Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1997 Ford Escort owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Problems with vehicle stalling out. 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. 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
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.
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.
While driving , the steering wheel felt loose and made a loud noise. The dealer replaced the tie rod at owner's expense. 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.
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.et.
The vehicle made a loud noise while driving. Consumer stated a rubber piece was loose inside the engine. The damp assembly separated and moved forward into the fender wall through the serpentine belt.
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.
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. …
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. …
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.
Engine complaints in other Escort years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 1997 Ford Escort?
NHTSA has 67 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 1997 Ford Escort, 12% of the model year's 543 complaints. The component named most often is engine (28 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Ford Escort engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 1997 Ford Escort, though it has 1 recall for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1997 Ford Escort engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 80,000 miles, and 10% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 4 fires and 0 injuries to engine & cooling problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.