Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 6 | −43% | — | Engine | Good |
| 2002 | 12 | 1.8× | — | Transmission | Caution |
| 2001 | 18 | 2.4× | — | Engine | Caution |
| 2000 | 7 | −50% | — | Transmission | Good |
| 1999 | 15 | 1.8× | — | Engine | Caution |
| 1998 | 8 | −43% | — | Engine | Good |
* Complaints compared with the median ZX2 (escort) year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Ford ZX2 (escort) problems
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Ford ZX2 (escort) should you avoid?
2001, 1999 and 2002 — these years have the most complaints relative to other ZX2 (escort) years at the same age, led by engine & cooling problems in the 2001.
What is the best year for the Ford ZX2 (escort)?
2000 has the fewest complaints compared with other ZX2 (escort) years at the same age, followed by 1998 and 2003. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.
What are the most common Ford ZX2 (escort) problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the engine & cooling (25), transmission & drivetrain (18) and air bags (6). Engine complaints peak in the 2001 model year.
How many recalls has the Ford ZX2 (escort) had?
0 recalls across 1998–2003.
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.