Bulletins
| Bulletin | Bulletin date | Replacement Bulletin | Item no. | Summary | Added |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SERVICE BRAKES, AIR - DISC - ROTOR | |||||
| 9845 | 03/02/1998 | 601264 | Availability of hub-mount brake rotor machining equipment. *yc | 07/15/1998 | |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - ANTILOCK | |||||
| 12216 | 12/01/1998 | 615477 | This bulletin mentions that for all vehicles with antilock brake module concerns that require a module replacement, the technician must call for approval before removing and / or replacing the module. *tt | 01/17/2001 | |
| BC1023197230 | 01/23/1997 | 51597 | Abs warning light and no diagnostic codes should be inspected for a poor electrical ground at g-302. *jd | 06/27/1997 | |
| BC3352972301 | 01/23/1997 | 51445 | Vehicles which exhibit an abs warning light and no diagnostic codes should be inspected for a poor electrical ground at g-302. *jd | 06/27/1997 | |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS | |||||
| 0069 | 03/20/2000 | 612922 | Some vehicles may exhibit a grinding noise while braking, brake drag and/or uneven front brake pad wear may occur. *mjs | 06/13/2000 | |
| 7369 | 11/01/1999 | 610796 | Some vehicles may exhibit grinding noise, or greater than normal brake roughness, when applying the brakes immediately after installing motorcraft front brake pad part number br-18 (xu2z-2v001-ra). *t | 05/15/2000 | |
| 13421 | 10/01/1999 | 609692 | Some vehicles may exhibit grinding noises, or greater than normal brake roughness when applying the brakes immediately after installing motorcraft br-18 front brake pad. *tt | 04/06/2000 | |
| 99194 | 09/20/1999 | 6090082 | Information for servicing and diagnosing brake vibration, brake inspection, and brake friction material replacement. *tt | 03/06/2000 | |
| 99810 | 05/03/1999 | 606411 | Exhibiting a clicking noise heard while applying the brakes after changing vehicle direction on some vehicles. *tt | 08/19/1999 | |
| 985A11 | 03/18/1998 | 601009 | Service tip information regarding elimination of sanding rotors and drums. *yc | 06/17/1998 | |
| 96222 | 10/21/1996 | 50941 | Brakes - elimination of sanding rotors and drums - service tip. *tw | 06/17/1997 | |
| BC0770961015 | 10/15/1996 | 50403 | Diagnosing vehicles which exhibit the symptom of brake drag. *tt | 04/24/1997 | |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DISC - CALIPER | |||||
| 5264 | 12/01/1998 | 615385 | Information concerning click noise from front calipers during brake application. *tt | 01/16/2001 | |
| 13214 | 09/01/1999 | 6090586 | Information regarding brake caliper pin corrosion. *mjs | 03/21/2000 | |
| 7076 | 09/01/1999 | 6090426 | Information regarding brake caliper pin corrosion. *mjs | 03/20/2000 | |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DISC - ROTOR | |||||
| 9814 | 01/19/1998 | 605562 | Subject regarding the availability of hub-mount brake rotor machining equipment. *tt | 07/09/1999 | |
| 985A5 | 03/18/1998 | 601003 | Hub-mount brake rotor machining equipment from rotunda is now approved for warranty and service use. *yc | 06/17/1998 | |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - SWITCHES - BRAKE LIGHT | |||||
| 02176 | 09/02/2002 | 10008580 | Lamp-brake-invadvertent disabling of brake shift interlock. *mj | 08/05/2004 | |
Consumer Complaints
| Fail date | miles | occurences | Purchase date |
|---|---|---|---|
| SERVICE BRAKES, AIR - DISC - PADS | |||
| 2 | 07/17/1997 | ||
| Two broken rear spring and a right side outer tie rod end, in addition to front brake pads, possible springs were of poor quality | |||
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC | |||
| 01/01/1901 | 1 | ||
| 1997 ford escort had rear springs problems. **cc both rear springs on the vehicle broke. the breaks were identical, the lower coils. the consumer contacted the manufacturer and indicated that they showed lack of interest. *nm | |||
| 100000 | 4 | ||
| Consumer complained about transmission axle slippage and defective brake problems. vehicle vibrated when accelerating. consumer had the vehicle inspected by a private mechanic. *ak | |||
| 03/18/2003 | 1 | 09/21/2001 | |
| Consumer requesting restitution for a house fire that was caused by a vehicle fire.*mr *ts. prior to the fire the vehicle also experienced a problem with the alternator and the brakes squeaking. *jb | |||
| 1 | |||
| When the brake was applied, there was a loud noise.*jb | |||
| 11/12/2001 | |||
| Usually after getting the brakes serviced brakes will make a real lousd noise whne coming to a complete stop. please provide more information.*ak | |||
| 05/01/1996 | |||
| Brakes. | |||
| 12/19/1996 | 1 | 04/01/1997 | |
| Steering wheel locked up,brakes failed to operate properly resulting in an accident, no deployment of air bags during collision. | |||
| 3 | |||
