One problem related to transmission fluid leaking has been reported for the 1998 Ford Escort. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
When you try to use the washer fluid it leaks on the hood of the car causing the hood to become discolored from the windsheild washer fluid. Also whenever you are at a stop the car starts to shake, they Ford say that it is from the engine mounts and that it is not hazardous so they will not do anything about. Last their is problems with the transmision, whenever you are moving slow or in a stop position and start to move the car jerks really bad. It makes you feel like someone ran into you or that you ran something over. I have reported this to the company, but they can't do nothing about. I have heard other people with the ecaxt same car have the exact same problems.