Two problems related to vehicle shudder have been reported for the 1998 Ford Escort. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Vehicle has been in for service 5 times for transmission, still lurches in first, has heavy sideways vibration until vehicle hits highway speeds. Have been charged for repair while under warranty from first repair, Ford motor company did not provide assistance. Dt.
Vehicle had transmission repaired in August of 2001. Soon thereafter, it started to have difficulties with shifts. Now, the vehicle grinds going into 5th gear / refuse to go into 5th and will actually force itself out of 5th gear while at highway speeds, which is obviously unsafe trying to merge onto / drive on DC highways. Took it to a dealer on may 30th, who said they could not recreate the problem. Took vehicle to same dealer on July 5th, rode with shop manager who recreated the problem but was told it would be at least 2 weeks for repair. Took vehicle to another dealer, who had it all week, repaired some component, but problem resurfaced on trip home from dealership. Contacted dealer, who suggested that I could drive a vehicle in this condition on the highway for the next two weeks, then bring it in. I am teaching in another state for the next two weeks, so I am in an urgent need of a functional vehicle.