1997 Ford Escort

Defect. CERTAIN TRW DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELTS MANUFACTURED ON DECEMBER 6 AND 9, 2002, FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR 1997 FORD ESCORT 4-DOOR AND STATION WAGON PLATFORM VEHICLES, FORD'S P/N F7CZ54611B09AAC. THE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES EXHIBIT A NO-LOCK CONDITION WHICH DOES NOT COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 209, SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES.

Risk. IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE RESTRAINT SYSTEM MAY NOT PROVIDE ADEQUATE PROTECTION TO THE SEAT OCCUPANT, WHICH MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.

Remedy. TRW WILL NOTIFY THE CUSTOMERS WHO PURCHASED THE REPLACEMENT SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 27, 2004.

Defect. ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE INTEGRATED AIR BAG MONITOR (IABM) CAN BE CONTAMINATED WITH WATER OR OTHER LIQUIDS AND COULD EXPERIENCE INTERNAL ELECTRICAL SHORTING.

Risk. THIS MAY, IN TURN, CAUSE THE AIR BAG READINESS LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE AND IN VERY RARE OCCURRENCES, AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT, MELTED WIRING, OR FIRE MAY OCCUR.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSTALL THE SHIELD OVER THE IABM AND APPLY NYOGEL GREASE TO THE CONNECTOR. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN FEBRUARY 11, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332.

By letter of december 6, 2002, FORD notified the agency that it would conduct a safety recall on all 1997 FORD escort and mercury tracer vehicles.FORD found that electrical shorting of the integrated air bag monitor (iabm)due to liquid intrusion of water or engine coolant can occur in the subject vehicles.FORD and lincoln mercury dealers will install a protective shield over the iabm and apply nyogel grease to it's electrical connector.see FORD's december 6, 2002 defect and noncompliance information report for details.

INTEGRATED AIR BAG MONITOR REPLACEMENT SERVICE KIT. YD

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 Sacramento area Ford dealer ind installed. This hose then failed in 2019 and was replaced with another Ford dealer-obtained part... which failed in 2021 and was replaced with another Ford dealer-obtained part. The hose has failed again in less than 2 years time. It is apparent that the replacement parts that Ford has been selling through their dealers are made of a material that is not suitable for the application. Since the original part lasted 16 years, it should be possible to make a replacement part last a similar period of time. The vehicle has been a 'one family' ownership since purchased new in 1997, so the service history is well known by the present owners. The (lack of quality) of this part presents a safety and environmental hazard. Similar quality issues have been reported by other owner

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

I TURNED RIGHT INTO A PARKING LOT AND SLOWLY TURNED RIGHT AGAIN INTO A PARKING SPACE. WHILE I WAS BRAKING, THE CAR ACCELERATED AND HIT A BUILDING. *TR

VALVE SEAT NO. 4 FELL OUT OF HEAD AND WAS DESTROYED, DAMAGING NO. 4 AND NO. 3 PISTON, AND THE HEAD ITSELF. WE WERE FORTUNATE THAT THE TOTAL FAILURE OCCURRED WHILE PARKED RATHER THAN ON THE INTERSTATE, AT WHICH TIME POWER STEERING AND POWER BRAKES WOULD HAVE FAILED. THIS IS A WELL KNOWN MODE OF FAILURE FOR THIS ENGINE BUT, APPARENTLY, FORD AND NHTSA TOOK NO STEPS TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM. THE ENGINE WAS DISCONTINUED IN 2005. *TR

