11 model years of the Ford Escort in this data, 1997 draws the most complaints of any of them.
Filings have fallen off, 4 in the last three years against 7 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 80,000 miles.
In owners' own words
Tl-the contact owns a 1997 Ford Escort. As a passenger in the vehicle been driven 5 mph in a driveway both frontal air bags deployed. She stated the driver was knocked unconscionus and the other passenger had a injury to the face. The vehicle crashed into a tree and a branch hit the windshield. The vehicle has not been taken to a dealer or mechanic. The failure and current mileage was 81,152. Vwb Air bags · reported at 81,152 miles
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 Air bags · reported at 65,000 miles
The air bag experienced an electrical short as a result of the water contamination to the integrated air bag monitor. Consumer then received recall 02 v 3 23000 regarding that specific defect. The manufacturer refused to repair air bag even though it may deploy without warning. Manufacturer advised they will only install the shield to protect monitor from liquid contamination. 8Jb Air bags
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…