Ford just recalled more then 400,000 Escorts and Tracer from 1997 model year, due to faulty air bag sensors that might deploy the airbag. The only reason I brought this up, is because my airbag light have been coming on and off, and I have a 1997 Protege, which I believe shares some parts with Ford vehicles, such as Escort. Here is the link to the article on MSNBC.com

 

Wow 400,000 is a LARGE recall (isn't it?). I wonder why i never heard of it on the news.

Btw... the 97 Escort doesn;t have a Mazda engine, does it?

 

Nope. The 2.0 used in the '97 and up Escort/Tracer is basically the latest version of Ford's CVH engine. The CVH is, in my opinion, an outdated design that really never had much potential (However, it always made decent torque). The general design dates back to the late 70's/early 80's.

 

The recall is for an airbag sensor that's effected due to moisture from the Heat/A/C area corroding it on the Escort / Tracer.
Usually, safety systems, such as airbags and seat belts are supplied by a Japanese manufacturer (Takata) on cars built in Japan, and US built cars (such as the Ford) are supplied by completely different US manufacturers (TRW, Autoliv, Breed, Delphi...) manufacturers.
Even though the cars are similar, in most respects, they are actually quite different in the details.
I'm sure if the recall effects the Protege it would have been included.