THE BRAKES FAILED WHILE MY WIFE WAS DRIVING THIS CAR. IT WAS NOT VERY DIFFICULT TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. THE BRAKE FLUID LEAKED OUT OF A BRAKE LINE IN THE REAR OF THE CAR. THE LOCATION OF THE BRAKE LINE FAILURE IS WHERE THE LINE IS FASTENED TO THE BODY WHEN THE CAR WAS MANUFACTURED. IT IS MY OPINION THAT THIS DEFECT MAY EXIST ON MANY OTHER VEHICLES OF THIS TYPE, THAT IS WHY I AM REPORTING IT TO YOU. *JS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD ESCORT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND SMOKE EMITTED FROM UNDER THE DASHBOARD. THE CONTACT MANEUVERED TO THE SHOULDER AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S HOME. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE DASHBOARD WAS MELTING. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT APPEARED ON THE SCENE TO DISCONNECT THE BATTERY. THE CONTACT NOTICED THERE WAS A RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 02V323000 (AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE) AND PLANNED ON CONTACTING THE MANUFACTURER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 161,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD ESCORT. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE VIGOROUSLY AND STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE ENGINE WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED TWICE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.

AIR BAG CONTROL DIAGNOSTIC MODULE SHORTED OUT DUE TO RUPTURED HEATER CORE. WHEN I SPOKE WITH THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP THEY TOLD ME TO CONTACT A LOCAL JUNK YARD. THERE IS A RECALL ON THIS ITEM. I NEVER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE. *TR

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

1997 FORD ESCORT LX WAGON COMPONENT: STRUCTURE:HATCHBACK HYDRAULIC CYLINDER:TRUNK CYLINDER MANUFACTURER: FORD MOTOR COMPANY THE CLIPS THAT HOLD THE HYDRAULIC CYLINDER TO THE FRAME HAVE COME OFF THE PASSENGER SIDE LIFTGATE ASSIST. HOW THIS WAS DETERMINED WAS I OPENED THE HATCHBACK AND LEANED IN AND THE HYDRAULIC ARM CAME OFF AND THE HATCHBACK FELL ON ME. BOTH SCARY AND PAINFUL I CONTACTED FORD ATTEMPTING TO OBTAIN REPLACEMENT CLIPS, BUT THEY ARE REQUIRING ME TO PURCHASE AN ENTIRE ASSEMBLY. I AM DISAPPOINTED WITH THEIR RESPONSE, BECAUSE 1) THIS MIGHT POTENTIALLY CAUSE INJURY TO OTHER OWNERS OF THE FORD ESCORT LX WAGON, 2) IT ONLY NEEDS THE CLIPS I DON'T WANT TO HAVE TO PURCHASE UNNECESSARY COMPONENTS FOR MONETARY AND ENVIRONMENTAL REASONS, 3) THIS IS PART OF THE FRAME AND SHOULD NEVER BECOME A HAZARD TO PEOPLE. GAS CYLINDER BRACKET ON THE RIGHT HAND BODYSIDE OUTER PANEL WAS INCORRECTLY WELDED. THE GAS CYLINDER BRACKET MAY NOT PROPERLY SUPPORT THE LIFTGATE INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY. *TR

NOISE THAT COULD NOT BE LOCATED IN REAR. REAR SPRINGS WERE BROKE . *TR

1997 FORD ESCORT RUBBER FILL PIPE DETERIORATES SPILLING GASOLINE ON GROUND WHEN REFILLING FUEL TANK. *TR

I TOOK MY ESCORT IN FOR AN INSPECTION AND THE REAR COIL SPRINGS ARE BROKEN AGAIN THE FIRST TIME THEY BROKE THE DEALER REPLACED THEM AND SAID HE THOUGHT A RECALL WOULD BE ISSUED BECAUSE FORD NEW THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THEM NOW ONCE AGAIN THEY ARE BROKEN AND THERE IS STILL NO RECALL IF SOMEONE KNEW THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THEM WHY AREN'T THEY CORRECTING THE PROBLEM AND DO WE THE CONSUMERS HAVE TO KEEP SHELLING OUT OUR HARD EARNED MONEY FOR REPAIRS. THIS CAR IS A 1997 FORD ESCORT AND REAR SPRINGS WERE REPLACED TWICE JUST NOT FAIR. *TR

