1998 Ford Zx2 (escort) Recalls
No NHTSA recalls on record for the 1998 Ford Zx2 (escort). That means NHTSA has no open safety campaign for this vehicle — it does not guarantee the absence of problems. Owners have filed 9 complaints with NHTSA, most often about the air bags. Last updated July 5, 2026.
Complaints by component
What owners report
Verbatim reports filed with NHTSA, lightly edited for readability and with personal information removed.
“The plastic cover on the seat-back release handle ( passenger side) of my 1998 ford escort zx2 has become broken and will pop off when the seat back is released. As a result, on tuesday, december 20th, I severely lacerated my finger on the sharp metal lever inside the plastic cover while releasing…”
“A stalled suburban in the #1 lane at a traffic signal became visible when the van directly ahead of me swerved at the last moment. I hit the brakes but hit the suv and totaled my escort. The driver's air bag failed to deploy and the seatbelt caused a broken sternum, cracked ribs. Also had right…”
“Close call: the serpentine belt slips off and the car looses power steering.*ak”
“I have a '1998 ford zx2. It's really making squeaking sound since around 2 years ago, I am sure that this is not an usual squeaking sound you imagine. I had my car inspected at ford dealership and other car repair center. Before inspection, every mechanician guaranteed he could fix it. But after…”
“Car makes hidiously loud screeching sound. Mechanics can't find where it is. I replaced many parts but the sound continues to come out.”
“Car makes hidiously loud screeching sound. Mechanics can't find where it is. I replaced many parts but the sound continues to come out.”
“Driver apparently looked away and ran off the road while driving the vehicle, flipped over and the drivrers side door became ajar and the driver was crushed, investigator said the door should not have come open. Nlm”
“While drivinh 65 mph passenger tapped gearshift and vehicle jumped from drive into neutral without gearshift button being pushed. This has happened at least 6 times. *ak”
Recall, complaint, and investigation records from official NHTSA datasets (FLAT_RCL, FLAT_CMPL, FLAT_INV), synced weekly. Counts reflect NHTSA records for the 1998 Ford Zx2 (escort) as of July 5, 2026. Complaint narratives are consumer-submitted and unverified. This page contains ads and affiliate links. Full methodology.