Ford Zx2 (escort) problems

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The North American version of the Ford Escort is a range of cars that was sold by Ford from the 1981 to 2003 model years. The direct successor of the Ford Pinto, the Escort also largely overtook the role of the European-imported Ford Fiesta as the smallest vehicle in the Ford model line in North America. Produced across three generations, the first generation was a subcompact; the latter two generations were compact cars. Becoming highly successful in the marketplace, the Escort became the best-selling car in the United States after 1982, a position it would hold for much of the 1980s.

Produced across three generations, the Escort was the first world car developed by Ford, with the first-generation American Escort designed alongside Ford of Europe, who transitioned the Escort Mk III to front-wheel drive. During its production, the Escort also underwent a wide use of platform sharing and rebranding. The first generation served as the basis of the longer-wheelbase Ford Tempo/Mercury Topaz, the two-seat Ford EXP/Mercury LN7 and was rebranded as the Mercury Lynx. The second generation was introduced for 1991, growing into the compact segment. Moving away from a shared design with Ford of Europe, the Escort now shared a platform with the Mazda 323 and sharing a body with the Ford Laser (a model line sold in Asia and Oceania); the Mercury Lynx was replaced by the Mercury Tracer. For 1997, the third generation served as an extensive redesign of the previous-generation sedan; the Escort ZX2 two-door was introduced, with the Mercury Tracer adopting a similar redesign.

Ford introduced the Ford Focus in North America for 2000 as its third "world car", phasing it in as the successor of the Escort. After 2000, the four-door Escort was moved primarily to fleet sales (with the coupe remaining available); production ended entirely after the 2002 model year. In contrast to the first-generation American Escort and Escort Mk III of Ford of Europe (and the Mondeo/Contour and Mercury Mystique), the Focus adopted a much larger degree of commonality between its European and North American variants, in effect, becoming the original world car Ford had originally envisioned with the Escort.

During its entire production, the Escort was produced by Wayne Stamping & Assembly in (Wayne, Michigan) and the first generation was also produced by Edison Assembly in (Edison, New Jersey), San Jose Assembly Plant in (Milpitas, California), and Oakville Assembly in (Oakville, Ontario, Canada) while the second and third generations were also produced by Hermosillo Stamping and Assembly in (Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico).

photo of Ford Zx2 (escort) car production

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Ford Zx2 (escort) model years

ford zx2 (escort) 2003 photo
Zx2 (escort) 2003
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Zx2 (escort) 1999
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Zx2 (escort) 1998
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Common Ford Zx2 (escort) problems

The Ford Escort ZX2, also known as the Ford Focus ZX2 in some markets, is a compact sports car produced by Ford from 1998 to 2003. While the car is generally considered reliable, there are a few common problems that owners have reported.

One of the most common issues is electrical failure, particularly with the constant control relay module. This problem is more likely to occur in higher mileage vehicles, with many reports of failure after 100,000 miles. The control relay module is responsible for managing various electrical systems in the car, and when it fails, it can cause a variety of problems, including difficulty starting the car or stalling while driving.

Another common issue is related to the engine. Some owners have reported problems with valve seats on the cylinder head falling out, which can cause rough running or noise. This problem is more likely to occur in higher mileage vehicles, and it can be caused by a variety of factors, including wear and tear on the engine and poor maintenance.

The distributor shaft o-ring seal is also known to be a problem area in the Ford Escort ZX2. This seal can leak oil, which can cause a variety of problems, including reduced engine performance and increased fuel consumption.

The shifter bushings are also known to fail earlier than in most other vehicles. This can cause difficulty shifting gears, and it can also lead to increased wear and tear on the transmission.

In addition to these specific issues, the Ford Escort ZX2 is also known to have some general problems with the engine, electrical system, transmission, HVAC, and brakes. These problems are more likely to occur in higher mileage vehicles, and they can be caused by a variety of factors, including wear and tear on the vehicle, poor maintenance, and manufacturing defects.

In summary, while the Ford Escort ZX2 is generally considered reliable, there are a few common problems that owners have reported. These include electrical failure, engine problems, and issues with the distributor shaft o-ring seal and shifter bushings. These problems are more likely to occur in higher mileage vehicles, and they can be caused by a variety of factors, including wear and tear on the vehicle, poor maintenance, and manufacturing defects.

Ford Zx2 (escort)

How much is a Ford Escort ZX2 worth?

Enter a zip and mileage to find market value in your area

Average Market Value$3,922
Low Market Value$2,941
High Market Value$4,902

How long did the Ford Escort last?

Ford Escort (Europe)

Ford Escort
ProductionJanuary 1968–July 2002
Body and chassis
ClassSmall family car (C)
LayoutFront-engine, rear-wheel-drive (1967–1981, 1987) Front-engine, front-wheel-drive (1980–2004) Front-engine, four-wheel-drive (1990–2004)

What is the high speed of a Ford Escort?

Maximum power officially from Ford was 227 PS (224 bhp; 167 kW) at 6,250 rpm and 304 N⋅m; 224 lbf⋅ft (31 kg⋅m) of torque at 3,500 rpm on 95 RON petrol and a max speed of 232 km/h (144 mph) (GPS) and 237 km/h (147 mph) without the big rear wing, while 0–100 km/h (62 mph) takes 5.7 sec.

How much horsepower does a 2002 Ford Escort ZX2 have?

130 hp2002 Ford Escort / Horsepower

The 2002 ZX2 boasts 130 horsepower. For a more detailed look at the 2002 ZX2 specs, features and options check out Kelley Blue Book's 2002 Ford ZX2 specs page.

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Ford Zx2 (escort) photo