1997FORD ESCORT WAGON. HAVING HAD THIS CAR FOR EIGHT YEARS, WHERE I NEEDED TO REPLACE THE REARS SPRING ONCE, I AM NOW IN THE PROCESS OF SCHEDULING TO REPLACE THE REAR SPRINGS A SECOND TIME TO THE AMOUNT OF $700.00. AFTER SOME RESEARCH I HAVE FOUND FROM MECHANICS AND FROM THE INTERNET THAT THIS IS A 'COMMON PROBLEM" WITH FORD. SINCE THIS HAS HAPPEN A SECOND TIME, FOR ME I FEEL I SHOULD GET SOME FINANCIAL SUPPORT FROM FORD FOR THIS OBVIOUS DEFECT IN THE SUSPENSION. THIS SUSPENSION PROBLEM SHOULD BE A RECALL FROM FORD. *TR

ENGINE LIGHT CONTINUALLY COMES ON , EVEN AFTER NUMEROUS TIMES OF TAKING IT TO THE AUTO SHOP TO BE HOOKED TO THE COMPUTER TO SEE WHAT IS WRONG AND AFTER HAVING IT FIXED OVER AND OVER AGAIN. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD ESCORT. WHEN MAKING A RIGHT TURN AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE CONTACT HEARD A CLUNKING SOUND COMING FROM THE FRONT END BALL JOINTS. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE BRAKE PADS, ROTORS, DRUMS, AND FRONT WHEEL BEARING ON THE PASSENGER SIDE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ODOMETER AND SPEEDOMETER HAVE BOTH BEEN REPLACED THREE TIMES, BUT SHE DOES NOT TRUST THAT THE SPEEDOMETER IS CURRENTLY WORKING PROPERLY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 115,000. UPDATED 06-03/08. *LJ THE TIE ROD END, REAR SPRING, WINDSHIELD, UPPER BALL JOINT, ODOMETER KNOB, REAL PASSENGER SEAL WERE ALL REPLACED. UPDATED 05/30/08

PURCHASED (4) COOPER TIRES(185/65R14 TRENDER SETTER; D.O.T. UT75C2H1602 ON 8-12-2002. A SIDEWALL DEFECT(2X1" BUBBLE) WAS NOTICED AND MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED ON 1/2006. TIRE(SAME TYPE) WAS REPLACED AT OWNER'S COST. ANOTHER TIRE SIDEWALL DEFECT(2X1" BUBBLE) WAS NOTICED ON 1/2008 IN THE SAME LOCATION AS THE FIRST. THIS TIRE WAS RETURNED TO THE MANUFACTURER FOR EVALUATION. THE MANUFACTURER CLAIMED IT WAS NOT DEFECTIVE, BUT CAUSED BY CUSTOMER. THIS CAUSED CUSTOMER TO LOOSE CONFIDENCE IN THE QUALITY OF THE MANUFACURER'S TIRES FOR FEAR OF A SIDEWALL BLOW OUT. ALL TIRES WERE REPLACED WITH A DIFFERENT BRAND AT OWNER'S COST. *TR

FAILURE OF AMERICA DISCOUNT TIRE CO. TO HONOR TIRE WARRANTY. SIDE WALL OF TIRES HAVE PREMATURELY DEVELOPED CRACKS SURROUNDING THE BEAD AREA. BASED ON COMMENTS BY THAT COMPANIES REPRESENTATIVE, THE TIRES ARE LIKENED/COMPARED TO A TIME BOMB READY TO GO OFF. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD ESCORT. THE CONTACT SMELLED A STRONG BURNING ODOR WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE PART WOULD BE ORDERED AND REPLACED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 02V323000 (AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE). THE CONTACT SMELLED THE ODOR AGAIN THE FOLLOWING DAY AND THE VEHICLE SHUT DOWN. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A CHRYSLER DEALER. CHRYSLER NOTIFIED FORD AND INFORMED THEM THAT THE AIR BAG MONITOR BURNED AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO SHUT OFF. FORD STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS NOT RELATED TO THE AIR BAG MONITOR. FORD ALSO ADVISED CHRYSLER TO HAVE THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THEM, BUT ANY ADDITIONAL DAMAGE WOULD NOT BE REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER FILED A REPORT AND STATED THAT IT WOULD BE SENT TO THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT AND A RESPONSE WOULD BE RECEIVED IN WRITING. THE POWERTRAIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 146,808.

