Air bag non-deployment
Sell your 1998 Ford Escort for cash
The 1998 Ford Escort is a wagon that came with a 2.0L 4-cyl engine. At 28 years old, many are reaching the point where repairs cost more than the car is worth. Running or not, we'll make you an offer and tow it away for free.
- Free offer for your 1998 Escort in about 30 seconds
- Free towing, running or not
- Paid at pickup
FordESCORT1998
1998 Ford Escort at a glance
| Body style | Subcompact Cars, Compact Cars, Small Station Wagons |
|---|---|
| Engines | 2.0L 4-cyl |
| Transmissions | Automatic 4-spd, Manual 5-spd |
| Drive | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel | Regular Gasoline |
| Fuel economy | 22–24 city / 30–34 highway / 25–28 combined MPG |
| EPA annual fuel cost | $2,400–$2,700 a year (EPA estimate at current fuel prices, 15,000 miles) |
| Tailpipe CO₂ | 317–355 grams per mile |
| Versions tested by EPA | 6 configurations: Escort ZX2, Escort, Escort Wagon |
| Age | 28 years |
Specs, fuel cost and emissions from the EPA's fueleconomy.gov data. Your car's exact equipment may differ.
What affects its junk value
- Age: at 28 years old, most of a 1998 Escort's value comes from reusable parts and scrap metal, not resale.
- Weight: as a wagon, it weighs less than a truck or SUV, so its value leans more on parts than on scrap weight. See how scrap prices by weight work.
- Catalytic converter: like all gas and diesel cars, it has a catalytic converter containing precious metals, one of the most valuable parts on a junk car. An offer assumes it's still in place. More on catalytic converters.
- Known problems: owners reported the most issues with the air bags, typically around 90,000 miles. If that's what failed on yours, it can still be sold as-is.
1998 Ford Escort recalls
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 1998 Ford Escort. You can confirm with your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Common 1998 Escort problems
Owners have filed 375 complaints about the 1998 Ford Escort with NHTSA. 84 reports involved a crash and 11 reports involved a fire. Owners reported 78 injuries.
Complaints are reports from owners and aren't verified by NHTSA. One complaint can list several components. Mileage is the median odometer reading owners reported for that component.
Most-reported components
Typical mileage when problems were reported
- Air Bags90,000 mi
- Engine and Engine Cooling40,000 mi
- Power Train92,000 mi
- Electrical System32,000 mi
1998 Ford Escort service bulletins
Manufacturers have filed 125 technical service bulletins and communications with NHTSA covering the 1998 Ford Escort. These are repair instructions for known issues, not recalls.
Most common bulletin topics
Recent bulletins
General (PCM) power train control module programming procedures. *tt
Trw vehicle safety systems, inc. Is recalling certain service replacement seatbelt retractors (driver's side front retractor in gray) manufactured in december 2002 and so
Rough idle, low power and / or stall at idle, a malfunction indicator lamp illuminated and diagnostic trouble codes p0300 through p0304 stored in memory. *tt
Remote keyless entry (rke) - service tips. *tt
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications (technical service bulletins).
NHTSA defect investigations
NHTSA opened 1 defect investigation covering the 1998 Ford Escort.
Selling a 1998 Escort: questions
How much is a 1998 Ford Escort worth for junk?
It depends on its condition, whether major parts like the engine, transmission and catalytic converter are still there, and current scrap and parts prices where you live. Its parts make up much of its value. Enter your ZIP code above for a free offer on your specific car.
Can I junk a 1998 Escort that doesn't run?
Yes. We buy 1998 Escorts that don't start, were in an accident, failed inspection or have a blown engine or transmission. Towing is always free.
What paperwork do I need to sell my 1998 Escort?
Usually the title and a photo ID. Rules differ by state, including what to do with your plates and whether to file a notice of sale. Check our state-by-state car title guides for the official forms.
Before you sell
Sources
- EPA fuel economy data (specs and MPG)fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA recallsnhtsa.gov
- NHTSA complaints, service bulletins and investigationsnhtsa.gov
Data retrieved October 2026.
Get cash for your 1998 Escort today
Get a free offer in minutes. Towing is always free and you get paid at pickup.