Three problems related to door latch have been reported for the 1997 Ford Escort. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Front door lock posts too short, can only be opened with handles and handles stick.
The "wasp" design of the rear door locks make the locks extremely vulnerable to breakage. Exact replacements are very hard to find. When locl plunger is broken off, the passengers in the back seat are trapped in the cat until someone in front releases the electric doorlocks. I do not know if it is at all possible to get back door open with manual door locks.
If there is a movement of the vehicle, forward, if a person is on a grade forward and if a strong wind is coming from the rear forward, the front door will swing open and will hit anything without anyone being able to control it. One must use both hands to securely lock the door. Scc.
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