1997 FORD ESCORT FUEL EVAPORATIVE EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM. PURGE CONTROL VALVE CIRCUIT MALFUNCTIONED. *JB

I AM THE SERVICE MANAGER AT C.H.URNESS MOTOR CO IN THE DALLES,OR, I PURCHASED A 1997 FORD ESCORT FOR MY DAUGHTER ON 06/02/2007,THEN ON 06/04/2007,THE CAR HAD A FIRE UNDER THE DASH,UPON INSPECTION WE FOUND AN OPEN RECALL "02S44"FOR THIS EXACT FAILURE,I CONTACTED THE LOCAL FORD DEALER(RAY SCHULTENS FORD AND WAS TOLD THEY COULD NOT HELP ME BECAUSE THE AIRBAG MODULE WAS NO LONGER AVAILABLE!. I THEN CONTACTED FORD MOTOR CO. CUSTOMER RELATIONS(CASE # 1433871927).ON 07/23/07 I RECEIVED A LETTER STATING "FORD MOTOR CO. WAS UNABLE TO OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE AT THIS TIME"THE CUSTOMER SERVICE REP TOLD ME OVER THE PHONE THAT I SHOULD MAKE THE DEALER I BOUGHT THE CAR AT "BUY IT BACK,AFTER ALL YOU WORK FOR THEM"THIS CAR HAS AN UNREPAIRED RECALL AND IS UNABLE TO BE REPAIRED DUE TO NO PARTS AVAILABLE,WHAT IS MY NEXT STEP IN THIS PROCESS? *JB

WHILE PARKED HORN WENT OFF ON ITS OWN. OWNER HAD TAKEN FUSE OUT TO STOP HORN FROM BLOWING. SPOKE TO DEALER & INFORMED SMALL PLASTIC PIECE HAD WORN AWAY BETWEEN HORN & AIR BAG MODULE. IT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. SEEMS TO BE A VERY COMMON PROBLEM AND WAS OBVIOUSLY A HAZARD (COULD POSSIBLY PREMATURELY ACTIVATE OR FAIL TO ACTIVATE THE AIRBAG). NO SOLUTION FOR THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN ADDRESS BY THE MANUFATURE TO MY KNOWLEDGE! OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE IS NOT A FACTOR AT ALL, OCCURS ON HOT, COLD OR RAINY DAYS. *AK

1997 FORD ESCORT HAD REAR SPRINGS PROBLEMS. **CC BOTH REAR SPRINGS ON THE VEHICLE BROKE. THE BREAKS WERE IDENTICAL, THE LOWER COILS. THE CONSUMER CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER AND INDICATED THAT THEY SHOWED LACK OF INTEREST. *NM

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN AN IDLE POSITION A SMELL OF SMOKE WAS OBSERVED COMING FROM UNDERNEATH THE DASHBOARD. UPON INSPECTION, THE ENGINE FUSE BOX WAS FOUND TO BE BURNT. BEFORE THE SMOKE ERUPTED, THE AIRBAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED FOR A FEW SECONDS AND THEN BLINKED ONCE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE SERVICE DEALER WHO DETERMINED THAT THE CONDENSATION FROM THE EVAPORATOR CASE MAY HAVE DRIPPED ONTO THE AIRBAG DIAGNOSTIC MONITOR OR WIRING HARNESS. THE DEALER REFUSED TO PERFORM A SECOND REMEDY REPAIR UNDER RECALL # 02S44. THE MANUFACURER WAS CONTACTED HOWEVER THEY CONFIRMED THE DEALER'S CONSENSUS.

