One problem related to engine noise has been reported for the 1996 Ford Escort. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
# 4 piston disentigrated ruining engine block. Stoped for red light and car acted as if it was going to stall. Drove to bank parking lot 1 block away and turned car of. Tried to restart car and made engine noise. Turned car off called western slope Ford to speak with service department to see if I could get it towed into garage. No return call from them. Had another shop tow and inspect.