1998 Ford Escort
WF0NXXGCANWU39319
Vehicle history report for the 1998 Ford Escort (VIN WF0NXXGCANWU39319). Blue, wagon / suv, gasoline. Registered in Khmelnytskyi. 1 NHTSA recall campaign for this model year. Unlock full title, salvage, lien & accident history.
Full vehicle history report
What a full report checks for VIN WF0NXXGCANWU39319
A full report searches national title databases (NMVTIS) and licensed history providers for this VIN and shows whatever records are on file — not every vehicle has every record type. The decode, safety recalls and owner complaints above are always free.
History reports cover US-titled vehicles only. This car is registered in Ukraine, so title, salvage and odometer records from the US national title database (NMVTIS) don't apply to it. The registration record, specifications and recall data on this page are free.
At a glance
Vehicle identity & specifications
🧾 Window sticker / build sheet → All 1998 Ford Escort data →
What's a 1998 Ford Escort worth?
What comparable 1998 Ford Escort vehicles are listed for — a quick gut-check before you negotiate.
Is the seller's price fair? Get this exact VIN's current market value — retail, trade-in & loan value — in the full report.
See this car's exact value →MPG & running costs
U.S. EPA fuel-economy estimates for the 1998 Ford Escort.
Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 2 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages. Actual mileage varies with trim and driving conditions.
Crash-test safety ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 1998 Ford Escort.
Frontal crash testSource: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program, tested as the 1998 Ford Escort 4-DR.. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.
Estimated 5-year cost to own
A rough guide to what running a 1998 Ford Escort costs over five years and 75,000 miles.
How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.
Dimensions & weight
Manufacturer-reported figures for the 1998 Ford Escort — ranges cover the 3 body / drivetrain versions on record. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.
Investigations & service bulletins
NHTSA defect investigations 1
AIR BAG NON-DEPLOYMENT Closed
NHTSA #DP01001 · Air Bags · opened Apr 2001 · closed Nov 2001An investigation means NHTSA is examining a possible defect — it is not a recall, and many close without one.
Manufacturer service bulletins 157
Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be free. Showing the 10 most recent of 157.
GENERAL (PCM) POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE PROGRAMMING PROCEDURES. *TT
Bulletin 042107 · Power Train · Dec 2004TRW VEHICLE SAFETY SYSTEMS, INC. IS RECALLING CERTAIN SERVICE REPLACEMENT SEATBELT RETRACTORS (DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT RETRACTOR IN GRAY) MANUFACTURED IN DECEMBER 2002 AND SOLD AS A SERVICE REPLACEMENT PART BETWEEN DECEMBER 2002 AND JULY 2004. *TT
Bulletin 04V09 · Seat Belts · Aug 2004ROUGH IDLE, LOW POWER AND / OR STALL AT IDLE, A MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ILLUMINATED AND DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES P0300 THROUGH P0304 STORED IN MEMORY. *TT
Bulletin 020901 · Electrical System · May 2004REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY (RKE) - SERVICE TIPS. *TT
Bulletin 03181 · Electrical System · Sep 2003IDLE VIBRATION ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.0L SPI OR ZETEC ENGINE ONLY. *TT
Bulletin 031515 · Engine And Engine Cooling · Aug 2003MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ILLUMINATION WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES P0442, P0455, P0456, P0457, P1442 OR CHECK FUEL CAP LAMP ILLUMINATED WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P0457. *TT
Bulletin 0398 · Fuel System, Other · May 2003DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES FOR HIGH OXYGEN SENSOR VOLTAGE (P0132 AND P0152). CURRENT DIAGNOSTIC MAY RESULT IN PREMATURE REPLACEMENT OF THE COMPUVALVE. *TT *JB
Bulletin 030606 · Fuel System, Gasoline · Mar 2003CLIMATE CONTROL A/C SERVICE TECH TIPS. *EH
Bulletin 02208 · Equipment · Oct 2002LAMP-BRAKE-INVADVERTENT DISABLING OF BRAKE SHIFT INTERLOCK. *MJ
Bulletin 02176 · Exterior Lighting · Sep 2002SOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE 2.0L SPI ENGINE MAY EXHIBIT A MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ILLUMINATED AND DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTC) P0300 THROUGH P0304 STORED. *TT
Bulletin 0291 · May 2002Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the ESCORT. Model-year data, not specific to one car.
About the Ford Escort
Ford Escort may refer to one of several vehicles manufactured by Ford Motor Company:Ford Escort (Europe), a vehicle manufactured by Ford Europe from 1968 to 2002 Ford Escort RS Cosworth, sports and rally version of the fifth generation European Escort Ford Escort WRC, a rally car based on the Ford Escort RS Cosworth Ford Escort, a compact car manufactured for the North American market from 1980 to 2003 Ford Escort (China), a Ford Focus-based compact car for the Chinese market from 2015 to 2023 Ford Escort, a variant of the Ford Squire built and marketed in the United Kingdom from 1955 to 1961
From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.
Safety recall campaigns 1
SEAT BELTS:FRONT
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.
Remedy: TRW WILL NOTIFY THE CUSTOMERS WHO PURCHASED THE REPLACEMENT SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 27, 2004.
NHTSA Campaign #04E048000 · 12/07/2004Note: recall data comes from the U.S. NHTSA and covers the US-market version of this model. A car registered in Ukraine may have different campaigns — check with the manufacturer's local importer.
These are NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year, last checked 7 Oct 2026. They don't show whether this particular car has had the repair done — check this VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are free.
We'll email you the moment a new safety recall is issued — no spam, unsubscribe any time.
