Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
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).
I have a 1997 Ford Escort. At approximately. 37,000 miles the transmission required service. Took car to board Ford in whittier, ca. Two days after service the transmission failed. Board Ford allowed an ESP for power train and replaced transmission. At time of replacement, board Ford indicated the new power train was warranted for 75,000 miles. At approximately 45,000 miles on the new power train, it literally exploded from the inside out (completely cracked the core). Called board Ford and Ford motor and was told that because the car has 80,000 miles on it, the power train wasn't warranted even though the power train only has 45,000.00 miles on it.
I was driving my 1997 Ford Escort at 70mph down interstate 75 when all of a sudden the wheels locked up. Here to find out the transmission was what locked up the gears just locked up tight causing the wheels to lock. I am 48 years old and have a cdl drivers license. I drive a 40ft. Bookmobile everyday for a living. My complaint is Ford needs to look into this because a less experianced driver would have rolled the car or been run over by other traffic. I had the transmission replaced with a used one at a cost of 887.24. I contacted Ford 2 times and they do not care. Just told me there was no recall so the problem was all mine.
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.
Request for restitution of losses resulting from a vehicle fire. The passenger area trans equipment/electrical wire) the consumer requested restitution. The consumer stated she many mechanical problems with the vehicle.
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.
While driving under normal conditions, the crank shaft pulley slipped off the shaft and lodged against the inside of the engine compartment. Vehicle could not be driven and had to be towed in for repair. Neither Ford nor fidelity warranty service, inc. (extended warranty purchased at the time the vehicle was purchased from the dealer, would cover the repair.
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??
Transmission "blew" going at the speed of 35 miles an hour in heavy rush hour traffic. Cause of failure has been linked to the differential in the transmission. Outer case of the transmission box was cracked becuase of the force of impact. Loss of power almost caused a major accident because of loss of power and coming to a complete stop
Consumer was getting ready to make a left hand turn and parts of the transmission started to fall off. Consumer could hear the parts falling off, and car stopped. Vehicle had to be towed . Mechanic told consumer that it was parts of the transmission that fell off.
Engine check light will come on when operating vehicle for a long period of time or climbing a hill. The transmission failed twice and was replaced by the dealer. But the transmission's erratic shift uphill and check the engine soon light continued.
Transmission complaints in other Escort years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 1997 Ford Escort?
NHTSA has 29 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 1997 Ford Escort, 5% of the model year's 543 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (18 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Ford Escort transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain 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 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 80,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 2 fires and 0 injuries to transmission & drivetrain 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.