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THERE IS A CRACK LOCATED AT THE BOTTOM OF THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD. THE DEALERSHIP HAS NOT BEEN INFORMED.

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE VEHICLE, NHTSA # 02V323000, CONCERNING THE AIR BAG SENSOR. HOWEVER, THE RECALL REMEDY DID NOT CORRECT THE PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AT AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP. THE TECHNICIAN NOTICED THE WINDOWS FOGGING UP AND OPENED THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR. WHILE INSIDE LOOKING AT THE GAUGES THE AIR BAG DEPLOYED. THIS PINNED THE TECHNICIAN BETWEEN THE SEAT AND STEERING WHEEL. THE DEPLOYMENT CRACKED THE WINDSHIELD. UPON INSPECTION, THE TECHNICIAN DETERMINED IT IS THE SAME PROBLEM INDICATED IN THE RECALL. THERE WAS WATER ACCUMULATED IN THE INTEGRATED AIR BAG MONITOR. *NM UPDATED 3/1/2006 - THE CONSUMER STILL HAS THE DEFECTIVE PARTS IN HER POSSESSION. *NM

DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING CAR, HAD A TIRE BLOW OUT, AND CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED OUT OF CONTROL. SHE TRIED SHIFTING GEARS, USING BRAKES, AND PULLING PARKING BRAKE TO NO AVAIL. SHE CRASHED INTO PARKED CARS AFTER TRAVELING ABOUT 200 YARDS UPHILL. WITNESSES SAY SHE WAS GOING ABOUT 30 TO 40 MPH. AFTER THE BLOWOUT, WHICH HAPPENED AS SHE WAS LEAVING A STOP. CAR WILL NOT BE REPAIRED, WILL BE JUNKED. IT IS TOO DANGEROUS FOR ANYONE TO DRIVE. *JB

DT: THE CONTACT STATED THE HEATER CORE RUPTURED, WHICH CAUSED WATER TO GET INTO THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, AND VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN INSPECTED TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. *AK UPODATED11/29/05. *JB

1997 FORD ESCORT PCV NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AFTER BEING INSTALLED A YEAR AGO. ***NO ANSWER REQUIRED*** *TS *SC

DT: THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD ESCORT. WHILE HE DRIVING AND WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS IDLING THERE WERE FUEL FUMES INSIDE THE VEHICLE. WHEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE IT TOOK APPROXIMATELY 5 MINUTES FOR THE FUMES TO ENTER THE VEHICLE. WHILE IDLING THE FUEL FUMES WERE WORSE UPON ENTERING THE VEHICLE. THE FUMES BECOME SO BAD AT TIMES THAT THE CONTACT HAD TO PULL OVER AND LET THE VEHICLE AIR OUT. THE SERVICE DEALER STATED THAT IT WAS THE PERCH VALVE INSIDE THE GAS TANK THAT RELEASED THE FUMES. THE FUEL PUMP WILL HAVE TO BE REPLACED TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM. THE CONTACT HAS NOT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER. *AK

MY MOM BOUGHT THE CAR, CERTIFIED USED, WITH ONLY 16,000 MILES ON IT. AS IT NEARED 37,000 MILES IT NEEDED A NEW TRANSMISSION. I HAD TO PAY FOR IT. AFTER THAT THE TRANSMISSION HAD TO BE REPLACED 2 MORE TIMES BEFORE IT REACHED 70,000 MILES.

