1998 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).

1998 Ford Zx2 (escort)

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Common 1998 Ford Zx2 (escort) problems

The Ford Escort ZX2, produced in 1998, is known for several common problems based on complaints from its owners. These issues range from engine problems, electrical issues, and transmission problems.

One of the most common engine problems is the engine knocking, which was reported in the 2001 Escort with five complaints. This issue can be caused by several factors, including low-quality fuel, improper ignition timing, or a damaged engine block. If not addressed promptly, it can lead to severe engine damage and expensive repairs.

Another engine problem reported is the engine stalling, which was reported in the 1999 Escort with six complaints. This issue can be caused by several factors, including a faulty ignition system, a malfunctioning fuel pump, or a clogged fuel filter. If not addressed promptly, it can lead to the engine not starting at all.

The electrical system is another area where the Ford Escort ZX2 has common problems. The most common electrical issues reported are battery drainage, headlights not working, and the remote lock not working. These issues can be caused by several factors, including a faulty alternator, a damaged battery, or a malfunctioning wiring system. If not addressed promptly, it can lead to the car being inoperable.

The transmission system is another area where the Ford Escort ZX2 has common problems. The most common transmission problem reported is the transmission failing to shift gears properly, which was reported in the 1999 Escort with five complaints. This issue can be caused by several factors, including low transmission fluid levels, a damaged clutch, or a malfunctioning transmission control module. If not addressed promptly, it can lead to the transmission failing completely, which can be an expensive repair.

In summary, the Ford Escort ZX2, produced in 1998, is known for several common problems based on complaints from its owners. These issues range from engine problems, electrical issues, and transmission problems. It is essential to address these issues promptly to avoid severe damage and expensive repairs.

1998 Ford Zx2 (escort) engine

What is a 1998 Ford Escort worth today?

The value of a used 1998 Ford Escort ranges from $151 to $759, based on vehicle condition, mileage, and options. Get a free appraisal here.

Was Ford Escort a good car?

The Escort has been Ford's bread-and-butter car for over 15 years. Think of it as the car that brings consumers into the Ford family. The Escort's low price, decent reliability and above-average crash test scores have consistently offered recent college grads and young families an attractive set of American wheels.

How much is a Ford Escort ZX2 worth?

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

Average Market Value$4,433
Low Market Value$3,324
High Market Value$5,541

What engine is in a 1998 Ford Escort ZX2?

2.0 L 4-cylinder1998 Ford Escort Coupe / Engine

Was Ford Escort a good car?

The Escort has been Ford's bread-and-butter car for over 15 years. Think of it as the car that brings consumers into the Ford family. The Escort's low price, decent reliability and above-average crash test scores have consistently offered recent college grads and young families an attractive set of American wheels.

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 size tires does a 1998 Ford Escort ZX2 have?

Shop Tires for 1998 Ford Escort ZX2 Hot Coupe | 185/65R14 | Goodyear Auto Service.

Why did Ford discontinue the Escort?

As the years went on, the Escort became less popular, less prized, and more dated to the point where the vehicle subtly faded out from the public eye, as opposed to going out with a bang and attracting attention. The Ford Focus was launched in 2000 while the Escort was still being produced.

1998 Ford Zx2 (escort) complaints

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Additional sources

More sources of information about 1998 Ford Zx2 (escort) problems:

Common problems with zx2?? | FEOA Forums
Common problems with zx2?? | FEOA Forums
https://www.feoa.net/threads/common-problems-with-zx2.74442/

Jun 13, 2011 ... the most common issues are: bad pcv elbows. ... worn shifter bushings. thats about it. just look for the normal used car stuff. a 2002 is a good ...

1998 Ford Escort Problems and Complaints - 4 Issues
1998 Ford Escort Problems and Complaints - 4 Issues
https://repairpal.com/1998-ford-escort/problems

Top 1998 Ford Escort Problems · The Constant Control Relay Module May Fail. 212 people have reported this · Valve Seats on Cylinder Head May Fall Out and Cause ...

A Few Issues with my 1998 Ford Escort SE | FEOA Forums
A Few Issues with my 1998 Ford Escort SE | FEOA Forums
https://www.feoa.net/threads/a-few-issues-with-my-1998-ford-escort-se.78568/

May 5, 2012 ... 1998 Ford Escort SE Sedan (not ZX2) Automatic Transmission 73K miles. Routine oil and coolant flushes. I have stuck with 85 octane since I got ...

2000 Ford Escort ZX2: Troubleshooting Common Problems ...
2000 Ford Escort ZX2: Troubleshooting Common Problems ...
https://www.justanswer.com/ford/1t455-2000-ford-escort-zx2-long-cranking-issue-but-starts-easily.html

Feb 11, 2009 ... 2000 Ford Escort ZX2. cranking issue (but starts easily and without hesitation). Had it for the past 4 years from 21k to - Answered by a ...

Ford Escort Questions - 1998 Ford Escort 2.0 engine problem ...
Ford Escort Questions - 1998 Ford Escort 2.0 engine problem ...
https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/Discussion-c200_ds541628

Mar 9, 2013 ... 1998 Ford Escort 2.0 engine problem - I have a 1998 Ford Escort 2.0 engine it runs fine when its cold, but when it warms up it dies at idle.

Other years of Ford Zx2 (escort)

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Zx2 (escort) 1999
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