Four problems related to steering wheel have been reported for the 1998 Ford Escort. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
While driving hit the horn and it stuck. Had to unplug fuse to cut horn off. Dealer contacted. Targo switch inside steering wheel pad broke.
Steering column coupling malfunctioned, causing loss of control.
While driving vehicle at various speeds or turning, the steering wheel would lock up without any warning. Would have no control of vehicle. When steering wheel locks up, vehicle would go into a slide. Can turn vehicle off & restart it & steering wheel would work just fine. Has taken to dealer & was informed that the rack & pinion needed to be replaced. Called the manufacturer & nothing was done. Claims imagination. This has happened at least 4 different times so far. A very dangerous situation.
Steering column locked causing a vehicle collision.