One problem related to ignition coils failure has been reported for the 1998 Ford Escort. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Car will loose power about 1 to 2 miles after slowing down from high speeds (55-75 mph) to pass through an automated epass system (35mph). There is no bucking or surging, simply a loss of power. You can put the accelator to the floor to no avail. Once down below 10 mph the car will stall out. After waiting 1/2 hour the car can be restarted. The first time this occured the car was towed to sun state Ford. The fuel pump was replaced to no avail. The second time the car was allowed to sit and then driven to car max (place of purchase) where the ignition coil and wires where replaced. The 3rd occurence was today. The car will be taken back to car max. All of these occurences have taken place over the last 2 weeks.