Bulletins


BulletinBulletin dateReplacement BulletinItem no.SummaryAdded
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
1349411/01/1999610906Some vehicles with the 2.0l spi engine may exhibit a lack of heat and temperature gauge reading cold. *tt05/18/2000
99687708/01/1999608808Some vehicles equipped with 2.0l spi engine may exhbit a lack of heat and temperature gauge reading cold. *tt12/06/1999
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - COOLING SYSTEM - RADIATOR ASSEMBLY
1310708/01/19996091913Concerns with lack of heat / thermostat contamination. *tt11/16/2000
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE
03151508/04/200302211210003194Idle vibration on vehicles equipped with 2.0l spi or zetec engine only. *tt10/10/2003
987404/13/1998601343A new silicone gasket and sealant. *yc07/24/1998
9761003/17/199751990Blower motor- chirping or squeaking from blower motor at low speeds. *jd07/17/1997
9761203/17/199751994Noise- buzzing noise heard from instrument panel area for 3 seconds after ignition switch is turned off and/or at engine idle speed on deceleration while driving- vehicles with 2.0l engine. *jd07/17/1997
BC966696100110/01/1996505272.5l duratec engine exchanges no longer include front end accessory drive component, oil level indicator, water pump belt/tensioner, egr tube, linkshaft bracket or exhaust manifolds. *tt05/27/1997
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE - DIESEL
BC343197230101/23/199751464The engine block heater kit instruction sheet #7000 has a misprint on installation instruction #8. *jd06/27/1997
BC102029723001/23/199751562Engine block heater kit (#f7cz-6d008-aa) instruction sheet #7000 has a misprint on installation instruction #8. *jd06/27/1997
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE - GASOLINE
0124612/10/2001630515Engine oil system priming procedures, service tips for reports of premature engine failure. *tt04/18/2002
021401/21/2002630001Some engine assemblies with aluminum cylinder heads repaired in-vehile have been found to leak coolant and/or oil from the cylinder head gasket area. *tt04/11/2002
0120510/15/2001627927Some vehicles may exhibit vacuum or air leaks in the intake manifold and / or engine system causing diagnostic trouble codes p0171 and or p0174. *tt02/26/2002
1484604/01/2001619329Some vehicles with 2.0l spi engine only, may exhibita burning oil smell noted from outside or from within the passenger compartment. *tt05/23/2001
1176908/01/1998615270Some vehicles may exhibit brief spark knock on acceleration during hot weather once the engine has thoroughly warmed up. *tt01/10/2001
981147304/01/1998613383Some vehicles may exhibit a custome concern of steady or intermittent miss with diagnostic trouble codes p0300 and p0304. *tt07/10/2000
1217411/01/1998613224Some vehicles may exhibit a hard start/long crank, cold start stall, cold rough idle concern. *mjs06/19/2000
005903/06/2000612956Subject concerning the idle-vibration- 2.0l and zetec engines- service tip. *mjs06/14/2000
9981605/03/1999606420Ford motor company now recommends sae 5w-30 viscosity grade for servicing any ford gasoline-powered vehicle regardless of model year. *tt08/19/1999
98201710/12/1998603702Experiencing squeaking and / or rattling noises may occur during different driving characteristics and from varying points on the vehicle. *yc03/02/1999
98031604/01/1998603509Condition regarding the engine misfire code ( dtc p0304 ). *yc02/23/1999
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM
98201010/12/1998603695Experiencing a buzzing or rattling noise from the exhaust system. *yc03/02/1999
986403/30/1998601312Information on a buzzing or rattle noise from the exhaust system. *tt07/21/1998
BC030097020101/02/199751103Mil light on with dtc's p0443 and p1443. *jd06/27/1997
BC971496110111/01/199650860Diagnostic instructions for servicing evaporative emission purge flow system. *tw06/17/1997
BC040796111511/15/199650753Instructions for replacing diagnosed failed parts. *tw06/17/1997
BC049096111211/12/199650763Instructions for replacing diagnosed failed component. *tw06/17/1997
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM - EMISSION CONTROL
1229512/01/1998615541Some vehicles may exhibit malfunction indicator light on, stall at tip-in from idle, engine hesitation, and / or surge caused by the mass air flow (maf) sensor. *tt01/18/2001
98151208/03/1998609551A direct replacement part for the evaporative emission canister and bracket assembly. ak04/03/2000
98231011/23/1998603724Mass air flow (maf)- sensor contamination- service tip. *ak03/03/1999
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM - EMISSION CONTROL - GAS RECIRCULATION VALVE (EGR VALVE)
974402/17/199751686Exhaust- exhaust noise from behind instrument panel or rear of engine- 2.0l vehicles built through 9/1/96. *jd06/27/1997

Consumer Complaints


Fail datemilesoccurencesPurchase date
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
04/01/200870000
 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.
