Transmission complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Dt*: the contact stated while having routine tire maintenance done at a garage, the mechanic determined the rear spring was fractured. The contact did not have any problems with the vehicle. Updated 11/21/2006 - the consumer contacted the manufacture but they did not respond. The vehicle would not shift from park. The dealer replaced the shift lock system.
When driving at any speed, the vehicle let off a howling noise. Took vehicle to the dealer, and the dealer stated the front axle prematurely failed. The left wheel bearing on the front went out prematurely, per mechanic.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Ford Escort. The contact stated that the shift anti- lock actuator failed and the vehicle would not shift out of park. The vehicle was repaired October 24, 2003 when the dealer replaced the shifter and the cable assembly. The contact stated that the failure recurred. In addition, the contact stated that the rear passenger seat belt did not work properly and that the shoulder strap would not buckle properly. The failure mileage was 75,000. The ABS light would randomly illuminate. Updated 12/15/11 updated 12/28/11 the right rear seat belt was twisted, which made it inoperable, the brake shift inter-lock malfunctioned and the consumer was unable to shift the from park to drive. Updated 03.12.12
2001 Escort. Bought in fall from hertz. Have had new platnum plugs installed. But car continues to cut off when leaving from a stopped positon such as a stop sign, light, and left turn lane. Cut off 2 days ago when starting from a stop sign. Had plenty of time from on comming cars. Stalled in hwy and a tractor trailer truck had to brake and I almost lost my life. Did same thing several days ago from a left turn lane. Went to young Ford about it running rough and stalling. Ser mgr stated they do that and that is the reason they stopped making them. Have had trouble sinc I bought it. You cant tell much about a car with a short demo ride. Bought 9/25/02
Transmission is slipping and does not shift correctly. Timing chain broke while driving and almost caused an accident. Had to have the car towed. Tensioner arm broke while driving shredding the belt. Had to have the car towed.
On June 21, 2003, I was operating the vehicle at approx. 30 MPH. I attempted to speed up and found that the accelerator was no longer functioning. Due to the fact that the car failed to accelerate I was forced to coast to the side of the road, where a tow truck picked it up and towed it to the dealership. Approx. 6 months prior to this time I began noticing a "spasmodic hesitating motion" in the car whenever I attempted to accelerate from an idle position. I assumed that a tune-up was needed and took it to a Ford dealership for inspection. I was told that the hesitation could not be detected, nothing was wrong with the vehicle, and based on the make and model of the vehicle I was not required a tune-up until 100,000 miles had been reached. I continued to drive the vehicle and the problem persisted. For a while I even relented and decided that perhaps the problem was in my head. …
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 Ford Escort. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and no occupant inside, the vehicle rolled backwards and crashed into another vehicle. A police report was filed. The contact stated that the gear shift lever was in the park position at the time. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000. The VIN was not available.
Noticed that engine warning light was coming up on and off, changed spark plugs,wires, light would go off for a period and than come back on. I was driving down the freeway between 65-70 miles/hour when I hured a loud bang , pulled off the freeway, I had the car taking to a local Ford dealership, service writer told me that the valve seat in the head had seperated and fell into the motor. He also told me that the 1.9 motor had a flaw in the head and Ford motor company new about this problem for many years. Than he showed me another Escort that6 had the same exact problem and that this was not the first car he seened with this problem. Second problem: I have had to replace 3 transmitions with in a year, which was covered by Ford motor company and possibly a 4th. I don't know because the motor went. …
Related recalls (1)
Power train › Manual transmission › Shift pattern indicator
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with the s/r option. The s/r option includes, among other features, a 5-speed manual transmission. On these vehicles, the transmission shift pattern is not displayed in the occupant compartment in view of the driver. This does not comply with the requirements of FMVSS no.
Remedy: Owners will be provided with an adhesive backed plaque containing the shift pattern, along with materials and instructions for locating and affixing the plaque to the vehicle center console, just forward of the shift…
Frequently asked questions
Which Ford Escort years have transmission problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1998 (43), 1995 (36), 1999 (35), 1997 (29) and 1996 (19) model years. Transmission complaints make up 11% of all complaints for the 1998.
Is there a recall for Ford Escort transmission problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 99V-276 (shift pattern indicator, Oct 12, 1999). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Ford Escort transmission problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 63,000 miles; 48% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the automatic transmission (118 mentions), followed by the manual transmission (21).
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.