DT: HEADLIGHTS ARE FOGGING UP DUE TO MOISTURE. CALLER IS CONCERNED THAT THEY WILL NOT PASS INSPECTION IF THEY GET ANY WORSE. DEALER SAID HEADLIGHTS NEED TO BE REPLACED, AND THAT WAS ALL THEY COULD DO. MANUFACTURER HAS NOT BEEN CALLED YET.*AK THE 2 HEADLIGHTS WERE REPLACED. CONSUMER THOUGHT WHEN THE RIGHT DIRECTIONAL MALFUNCTIONED , IT WAS DUE TO THE MOSITURE TOO. *TT

1997 FORD ESCORT FAILED INSPECTION DUE TO A LEAK IN THE RIGHT REAR SPRING COILS.*MR *JB

THIS IS PERTAINING TO A 1997 FORD ESCORT, VIN [XXX] 1. MY HEATER CORE DEVELOPED A LEAK 2. I HAD THE HEATER CORE REPAIRED AT THE DEALERSHIP--IN THE SERVICE TICKET THEY NOTED "AIR BAG LIGHT WILL BE ON. COOLANT DAMAGED AIR BAG MONITOR WILL NEED TO BE REPLACED" (PRIOR TO THIS, THE AIR BAG MONITOR APPEARED TO BE WORKING--I.E. THE DASH LIGHT SHOWED NORMAL OPERATION.) SINCE THEY HAD ALREADY PUT THE DASH BACK ON AND I WAS TOLD THAT IT WOULD COST ABOUT $800 TO TAKE IT BACK OFF AND REPLACE THE MONITOR, I WAITED UNTIL I HAD BOTH THE MONEY AND TIME. 3. I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE (02S44): THIS WAS TO HAVE A SHIELD PLACED OVER THE AIR BAG MONITOR TO PREVENT DAMAGE FROM WATER AND OTHER LIQUIDS. 4. I TOOK THE CAR IN FOR THE RECALL REPAIR AND INFORMED THEM OF THE FACT THAT THE DAMAGE HAD ALREADY OCCURRED BUT WAS TOLD THAT THE RECALL ONLY COVERED PUTTING IN A SHIELD AND NOT THE REPAIR OF THE DAMAGE. 5. I CALLED FORD MOTOR COMPANY ASKING THEM TO REPAIR THE DAMAGE THAT OCCURRED PRIOR TO THE RECALL AT NO COST TO ME BUT I WAS INFORMED THAT THEY WILL ONLY INSTALL A SHIELD TO PREVENT FUTURE DAMAGE. (THAT SEEMS TO ME LIKE CLOSING THE BARN DOOR AFTER THE ANIMALS HAVE LEFT). *NM UPDATED 07/19/2012 *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

WHILE GETTING AN OIL CHANGE, THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT BOTH REAR SPRINGS BROKE. THE DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED.*AK THIS IS THE CONSUMER'S THIRD FORD ESCORT WITH BROKE REAR SPRINGS (1991, 1993 AND 1997). *NM

DT: THE VEHICLE HAD AN ELECTRICAL SHORT AND BURNED UP ALL OF THE WIRING. *AK WHEN THE CONSUMERS WIFE STARTED THE VEHICLE SHE NOTICE SMOKE COMING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. *JB

DT: HAVE A RECALL LETTER FOR AIR BAG LIGHT, AND TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP SERVICE DEPT TO HAVE IT FIXED. THE NUMBER ON THE RECALL WAS 02S44, THEY SUPPOSEDLY FIXED IT, BUT WENT, AND GOT IN THE VEHICLE AND THE LIGHT WAS FLASHING AGAIN. HADN'T EVEN LEFT THE LOT. NOW THEY WANT TO CHARGE CONSUMER TO HAVE IT HOOKED UP TO A DIAGNOSTIC MACHINE . *AK

DT: WHEN IT RAINS CAR GETS MOLDY, AND A FUNGUS SMELL. IT ACTUALLY CAUSES BREATHING PROBLEMS. ALSO, MY HORN IS GOING OFF AUTOMATICALLY, AND IT DOESN'T STOP UNTIL CONSUMER HITS THE STEERING WHEEL. HORN WAS REPLACED, BUT IT IS STILL AUTOMATICALLY GOES OFF. THE HORN EVENTUALLY STOPPED WORKING . THE REASON SHE HAD TO HAVE IT REPLACED THE FIRST TIME WAS BECAUSE THE HORN BLEW SO MUCH IT WENT COMPLETELY OUT.*AK

