1998 Ford Escort
1998 Ford Escort
The 1998 Ford Escort was a compact car available in sedan and wagon body styles. It was offered with a variety of engine and transmission options, including:
- 2.0L Zetec I4 engine with a 5-speed manual transmission (110 hp, 130 lb-ft)
- 2.0L Zetec I4 engine with a 4-speed automatic transmission (110 hp, 130 lb-ft)
- 2.0L Zetec I4 engine with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) (110 hp, 130 lb-ft)
The Escort was praised for its fuel efficiency, affordability, and maneuverability. However, it was also criticized for its lack of power, poor handling, and cheap interior materials.
Engine
2.0L Zetec I4
- Intake manifold gasket failure
- Description/Symptoms: Coolant and oil leaks, engine overheating, rough idling
- Solution: Replace intake manifold gasket
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
- Recalls: None Found
- Head gasket failure
- Description/Symptoms: Coolant and oil leaks, engine overheating, white smoke from exhaust
- Solution: Replace head gasket
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $1,500+
- Recalls: None Found
- Timing belt failure
- Description/Symptoms: Engine stalls, rattling noises from engine, loss of power
- Solution: Replace timing belt
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $750+
- Recalls: None Found
Transmission
5-speed Manual
- Clutch failure
- Description/Symptoms: Difficulty shifting gears, grinding noises, loss of power
- Solution: Replace clutch
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $600+
- Recalls: None Found
4-speed Automatic
- Transmission slippage
- Description/Symptoms: Hesitation during acceleration, slipping gears, loss of power
- Solution: Repair or replace transmission
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,200 - $2,000+
- Recalls: None Found
CVT
- Belt failure
- Description/Symptoms: Transmission shuddering, loss of power, whining noises
- Solution: Replace CVT belt
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500+
- Recalls: None Found
Suspension
- Struts and shocks failure
- Description/Symptoms: Bumpy ride, excessive body roll, uneven tire wear
- Solution: Replace struts and shocks
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $600+
- Recalls: None Found
- Control arm bushings failure
- Description/Symptoms: Clunking noises from front end, poor handling, uneven tire wear
- Solution: Replace control arm bushings
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
- Recalls: None Found
Electrical
- Alternator failure
- Description/Symptoms: Battery not charging, dimming lights, electrical problems
- Solution: Replace alternator
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
- Recalls: None Found
- Starter failure
- Description/Symptoms: Engine cranks but does not start, clicking noises
- Solution: Replace starter
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
- Recalls: None Found
- Ignition coil failure
- Description/Symptoms: Engine misfires, loss of power, rough idling
- Solution: Replace ignition coil
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+
- Recalls: None Found
Exterior
- Rust and corrosion
- Description/Symptoms: Rust spots on body panels, bubbling paint
- Solution: Repair and repaint affected areas
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+
- Recalls: None Found
Interior
- Air conditioning failure
- Description/Symptoms: Weak or no airflow, warm air blowing
- Solution: Repair or replace air conditioning system
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800+
- Recalls: None Found
- Dashboard cracking
- Description/Symptoms: Cracks on dashboard
- Solution: Replace dashboard
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
- Recalls: None Found
Summary
The 1998 Ford Escort is a reliable and affordable compact car with some known issues. Engine and transmission problems are common, and repairs can be expensive. Suspension and electrical issues are also not uncommon. Overall, the severity of the issues depends on the specific problem and its severity. The cost of repairs can range from a few hundred dollars to over a thousand dollars. It is important to note that this list does not cover every potential issue that may arise with the 1998 Ford Escort.