Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1998 Ford Escort owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
I was sold a 1998 Ford Escort zx2 for 800 dollars, from but behind a local dealership. The dealership did the notary, and they were the ones who signed off on the car and gave me a hand written receipt with someone else's name on it. They also did the inspection later on after we replaced one of the ball joints. We had the car looked at by another official inspection station and they said the car was a death trap. We contacted a state trooper. He did an inspection, failed the car, and took the sticker. There was a long list of problems. I tried to get a refund before I got the cops involved and he refused. This was also before the 10 days were up for the inspection. I paid for the car on the 13th of feb. 2008.
Dt: 1998 Ford Escort. The consumer took the vehicle to dealer to be serviced, and the service department noticed the rear coil springs were broken , approximately 1 turns from the top. The consumer contacted Ford, and they told him the part was not under warranty. The coil springs were replaced. There had been no noticeable problems before this. The caplipers were replaced due them being frozen. The crank pulley and serpentine belt were replace.
While driving in inclement weather driver applied the brakes and the pedal went to the floor. Vehicle hydro planed , and the driver was unable to maintain control of the vehicle, smashing into a concrete barrier. Upon impact, both airbags did not deploy. The driver refused medical attention on the scene, but went to the hospital later that day. Vehicle was towed and totaled by the insurance company.
While driving south about 35-40mph, another vehicle turned the corner, heading north & speeding, drifted into Escort's lane. Escort driver applied brakes to avoid vehicle, & vehicle pulled left. It skidded across the road & hit a pole. ABS did not work. Right brakes had disintergrated. Air bags did not deploy, but seat belt held. Driver has bruised knee. Vehicle totaled by insurance co.
When applying brakes they locked on one side, causing vehicle to go into a spin, and resulting in a collision/ rollover. Driver sustained minor injuries. Vehicle was totalled. Please provide further information.
Consumer was driving on the freeway., she attempted to change lanes and applied brakes, pedal went down to the floor, and the vechicle swerved into traffic and hit another vehicle. No injuries reported.
Entered expressway and throttle linkage stuck open. Got vehicle slowed from upwards to 75 MPH by smashing brakes and slowed enough to exit. Was not able to slow down to a stop so turned right on exited street and once straightened out, while still moving at approx. 30mph, shifted in neutral, letting the motor race uncontrollably while vehicle was brought to a stop. At that time lever was put into park and motor turned off. Driver shaken up and vehicle motor May be compromised due to stuck accelerator over-revving. Looked for a recall for model type for stuck throttle linkage-none for Escort but there is one for Ford like model, the contour, recall # 99V194000. Escort was built in 3/1998 which falls under time of recall for other Ford product.
Brakes grinding and glazing constantly , taking longer to get stopped, other times it grips to hard, when I take it in they delaze them, and tell me it is normal, I've taken it in twice in dec for problem so far, taking back again Friday. I'm afraid it's going to cause an accident if I have to make a quick stop. Was fine for the first 5 months, but they insit it is normal.
While driving consumer heard a snapping noise, and lost complete control of brakes and landed in a ditch, and suffered only minor injuries, consumer was informed by dealer that a bolt never snaps from the booster in that way, futhermore the delaer states that the part is not available in the U.S. And a new one would have to be made.
When applying brakes right front wheel grinds. This happens under any kind of braking situation. Brake pads and shoes have been replaced and rotors turned. This helped to correct the problem for about 500 miles, and then problem started over again. This is the fourth time the vehicle will be serviced for the same problem.
Brake complaints in other Escort years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 1998 Ford Escort?
NHTSA has 35 complaints about the brakes of the 1998 Ford Escort, 9% of the model year's 375 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (15 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Ford Escort brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 1998 Ford Escort. 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 1998 Ford Escort brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 187,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 7 crashes, 0 fires and 5 injuries to brakes 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.