One problem related to speed control linkage has been reported for the 1998 Ford Escort. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Entered expressway and throttle linkage stuck open. Got vehicle slowed from upwards to 75 mph by smashing brakes and slowed enough to exit. Was not able to slow down to a stop so turned right on exited street and once straightened out, while still moving at approx. 30mph, shifted in neutral, letting the motor race uncontrollably while vehicle was brought to a stop. At that time lever was put into park and motor turned off. Driver shaken up and vehicle motor may be compromised due to stuck accelerator over-revving. Looked for a recall for model type for stuck throttle linkage-none for Escort but there is one for Ford like model, the contour, recall # 99v194000. Escort was built in 3/1998 which falls under time of recall for other Ford product.