Six problems related to ignition have been reported for the 1997 Ford Escort. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
The keys became stuck in the ignition while in use. The mechanic was unable to get the keys out of the ignition, which have been stuck in the ignition for the past 2 months.
Key would not come out of the ignition. Consumer took vehicle to dealer and they replaced the intergrated control module.
While driving consumer smelled smoke, stopped car , popped hood and saw fire near spark plugs, consumer indicated that fire went out by itself, consumer felt it may have been an electrical problem, and that vehicle was not safe.
Failure on the engine, consumer was driving at high speed and the vehicle cut off without any warning.
While driving on highway without warning vehicle will completely shut down, cause unknown. The dealer had replaced the transmission twice.
When driving at approximately various speeds engine will stall out ,loses power. Put in neutral and give it gas so it can react correctly. Dealer has had vehicle five times. Replaced spark plugs and wires, ignition coil. Defect is stii reocurring.