04/01/200870000
 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. kmj
04/01/200870000
 Tl- the contact 1997 ford escort. while driving at approximately 60 mph the vehicle began to shake vigorously and suddenly stalled. the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic for diagnostic. the mechanic stated the engine would have to be replaced. after the vehicle was repaired the failure occurred two more times. the vehicle was not repaired. the vin was not available. the approximate failure mileage was 70,000. da
10/02/20061
 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
08/18/20041
 Upon turning the vehicle on it stalled . tried starting it again and it blew up, burning completely to the back seat of the vehicle. there were no warnings or indications. *ak
06/05/20043
 I have a 1997 ford escort that is at drbn total automotive, 23420 van born rd.,dbn hts, mi 48125 for a preventative maintenance issue. rear main seal leak (very minor at this point, a little spot on trans) was found by belle tire (drbn, mi). drbn total replaced front pump seal & rear main seal for $486.85 on 6/5/04. i returned 6/14/04 (still leaking, but now on the ground). they kept for 9 days, changed the seal & put a cover on the crank. when i picked up, i got 5 minutes away & the transmission fluid was pouring out of my car & smoking. i had car towed in 6/24/04 & it is still there. they are now putting a seal saver on the main seal. the manager of the store advised me that they did not know what else to do & they talked to the dealer of the car. the dealer claims they have never had this problem with an escort before. drbn total says they will give me my money back if they can't fix it. i disagree with that because i came in there with money & a car that was running with a problem that should have been taken care of without keeping my car for 3 going on 4 weeks (off and on) & destroying my transmission. i am handicapped & work & i was recommended this store by a usma automotive member & i pride myself in keeping up my maintenance on my car. now i'm stuck, please help!*ak
04/30/2004800001
 While driving 35 mph engine valve guide dropped. as a result, engine was destroyed. *ak
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - COOLING SYSTEM
 While driving engine check light illuminated, causing vehicle to stall. consumer shut engine off, resulting in vehicle not restarting. consumer tried to investigate, and found the antifreeze fluid overflowing, and causing electrical wires to melt. *ak
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - COOLING SYSTEM - RADIATOR ASSEMBLY
305/23/1997
 An electrical short circuit is occurring within vehicle which is causing vehicle battery to completely lose power. *ak consumer states radio caused battery to drain and speakers to pop, radio replaced 3 times, experiencing other electrical problems with the headlights dimming when the heater is on or when applying brakes, radiator had to be replaced, engine lights come on intermittently, and poor acceleration when going up a hill. *tt
05/05/2001108/01/2000
 Harmonic balancer failed without warning while vehicle was parked and engine idling. loud noise such as metal on metal eminated from engine compartment. vehicle towed to ford dealer. advised by dealer that part poorly designed and new design in stock for replacement. thermostat remained open not allowing engine to reach operating temperature. when replaced, the original thermostat came out of housing in three separate pieces. fuel pump made whining noise from rear of vehicle. replaced at no charge. *ak
01/02/20011
 Radiator replaced, old radiator leaking at tank seam split. cj
01/23/200008/01/1996
 The head gaskets were sticking causing shaking of the vehicle. the head gaskets, timing belt, thermostat, and other various parts needed to be replaced. *ak
08/20/19993
 Head gasket failure, resulting in cracked pistons and damaged crank. failed fuel pump/thermostat. *ak
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE
09/01/2005102/01/1997
 1997 ford escort pcv needed to be replaced after being installed a year ago. ***no answer required*** *ts *sc
05/25/2005125000
 Camshaft crack in half don't know what cause that too happen
11/03/20031