| Vehicle makes squeaking noise during travel, squeak stops while braking. brakes pulse while being depressed. | |||
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - ANTILOCK | |||
| When brake pedal is applied it has to be pumped several times before brakes respond. also, there is a grinding sound when brakes are applied. it causes extended stopping distance. dealer has been contacted. *ak | |||
| 04/08/1999 | 07/19/1996 | ||
| While pulling out from a light consumer applied brakes and they went straight to the floorboard, causing the consumer to rear end vehicle in front. consumer had just had the rotors turned and front brakes replaced. *ak | |||
| 06/27/1998 | 06/06/1998 | ||
| Vehicle makes a knocking noise when braking and turning a corner. dealer contacted and ran oasis, found no repair for the vehicle and cannot duplicate the problem. *ak | |||
| 06/29/1998 | |||
| Abs brakes; when applying brakes in a sudden stop, the pedal went to the floor and brakes failed to stop the vehicle, causing an accident. please provide details. *ak | |||
| 06/24/1997 | 4 | ||
| Have foot on brakes & would shift gear; hear loud noise, like a metallic sound; would shift into drive & makes the same noise; took to dealer & can not locate cause of problem. *ak | |||
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - ANTILOCK - ABS WARNING LIGHT | |||
| 09/06/2003 | 2 | 09/12/1996 | |
| I purchased a new 1997 ford escort in september 1996. after driving the car for about a week the anti-lock brake light came on and the car was losing brake fluid. this happened a couple of times. i took the car back to the dealer and was advised that the brake fitting was missing some threads. dealer fixed problem. this past january i got a letter from ford about the recall for the air bag monitor/sensor problem and had to take it to the local dealer to have that problem corrected. now the car has a slow coolant leak. i took it to a repair shop and was advised that the head gasket is leaking. the car only has about 62,850 miles on it and has been very well maintained. it will cost approximately $800.00 - $1000.00 to replace the head gasket. i feel this head gasket failure is premature and ford should pay for it. this was the first ford vehicle i ever purchased and it will probably be the last. i want to know why they cannot put a $14,000 car together correctly and assure its quality to last. i looked at some of the service bulletins and previous complaints on the nhtsa web site regarding the 1997 ford escort and they are distressing to say the least. my next vehicle will be a gm product.*ak | |||
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS | |||
| 04/30/2008 | 115000 | 1 | 01/29/2008 |
| Tl*the contact owns a 1997 ford escort. when making a right turn at various speeds, the contact heard a clunking sound coming from the front end ball joints. the dealer stated that the brake pads, rotors, drums, and front wheel bearing on the passenger side needed to be replaced. the contact stated that the odometer and speedometer have both been replaced three times, but she does not trust that the speedometer is currently working properly. the failure mileage was 115,000. updated 06-03/08. *lj the tie rod end, rear spring, windshield, upper ball joint, odometer knob, real passenger seal were all replaced. updated 05/30/08 | |||
| 07/16/2002 | |||
| While appying brakes vehicle will not stop. a braking light appeared on panel. dealership is aware of problem.*ak | |||
| While driving 20mph there was a popping sound. driver applied brakes and pedal went to the floor, and vehicle would not stop. vehicle hit another vehicle. brake system has been repaired. *ak | |||
| 1 | 12/31/1998 | ||
| Brake system experiences continued extended stopping distances. mjs | |||
| Intermittently when the brakes are applied vehicle makes a popping noise. the dealer has replaced various parts of the brake system. the manufacturer has been notified. *ak | |||
| When applying the brakes a popping/grinding sound occurs, an vehicle takes a longer time to stop. owner's daughter was in vehicle crash due to loss of braking ability. *ak` | |||
| 10/15/1998 | 09/01/1998 | ||
| The car that i had purchased has not lived up to it's expectations since i purchased it. since i have had the car, i purchased it in sept. of 1998, the brakes have completely gone out, the emergency light comes on constantly even thought the emergency brake is not on. when purchasing the car, i had explained to the car dealer the i, being of only 19 yrs of age and this being my first big purchase i could not afford to buy a car then end up having to put tons of money into it. i am very upset at the fact that i have had the car for only a short while, the warranty has passed (how conveinient) and i refuse to be held responsible for a faulty sensor. | |||
| 5 | |||
