1997 Ford Escort
The Verdict
Worst problem area
Airbags & Restraints
Airbags & Restraints leads by volume: 161 of 543 complaints (30%) mention it.
Complaints filed rose from 205 in 1996 to 543 in 1997.
Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology
Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 1995 | 1996 | 1997 | 1998 | 1999 | vs. 1997 Compact Cars |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 2,150–2,850 | 2,100–2,850 | 2,250–2,400 | 2,250–2,500 | 2,250–2,500 | |
| Combined MPG | 22–29 | 22–30 | 26–28 | 25–28 | 25–28 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 20–26 / 26–34 | 20–26 / 27–35 | 23–24 / 31–34 | 22–24 / 30–34 | 22–24 / 30–34 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 306–404 | 296–404 | 317–342 | 317–355 | 317–355 | |
| Complaints filed | 576 | 205 | 543 | 383 | 340 | |
| Recalls issued | 5 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 2 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 75 | 24 | 67 | 85 | 82 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 20 | 7 | 83 | 11 | 12 | |
| Injuries reported | 70 | 26 | 65 | 79 | 57 | |
| Deaths reported | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 4 | |
| Configurations compared | 4 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
Not compared: this database has no vehicle sales or registration figures, so a raw count mostly reflects how many were sold, not how safe the vehicle is.
Common questions
How many recalls does the 1997 Ford Escort have?
2 NHTSA recall campaigns as of Sep 16, 2026. Check your VIN with NHTSA to see whether one applies to your car.
What is the most common complaint about the 1997 Ford Escort?
Airbags & Restraints: 161 of 543 NHTSA complaints (30%) mention it.
What gas mileage does the 1997 Ford Escort get?
EPA rates it 26–28 MPG combined.
How much does it cost to fuel a 1997 Ford Escort?
EPA estimates $2,250–$2,400 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.
Similar Vehicles
EPA-Rated Configurations (4)
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 1 | Automatic 4-spd | 4 | 2.0L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Compact Cars | 23 mpg (low) | 31 mpg (low) | 26 mpg (low) | $2,400 (high) | 342 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 2 | Manual 5-spd | 4 | 2.0L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Compact Cars | 24 mpg (high) | 34 mpg (high) | 28 mpg (high) | $2,250 (low) | 317 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 3 | Automatic 4-spd | 4 | 2.0L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Small Station Wagons | 23 mpg (low) | 31 mpg (low) | 26 mpg (low) | $2,400 (high) | 342 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 4 | Manual 5-spd | 4 | 2.0L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Small Station Wagons | 24 mpg (high) | 34 mpg (high) | 28 mpg (high) | $2,250 (low) | 317 g/mi (low) |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 67 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 29 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel System | 16 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical | 115 | 2 | 58 | 2 | 0 |
| Brakes | 42 | 9 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Steering | 22 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 82 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 161 | 46 | 23 | 48 | 0 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 28 | 6 | 0 | 5 | 0 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 20 | 6 | 0 | 10 | 0 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 43 | 0 | 7 | 1 | 0 |
| Other | 28 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
A complaint that names more than one category is counted in each, so the rows can add up to more than the total number of complaints.
Recalls (2)
SEAT BELTS:FRONT · Campaign 04E048000 · Jul 13, 2004
Defect: CERTAIN TRW DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELTS MANUFACTURED ON DECEMBER 6 AND 9, 2002, FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR 1997 FORD ESCORT 4-DOOR AND STATION WAGON PLATFORM VEHICLES, FORD'S P/N F7CZ54611B09AAC. THE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES EXHIBIT A NO-LOCK CONDITION WHICH DOES NOT COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 209, SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES.
Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE RESTRAINT SYSTEM MAY NOT PROVIDE ADEQUATE PROTECTION TO THE SEAT OCCUPANT, WHICH MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.
Remedy: TRW WILL NOTIFY THE CUSTOMERS WHO PURCHASED THE REPLACEMENT SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 27, 2004.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE · Campaign 02V323000 · Dec 19, 2002
Defect: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE INTEGRATED AIR BAG MONITOR (IABM) CAN BE CONTAMINATED WITH WATER OR OTHER LIQUIDS AND COULD EXPERIENCE INTERNAL ELECTRICAL SHORTING.
Consequence: THIS MAY, IN TURN, CAUSE THE AIR BAG READINESS LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE AND IN VERY RARE OCCURRENCES, AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT, MELTED WIRING, OR FIRE MAY OCCUR.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL THE SHIELD OVER THE IABM AND APPLY NYOGEL GREASE TO THE CONNECTOR. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN FEBRUARY 11, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332.