 Head gasket failure in 1997 ford escort. *ak
11/24/200405/06/1998
 Head gasket failure on 1997 ford escort sw. *nm
09/10/20042
 Consumer's daughter was driving and vehicle shook when in reverse. took vehicle to dealer, and they told her tie rods were defective. another dealer told her it was the motor mounts. *ak
04/30/20041
 While driving 55 mph vehicle stalled. consumer was unable to pull off the road. consumer had the vehicle towed to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that engine failed. *ak
02/01/2002445325
 Problems with vehicle stalling out.*mr the check engine light came on, which caused the vehicle to idle and almost stall at every stop. the vehicle was service five times for the check engine light. *ts. the spark wires were replaced the fuel injection system was cleaned, the fuel injector was replaced, however the problem continued, the dealer then diagnosed the problem as carbon build up, and it was explained in the service bulletin the new heads should have revised valve guides and exhaust valves to prevent carbon build up *jb
07/10/200340000103/25/1997
 The vehicle made a loud noise while driving. consumer stated a rubber piece was loose inside the engine. *ak the damp assembly separated and moved forward into the fender wall through the serpentine belt. *scc *jb
06/23/2003950001
 Engine service light stays on while driving. this is caused by an oil sensor failure due to a hole in the oil pan which rusted the belts per mechanic.*ak
 The vehicles check engine light illuminated. the vehicle was taken to the dealership and given a tune up. a day later the engine siezed. the vehicle was taken back tot he dealer and they replaced the engine. *nlm
03/23/20031
 The vehicle caught on fire under the hood. *jb
02/03/2003800001
 A fire erupted under the hood, when the vehicle was started.*jb
07/15/2002103/16/1998
 While driving 30 mph crankshaft pulley fell off.*ak *jb
06/16/2002
 Engine check light appears on dashboard when consumer took vehicle to dealership. when dealership dropped vehicle off there was a knocking noise coming from underneath vehicle. engine locked up. *ak
06/27/2001109/01/1997
 Crankshaft pully separated from engine block, causing sudden loss of power steering. vehicle only had 30m miles.*ak
05/05/2001108/01/2000
 Harmonic balancer failed without warning while vehicle was parked and engine idling. loud noise such as metal on metal eminated from engine compartment. vehicle towed to ford dealer. advised by dealer that part poorly designed and new design in stock for replacement. thermostat remained open not allowing engine to reach operating temperature. when replaced, the original thermostat came out of housing in three separate pieces. fuel pump made whining noise from rear of vehicle. replaced at no charge. *ak
10/01/20000
 Harmonic balancer crankshaft came off without prior warning. part was defective from manufacturer dealership was aware of problem. *ak
02/21/2000108/01/1996
 Timing belt was broke had replaced it car only runs on 2 cylinders car not running. *ak
4
 Vehicle would start to sputter when started. would need to give gas to get vehicle running & then moving. at other times, vehicle would stall while driving. can smell anti-freeze coming through the vents. had taken vehicle 4 times to dealer & mechanic replaced head gasket the last time. *ak the head gasket failed over and over again after being replaced. *yh
08/25/2000110/01/1997
 Bottom pulley/crankshaft has slowly separated and cut into the firewall.*ak when turning left, the engine tilts and the crankshaft pulley cuts into the right fender. the mechanic says it is due to defect. *yh
07/01/20001
 Crankshaft/pulley broke as consumer was driving on the highway, and she heard a loud noise coming from underneath the hood. she took vehicle to a repair shop. *ak
01/23/200008/01/1996
 The head gaskets were sticking causing shaking of the vehicle. the head gaskets, timing belt, thermostat, and other various parts needed to be replaced. *ak
111/01/1997
 Pulled into a parking lot and while waiting for a space heard loud banging noise. dealer replaced crankshaft pully system. electrical system short circuited behind fuse box and melted wiring. additional damage still unknown. caused dashlighting, tail lights, & reverse lights to fail. *ak
