THE "WASP" DESIGN OF THE REAR DOOR LOCKS MAKE THE LOCKS EXTREMELY VULNERABLE TO BREAKAGE. EXACT REPLACEMENTS ARE VERY HARD TO FIND. WHEN LOCL PLUNGER IS BROKEN OFF, THE PASSENGERS IN THE BACK SEAT ARE TRAPPED IN THE CAT UNTIL SOMEONE IN FRONT RELEASES THE ELECTRIC DOORLOCKS. I DO NOT KNOW IF IT IS AT ALL POSSIBLE TO GET BACK …
Read full complaint
THE "WASP" DESIGN OF THE REAR DOOR LOCKS MAKE THE LOCKS EXTREMELY VULNERABLE TO BREAKAGE. EXACT REPLACEMENTS ARE VERY HARD TO FIND. WHEN LOCL PLUNGER IS BROKEN OFF, THE PASSENGERS IN THE BACK SEAT ARE TRAPPED IN THE CAT UNTIL SOMEONE IN FRONT RELEASES THE ELECTRIC DOORLOCKS. I DO NOT KNOW IF IT IS AT ALL POSSIBLE TO GET BACK DOOR OPEN WITH MANUAL DOOR LOCKS.*AK
NHTSA ODI #762834
Mileage unknown · Jul 5, 2001
Latches/locks/linkages
HOOD LATCH POPS LOOSE WHILE DRIVING. HOOD DOES NOT COME UP/ LATCH DOES NOT STAY TIGHT. CONSUMER HAS NOT CONTACTED DEALER. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
NHTSA ODI #891992
Mileage unknown · Jun 7, 1999
Latches/locks/linkages
FRONT DOOR LOCK POSTS TOO SHORT, CAN ONLY BE OPENED WITH HANDLES AND HANDLES STICK
NHTSA ODI #707284
Mileage unknown · Apr 13, 1998
Latches/locks/linkages
HOOD LATCH AND CABLE ASSEMBLY FAILED.
NHTSA ODI #534037
Mileage unknown · May 13, 1997
Latches/locks/linkages
IF THERE IS A MOVEMENT OF THE VEHICLE, FORWARD, IF A PERSON IS ON A GRADE FORWARD AND IF A STRONG WIND IS COMING FROM THE REAR FORWARD, THE FRONT DOOR WILL SWING OPEN AND WILL HIT ANYTHING WITHOUT ANYONE BEING ABLE TO CONTROL IT. ONE MUST USE BOTH HANDS TO SECURELY LOCK THE DOOR. SCC
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 & remedy
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.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
2
EA02008 · Water Intrusion Into Airbag Monitor
Opened Jun 10, 2002 · Closed Dec 11, 2002
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Air Bags
BY LETTER OF DECEMBER 6, 2002, FORD NOTIFIED THE AGENCY THAT IT WOULD CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL ON ALL 1997 FORD ESCORT AND MERCURY TRACER VEHICLES.FORD FOUND THAT ELECTRICAL SHORTING OF THE INTEGRATED AIR BAG MONITOR (IABM)DUE TO LIQUID INTRUSION OF WATER OR ENGINE COOLANT CAN OCCUR IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.FORD AND LINCOLN MERCURY DEALERS WILL INSTALL A PROTECTIVE SHIELD OVER THE IABM AND APPLY NYOGEL GREASE TO IT'S ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR.SEE FORD'S DECEMBER 6, 2002 DEFECT AND NONCOMPLIANCE INFORMATION REPORT FOR DETAILS.
PE02010 · Integrated Air Bag Monitor Water
Opened Jan 30, 2002 · Closed Jun 10, 2002
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Air Bags
No summary supplied.
1997 Ford Escort Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year
Illustration