Two problems related to ignition switch have been reported for the 1998 Ford Escort. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
After turning vehicle off key got stuck in ignition. No matter what consumer did , key would not come out. Contacted dealer.
Vehicle started, engine rattled upon acceleration at all speeds at 2300 miles. After numerous failed repair attempts by dealer,I sent complaint to Fords dsb board. Working throgh arbitration vehicle looked at by engineer. They replaced pcm. Problem got worse,along with new problems,lack of power,hard start,transmission hesitaing. Then they replaced fuel pump,didnt help, then ignition switch, didnt help,then mass air flow sensor and air filter, didnt help. Finally vehicle started stalling while driving, during acc. Towed back to shop, Ford had it six weeks this time replaced pcm two more times. I have vehicle back,still problem with transmission hesitating. Vehicle in shop eight times for same or related problems and totalling almost three months in shop. Still in arbitration, consdering closing case and taking to dsb. Personally.