08/20/19993
 Head gasket failure, resulting in cracked pistons and damaged crank. failed fuel pump/thermostat. *ak
07/28/1999
 While driving at 60 mph crankshaft pulley fell off without prior warning. *ak
06/14/1999
 Defective damper pulley in the motor system fell apart, causing the steering and braking to lock up while driving without prior warning, and may cause a crash. *ak
09/27/1998
 While driving the head gaskets blew out, causing the vehicle to stall, almost resulting in an accident. cause unknown. please provide further details. *ak
07/22/199801/19/1997
 Consumer was driving vehicle at approximately 30 mph; heard a loud banging noise, pulled vehicle over, and noticed engine pulley disconnected. dealer notified and repaired vehicle at the cost to the consumer. *ak
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE - GASOLINE
09/06/2003209/12/1996
 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 nhtsa web site regarding the 1997 ford escort and they are distressing to say the least. my next vehicle will be a gm product.*ak
08/09/20011
 Consumer states there is noise coming from engine compartment. dealer found damper failed belt caught between damper and fender well was damaged. replaced damper and belt. *tt
1
 Consumer stated there was a noise coming from the engine compartment, dealer stated the damper failed and the belt was caught between the damper and fender well.*jb
305/23/1997
 An electrical short circuit is occurring within vehicle which is causing vehicle battery to completely lose power. *ak consumer states radio caused battery to drain and speakers to pop, radio replaced 3 times, experiencing other electrical problems with the headlights dimming when the heater is on or when applying brakes, radiator had to be replaced, engine lights come on intermittently, and poor acceleration when going up a hill. *tt
102/01/2000
 Engine stalled at 55 mph. after the repair the check engine light came on, and the dealer couldnt fix the problem with the egr valve. *ak
 While driving vehicle completely shutsdown without warning, cause unknown. dealer cannot correct problem. please give any further details.*ak
07/12/2000209/01/1997
 How can a dealership not acknowledge the motor/transmission are both foreign items. if i wanted to purchase a foreign car i would have. and for both motor replacement cost $2600 and transmission $2800 to go out the same time. isn't there some law that states a dealership/mfg must acknowledge the type of equipment (parts) being used in a automobile??
4
 Vehicle would start to sputter when started. would need to give gas to get vehicle running & then moving. at other times, vehicle would stall while driving. can smell anti-freeze coming through the vents. had taken vehicle 4 times to dealer & mechanic replaced head gasket the last time. *ak the head gasket failed over and over again after being replaced. *yh
07/03/20006
 Gas gauge doesn't show the correct amount of gas once it reaches 1/4 of a tank. *ak the vehicle also stalls on highways. the anti-theft alarm goes on for unknown reason. the horn malrunctions too. *yh
05/23/2000205/01/1999
 Moving at 70mph motor sputtered and died. unable to restart for aprox 20 min. both times out on the open road and outside temp over 100. engine temp normal. fuel better than half a tank. *ak
 While exiting a ramp engine suddenly shutdown, causing loss of all power. dealer has been contacted. *ak
04/06/1999
 Heard a funny sound. took vehicle back to the dealer, but they said this was anormal sound for the engine. took vehicle a second time back to dealer after engine was making knocking noises and stalled. contacted the manufacturer. vehicle's warranty expired. *ak
07/28/199905/01/1996
 05/25/1999; while driving at 35 mph, the head gasket on engine blew out car was undriveable. on 07/15/1999; the horn started honking continuously on it's own, when car was parked & locked. had to remove fuse to shut off. dealer said it was a bad air-bag module, not covered by warranty, cost $ 675.00. 07/25/99, crankshaft pulley broke off, car not driveable. i note 4 other reports on this web-site for the crankshaft pulley, and 1 each for the head-gasket & horn/airbag problems + many other airbag problems.