Common problems & what to inspect
Based on all 416 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1998 Ford Escort, here are the most-reported problem areas — and what to check before you buy.
💥 85 involved a crash 🔥 23 involved a fire 🚑 85 reported injuries
🔍 Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
🔍 Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.
🔍 Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
🔍 Listen for clunks over bumps, check the car sits level, and look for uneven tire wear and worn shocks or struts.
🔍 Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
🔍 Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Pre-purchase checklist
- Match the VIN on the dash, door jamb and title — they must be identical.
- Cold-start the engine; listen for knocks and check for blue or white exhaust smoke.
- Test-drive through all gears at low and highway speed — no slipping, shudder or pulling.
- Confirm every warning light clears at startup (none should stay on).
- Check fluids — oil, coolant, transmission — for level, color and leaks.
- Look underneath for rust, fresh undercoating or signs of collision repair.
- Always get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic.
Owner complaints 416
Complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of the 1998 Ford Escort.
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD ESCORT. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE UNDER THE HOOD WITHOUT WARNING. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AN…
Fire · NHTSA ODI #11256695STRUCTURE
I AM CONCERNED REGARDING REAR BUMPER COVER. THIS VERY IMPORTANT PAFT ON TBIS VEHICLE IS MADE TOTALLY OF FIBERGLASS OR A SIMILAR PRODUCT WHICH BECOMES MORE CRACKED WITH TIME AND THE MAIN ISSUE IS THAT IT HAS NO HARD METAL BAR FOR PROTECTION IN THE EVENT OF A REAR IMPACT . THIS BUMPER WHICH I HAD REMOVED TO RPLACED WHAT WAS LEFT OF IT HAS SOMETHING THAT APPEA…
NHTSA ODI #11172236TIRES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD ESCORT. THE VEHICLE WAS EQUIPPED WITH KELLY SPRINGFIELD TIRE SIZE 185/65/14. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH AND HE HEARD A LOUD, ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR TIRES. THE CONTACT DETECTED THAT BOTH REAR TIRES HAD A DEFECT WITHIN THE INNER LINER AND THE CORDS WERE VISIBLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKING TO THE DEALE…
NHTSA ODI #10542299TIRES
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD ESCORT. THE TIRE BRAND WAS BRIDGE STONE INSIGNIA SL, TIRE SIZE WAS P175/65R14. THE DOT WAS UNKNOWN. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 67 MPH, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT RIGHT PASSENGER TIRE BLEW OUT WITHOUT WARNING. THE TIRES WERE ON THE VEHICLE WHEN IT WAS PURCHASED. THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED. THERE WER…
NHTSA ODI #10371777SUSPENSION
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD ESCORT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR COIL SPRINGS BROKE IN 2003 AND WERE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS AT A REPAIR SHOP GETTING AN OIL CHANGE WHEN THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE REAR COIL SPRINGS HAD BROKEN AGAIN. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED OR REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 26,000. UP…
NHTSA ODI #10360996VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD ESCORT. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE SITTING IDLE AT A TRAFFIC STOP WITH THE BRAKES DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE ABNORMALLY ACCELERATED TO 80 MPH. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO AVOID A CRASH BY WEAVING IN AND OUT OF TRAFFIC AND ATTEMPTED TO SHIFT INTO PARK BUT TO NO AVAIL. THE CONTACT THEN ENGAGED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF …
NHTSA ODI #10345410SUSPENSION
FAILURE OF THE REAR SPRINGS ON 1998 FORD ESCORT FIRST IN 2003 AT 12,195MILES AND THE REPLACEMENTS BOTH FAILED AGAIN IN 2009 AT 36, 000 MILES. FAILURE APPEARS DUE TO SALT CORROSION ENHANCEMENT DUE TO COVERED SPRING SURFACE. FORD WAS CONTACTED AND EVEN THOUGH THERE IS A TSB ON THIS ISSUE THEY WOULD OFFER NO ASSISTANCE. FAILURE RATES ARE VERY SHORT. VEHICLE …
NHTSA ODI #10313589SUSPENSION
DURING A STATE REQUIRED INSPECTION FOUND BOTH REAR COIL SPRINGS BROKEN. FORD WILL NOT TAKE RESPONSIBILITY. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THIS HAS OCCURRED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10266456+ 408 more complaints on record.
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Frequently asked questions
Can I find out who owns this vehicle from the VIN?
No — and no legitimate service can. Linking a VIN or plate to a named owner is restricted by the U.S. Driver's Privacy Protection Act, the EU GDPR and equivalent laws. CarLogs shows the vehicle only — specs, recalls, problems and value — never the person.
Are there safety recalls on the 1998 Ford Escort?
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for the 1998 Ford Escort model year. That covers the model year, not this individual car: to see whether a specific vehicle still needs a recall repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are free.
What is a fair price for a 1998 Ford Escort?
Comparable 1998 Ford Escort listings run roughly $600–$2,695, typically around $1,141 (from 6 comparable vehicles). The full report shows this exact VIN's valuation.
What is the 1998 Ford Escort safety rating?
NHTSA gives the 1998 Ford Escort crash-test ratings of frontal 3★, side 3★ (out of 5; this model year pre-dates NHTSA's overall score).
What fuel economy does the 1998 Ford Escort get?
The 1998 Ford Escort has U.S. EPA estimates of 25–28 mpg combined, depending on engine and trim (2 versions).
Recall data checked 7 Oct 2026 · Sources: NHTSA (recalls & complaints), U.S. EPA (fuel economy), NHTSA vPIC (specifications). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.