One problem related to driveshaft has been reported for the 1997 Ford Escort. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
While driving under normal conditions, the crank shaft pulley slipped off the shaft and lodged against the inside of the engine compartment. Vehicle could not be driven and had to be towed in for repair. Neither Ford nor fidelity warranty service, inc. (extended warranty purchased at the time the vehicle was purchased from the dealer, would cover the repair.