11/16/19983
 While driving vehicle died and had a fire in the engine compartment without prior warning. dealer cannot determine the cause. another times, the transmission fell out without warning. after repairs, the vehicle started making noises and was slow to take off. vehicle was traded in. *ak.et.
12/21/1998212/01/1998
 Would like to try to get exstensive information about this vehicle since it has had several major failures. *ak
08/28/1997607/01/1996
 Service engine soon warning light comes on. has been serviced numerous times by dealer. no explanation can be given. have experienced same problems with check coolant warning light.
08/19/1998106/16/1997
 When making a left hand turn consumer noticed that the engine check light was illuminated on the dash. consumer contacted the dealer. dealer stated there was a problem with the emission. *ak consumer stated that dealer made repairs for the check engine light, however now the engine overheats. *slc
08/15/199710/20/1996
 While vehicle traveling at 60-65 mph, on highway, engine shut down and would not restart.
5
 When driving at approximately various speeds engine will stall out ,loses power. put in neutral and give it gas so it can react correctly. dealer has had vehicle five times. replaced spark plugs and wires, ignition coil. defect is stii reocurring. *ak
04/21/1997504/02/1997
 Vehicle would stall out at different speeds. almost rearended because of stalling unexpectedly. had vehicle towed back to dealer. was informed could not find problem for stalling, even had vehicle test driven. *ak air conditioner blew hot air, dealer repaired wiring assembly. tires experienced wear, consumer did not give specific tire information. engine light illuminated and vehicle was hard to restart, vehicle also lost power and dealer has not been able to resolve the problem. *slc
210/01/1996
 The consumer has experienced two explosions from front of vehicle while driving. the driver has no idea what the cause was or where it came from.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE - GASOLINE - BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS
06/23/2003950001
 Engine service light stays on while driving. this is caused by an oil sensor failure due to a hole in the oil pan which rusted the belts per mechanic.*ak
07/01/1999
 While sitting at a light vehicle shut down, and engine check light came on. vehicle shut completely down due to computer module failure. also, alternator and battery died out, and engine belt, that runs everythng within the vehicle, disconnected due to the harmonic balancer that almost came off. three sensors were also replaced. *ak
07/18/1999
 While traveling 45mph lost steering power & brakes. vehicle towed to dealer & was informed by mechanic the alternator belt broke. the pulley had shifted. the damper had failed & pushed the pulley over & caused the alternator to break. *ak
07/17/199907/01/1997
 The vibration damper fails and causes the pully to shift, causing the alt. belt to rub against the side of the car until it breaks. this caused loss of power steering. extremely dangerous situation caused by a defect in the design of this ford component
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM
07/26/2006136000111/19/1996
 Dt*: the contact stated there is a crack located at the bottom of the exhaust manifold. the dealership has not been informed.
06/06/1997
 Check engine light illuminates, indicating a problem with the emission control system. please give any further details. *ak.et
08/19/1998106/16/1997
 When making a left hand turn consumer noticed that the engine check light was illuminated on the dash. consumer contacted the dealer. dealer stated there was a problem with the emission. *ak consumer stated that dealer made repairs for the check engine light, however now the engine overheats. *slc
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM - EMISSION CONTROL - CATALYTIC CONVERTOR
06/01/2005204/04/2000
 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
09/16/200432000103/10/1997
 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
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM - EMISSION CONTROL - GAS RECIRCULATION VALVE (EGR VALVE)
08/04/20071
 1997 ford escort fuel evaporative emission control system. purge control valve circuit malfunctioned. *jb
102/01/2000
 Engine stalled at 55 mph. after the repair the check engine light came on, and the dealer couldnt fix the problem with the egr valve. *ak
04/21/1998104/02/1998
 Erg connector failed. nlm
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM - MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE
08/01/1997111/01/1996
 Exhaust tail pipe failed. yh
05/30/1998
 While driving the plastic underneath the car next to the exhaust intake manifold burst into flames without any warning. pulled vehicle over and put flames out. the vehicle had to be towed to dealer. *ak