VEHICLE BEING SERVICED AND TECHNICIAN NOTICED THAT BOTH REAR SPRINGS WERE BROKEN IN THE SAME LOCATION. NO INDICATION FROM DRIVE OF VEHICLE THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM BUT WAS TOLD BY TECHNICIAN THAT SPRING COULD COME INTO CONTACT WITH TIRE THUS CAUSING A BLOW-OUT.

CAMSHAFT CRACK IN HALF DON'T KNOW WHAT CAUSE THAT TOO HAPPEN

DT: A PROBLEM WITH SPRINGS. A BROKEN REAR SPRING; THEY FIXED IT, AND INSTALLED NEW SPRINGS. CONSUMER LATER FOUND OUT FROM OTHER PEOPLE THAT THEY WERE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. RECEIVED A RECALL ON THE FRONT SPRINGS; BUT HE WAS HAVING A REAR SPRING PROBLEM.*AK

UNINTENDED ACCELLERATION. WITHIN THE LAST 12 MONTHS, ON APPROXIMATELY 6 OCCASIONS, THE VEHICLE WOULD SUDDENLY ACCELERATE WHEN BRAKING TO A STOP. THE VEHICLE WOULD BE PLACED IMMEDIATELY INTO NEUTRAL AND THE IDLE SPEED WOULD RETURN TO NORMAL. THIS WAS NOT CAUSED BY FLOORMATS OR INADVERTANT PRESSING OF THE GAS PEDAL.*AK

BOTH REAR BRAKE STOP LAMPS FAILED TO OPERATE WHEN STOPPING. VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN TO A REPAIR SHOP, AND MECHANIC REPLACED THE BRAKE SWITCH UNDER THE HOOD. WITHIN A FEW MONTHS THE PROBLEM RECURRED. CONSUMER WAS CONCERNED THAT THE VEHICLE MAY BECOME INVOLVED IN A REAR END CRASH DUE TO THIS PROBLEM. DEALER WAS NOTIFIED, WHO INFORMED CONSUMER THAT THE VEHICLE'S PROBLEM WAS NOT COVERED UNDER A RECALL.*AK

WHILE DRIVING , THE STEERING WHEEL FELT LOOSE AND MADE A LOUD NOISE. THE DEALER REPLACED THE TIE ROD AT OWNER'S EXPENSE. *JB CONSUMER FEELS THAT SHE SHOULD BE REIMBURSED FOR THE COST OF REPAIRS. THE VEHICLE'S REAR COIL SPRINGS BROKE AT 16219 MILES. THE FRONT COIL SPRING BROKE AT 16279 MILES AND WAS REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. CATALYTIC CONVERTER FAILED CAUSING NOISE. *BF *NM

WHILE PARKED ON DEALER 'S PROPERTY FOR REPAIRS THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE CAUSE WAS AN ELECTRICAL MALFUNCTION. CONSUMER STATED SHE ONLY OWNED THE VEHICLE FOR THREE WEEKS, AND DEALER CLAIMED NO RESPONSIBILITY. *AK

WHILE DRIVING AT 60 MPH BOTH FRONTAL AIR BAGS DEPLOYED INADVERTENTLY. CONSUMER DROVE VEHICLE TO DEALER. WHILE TALKING TO A MANUFACTURER'S REPRESENTATIVE VIA PHONE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE LESS THEN 15 MINUTES WHILE PARKED. THE FIRE APPEARED TO HAVE STARTED UNDER THE HOOD ON THE PASSENGER'S SIDE. THE LOCAL FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE WAS DETERMINED TO BE ELECTRICAL.*AK

HEAD GASKET FAILURE IN 1997 FORD ESCORT. *AK