| At any speeds brakes will continuously fail, causing a longer stopping distance which could result in an accident. | |||
| 12/19/1997 | 2 | 04/01/1997 | |
| Owner's son was driving the car and the steering wheel and column locked up, forcing him to go off the road. also brakes failed to operate properly. *ak | |||
| Brakes failed and vehicle rear ended another vehicle at 25mph, and airbags on both sides did not deploy. *ak | |||
| 1 | 06/12/1997 | ||
| Brakes failed, causing the front wheels to lock. | |||
| 04/01/1997 | |||
| When applying force to the brake pedal goes to the floorboard, causing extended stopping distance and brakes fade away. consumer has contacted the dealer, dealer adjusted the rear brakes. *ak | |||
| 10/23/1996 | 1 | 08/01/1996 | |
| Brakes failed, causing accident. | |||
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DISC | |||
| 06/16/1999 | |||
| Brake pads were wearing out quicker then normally. there were also clips that have broken because consumer has had rotors changed, and pads changed soon after vehicle was bought. has contacted dealer, and dealer was not willing to do anything.*ak | |||
| 06/01/1999 | |||
| Consumer had to replace shoes and rotors 4 -5 times. dealer said it was due to disc brake calipers causing rotors to warp. please add additional information. *ak | |||
| 06/01/1998 | 07/16/1997 | ||
| Vehicle had to have the rotors/pads replaced. when the brakes are applied they make squeaking noise. the dealer has been notified. *ak | |||
| 1 | 06/12/1997 | ||
| Brakes are not working properly, extended stopping distance. | |||
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DISC - PADS | |||
| 1 | 06/01/1997 | ||
| Brake shoe pin failed. mjs | |||
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DISC - ROTOR | |||
| 04/08/1999 | 07/19/1996 | ||
| While pulling out from a light consumer applied brakes and they went straight to the floorboard, causing the consumer to rear end vehicle in front. consumer had just had the rotors turned and front brakes replaced. *ak | |||
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DRUM | |||
| 08/18/1997 | 16 | 04/01/1997 | |
| Within 4 mths had problem w/ transmission, took 4 mins for dealer to say theres nothing wrong, when i got my new tires for pepboys i had to fix my brakes, transmission,suspension, even got speed tickets for no reason,i keep my car in very good condition and i still have my engine light on and i have about 70% of the same problems others have in the nhtsacmplt section. i think the escort should be recalled for so many unsafe problems.( dot number: uj956klp12 tire size: p19570r14 ) | |||
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - MASTER CYLINDER | |||
| 04/24/2002 | 2 | 06/01/2097 | |
| Ford brake engineers designed to brake effort proportioning the master cylinder to allocate 85-90% of the braking to the front wheels and only 10 to 15%to the rear wheels. this proportion is incorrect and results in the inability to stop the car under emergency braking situations. it is not possibly to lockup the rear wheels even with the brake pedal to the floor. when the front wheel break traction on slipery surfaces the car looses its ability to stop in a reasonable length. this miss allocation of braking effort resulted in a near rear end accident in 1997 and resulted recently in totalling the vehicle this april. this braking system should have been recalled years ago to correct the embalance of the braking action. i tried to bring this design problem to the attention of ford motor company in 1995 but it fell on deaf ears. this is a real dangerous safety problem that should have been addressed.*ak | |||
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - PEDALS AND LINKAGES | |||
| 1 | 07/26/1997 | ||
| Brake pedal depresses further down than accelerator pedal which causes one foot to hit both pedals. *ak | |||
| 3 | 06/01/1998 | ||
| While applying the brakes the owners foot hit the accelerator pedal and ran into a tree. owner says the gas and brake pedals are too close together. *ak *yh | |||
| 1 | |||
| Consumer's foot contacts the bar on the brake pedal before contacting pedal itself. | |||
| 02/02/1998 | 5 | ||
| Brake pedal and gas pedal too close together. | |||
| 1 | 06/12/1997 | ||
| Brake pedal linkage was excessive and out of adjustment, allowing unnecessary brake pedal travel. | |||
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - POWER ASSIST | |||
| Owner states that brakes do not grab and that once vehicle was involved in an accident as a result of this. brake pedal goes to the floor . no abs brakes, they are standard power brakes. dealer cannot find problem. *ak | |||
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - SWITCHES - BRAKE WARNING | |||
| 07/16/2002 | |||
| While appying brakes vehicle will not stop. a braking light appeared on panel. dealership is aware of problem.*ak | |||