general problems of the 1997 Ford Escort

Valve seat no. 4 fell out of head and was destroyed, damaging no. 4 and no. 3 piston, and the head itself. We were fortunate that the total failure occurred while parked rather than on the interstate, at which time power steering and power brakes would have failed. This is a well known mode of failure for this engine but, apparently, Ford and NHTSA took no steps to solve the problem. The engine was discontinued in 2005.

Engine light continually comes on , even after numerous times of taking it to the auto shop to be hooked to the computer to see what is wrong and after having it fixed over and over again.

I have a 1997 Ford Escort that is at drbn total automotive, 23420 van born rd. ,dbn hts, mi 48125 for a preventative maintenance issue. Rear main seal leak (very minor at this point, a little spot on trans) was found by belle tire (drbn, mi). Drbn total replaced front pump seal & rear main seal for $486. 85 on 6/5/04. I returned 6/14/04 (still leaking, but now on the ground). They kept for 9 days, changed the seal & put a cover on the crank. When I picked up, I got 5 minutes away & the transmission fluid was pouring out of my car & smoking. I had car towed in 6/24/04 & it is still there. They are now putting a seal saver on the main seal. The manager of the store advised me that they did not know what else to do & they talked to the dealer of the car. The dealer claims they have never had this problem with an Escort before. Drbn total says they will give me my money back if they can't fix it. I disagree with that because I came in there with money & a car that was running with a problem that should have been taken care of without keeping my car for 3 going on 4 weeks (off and on) & destroying my transmission. I am handicapped & work & I was recommended this store by a usma automotive member & I pride myself in keeping up my maintenance on my car. Now I'm stuck, please help!.

While driving 35 mph engine valve guide dropped. As a result, engine was destroyed.