One problem related to engine cooling system has been reported for the 1998 Ford Escort. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
At 123,00mi I noticed water leaking form behind water pump took it to Ford dealer and they had to replace the water pump housing part #f8rz-8501-en it had eroded from the inside out resulting in a pinhole leak I also had the water pump, timing belt replased just in caseat a cost of 625 dollars. 13 months and 33,000mi later same problem with water pump housing eroding for inside out of corse it was out of warranty and the timing belt was failing do to a seized idler cost to repair 700 dollars. The idler you can chalk up to bad luck the housing on the other hand is ridiculous it has no moving parts other than antifreeze running through it and the mechanics have no idea what is causing this. I don't care to spend this kind of money every year for some bad casting on Fords part 1 year or 12,00 mi should not apply to apart that should last a whole lot longer.