Bulletins
| Bulletin | Bulletin date | Replacement Bulletin | Item no. | Summary | Added |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SUSPENSION - FRONT | |||||
| 982037 | 02/01/1998 | 607361 | Initial printing of 1997 service manual contained incorrect alignment specifications.gn | 12/21/2000 | |
| SUSPENSION - REAR | |||||
| 14993 | 06/01/2001 | 622804 | Some vehicles produced through july 1999 may exhibit rear suspension spring failure with no resulting operational concern. *tt | 10/23/2001 | |
Consumer Complaints
| Fail date | miles | occurences | Purchase date |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUSPENSION | |||
| 04/15/2008 | 43000 | 1 | |
| Noise that could not be located in rear. rear springs were broke . *tr | |||
| 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 | |||
| 09/16/2004 | 32000 | 1 | 03/10/1997 |
| While driving , the steering wheel felt loose and made a loud noise. the dealer replaced the tie rod at owner's expense. *jb consumer feels that she should be reimbursed for the cost of repairs. the vehicle's rear coil springs broke at 16219 miles. the front coil spring broke at 16279 miles and was replaced under warranty. catalytic converter failed causing noise. *bf *nm | |||
| 07/15/2003 | 76498 | ||
| Both back rear coil springs are broken. my car has never towed anything, and there was never any excessive weight in the back seat. why would these break? this has way to little mileage to have this problem. ford is recalling taurus and voyagers....what about escort. please contact me at 1-519-741-9664 (night) or 1-519-747-7000 ext 37619 (daytime). i would hope that ford would fix this problem and start recalling the ford escorts. thanks denise noble | |||
| 03/02/1998 | |||
| Engine check light is coming and staying on. vehicle is vibrating upon acceleration. contacted dealer after numerous repairs, not able to find the problem. *ak | |||
| 04/04/1998 | |||
| Whenever turning steering wheel it would make loud/squeaking noises. its sounded like the fan belt was coming off. took to dealer & informed by mechanic it was only a buzzing noise, but the noise was getting worse. *ak | |||
| SUSPENSION - FRONT | |||
| 05/11/1999 | |||
| Consumer hears a noise in the front end of the vehicle , so she took it into the dealer. the dealer inspected the vehicle and determined that the problem is not safety related and will not repair the vehicle. the manufacturer will be notified. *ak | |||
| 09/21/1998 | |||
| When vehicle reaches speeds of 35 mph and over the steering wheel shakes and the front end vibrates. the dealer has repaired the vehicle prior to this incident. *ak | |||
| 06/10/1998 | |||
| When attempting to make a right or a left hand turn consumer noticed a loud sound coming from the front end of the vehicle. consumer has contacted the dealer, dealer aware of problem. manufacturer has no corrective action. please provide any further details. *ak | |||
| While driving at 70 mph vehicle went over a patch of ice, causing owner to lose control of vehicle. vehicle then rolled over 3-4 times, and the middle rear lap belt did not hold child seat in place. *ak | |||
| SUSPENSION - FRONT - CONTROL ARM - LOWER ARM | |||
| 100000 | 1 | ||
| The vehicle experienced a problem with the lower control arm. the vehicle was purchased used, as is. however, the owner was told that if there were any safety features that were effected, the dealership would repair. the dealership refused to pay for towing the vehicle back to their lot. provide further details. *jb | |||
| SUSPENSION - FRONT - MACPHERSON STRUT | |||
| 04/01/2001 | 1 | ||
| During normal operation of vehicle a metal to metal grinding/rubbing noise was being emitted from vehicle, unknown location. . then, vehicle would not maintain control when going over bumps, and in general seemed bouncy. a private mechanic informed consumer that rear bolt springs were busted, and that gas struts were busted/ leaking fluid. *ak rear struts and springs broke and leaking. *yh | |||
| SUSPENSION - FRONT - SPRINGS - COIL SPRINGS | |||
| 01/07/2002 | 5 | 03/01/1997 | |
| Went in for repair to bad spot on tire. mechanic found that all 4 gas struts and both sets of coil springs were broken, and had to be replaced, along with a tie rod, and all 4 tires. i had not struck anything at all to cause this, and all of these defective parts would cause a major accident if they failed at highway speed. $ 1136.48 in repairs after only 30k miles is completely unconscionable!! | |||
| 10/27/2001 | |||
| Vehicle was in for tire rotation, mechanic noticed both front coil springs were cracked. as mechanic removed one of the wheels coil spring broke/ flew across the area, and broke shop window. both front coil springs were replaced.*ak | |||
| 1 | 06/28/1996 | ||
| Consumer went to have vehicle serviced, and he noticed that left and right side coil springs broke. the dealer was aware of the problem.*ak consumer replaced the coil springs after receiving no response from ford, consumer was informed by mechanic that springs contained inferior steel, bad heat treating and bad design.*nlm | |||
| 05/15/2001 | |||
| While traveling in the country vehicle was difficult to control. consumer took vehicle in for examination by dealership and was informed that two rear coil springs had broken, and needed to be replaced. please provide any additional information/attachments. *ak | |||
| 04/01/2001 | 1 | ||
| During normal operation of vehicle a metal to metal grinding/rubbing noise was being emitted from vehicle, unknown location. . then, vehicle would not maintain control when going over bumps, and in general seemed bouncy. a private mechanic informed consumer that rear bolt springs were busted, and that gas struts were busted/ leaking fluid. *ak rear struts and springs broke and leaking. *yh | |||
| 12/01/1999 | 1 | ||
| Both rear coil springs were broken. according to auto repair shops openions, coil spring failure was a common occurrance with this type of vehicles. also, the broken pieces could damage tires. *yh | |||
| 05/01/2000 | 1 | ||
| Both rear coil springs broke at the same time which may have caused a loss of vehicle control. there is a national back order on the rear coil springs. the vehicle was not involved in a crash. *ak | |||
| SUSPENSION - FRONT - WHEEL BEARING | |||
| 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 | |||
| SUSPENSION - REAR | |||
| 04/15/2008 | 43000 | 1 | |
| Noise that could not be located in rear. rear springs were broke . *tr | |||
| 09/11/2008 | 100000 | 1 | |
| I took my escort in for an inspection and the rear coil springs are broken again the first time they broke the dealer replaced them and said he thought a recall would be issued because ford new there was a problem with them now once again they are broken and there is still no recall if someone knew there was a problem with them why aren't they correcting the problem and do we the consumers have to keep shelling out our hard earned money for repairs. this car is a 1997 ford escort and rear springs were replaced twice just not fair. *tr | |||
| 07/10/2008 | 1 | ||
| 1997ford escort wagon. having had this car for eight years, where i needed to replace the rears spring once, i am now in the process of scheduling to replace the rear springs a second time to the amount of $700.00. after some research i have found from mechanics and from the internet that this is a 'common problem with ford. since this has happen a second time, for me i feel i should get some financial support from ford for this obvious defect in the suspension. this suspension problem should be a recall from ford. *tr | |||
| 08/01/2005 | 1 | 05/25/1996 | |
| 1997 ford escort failed inspection due to a leak in the right rear spring coils.*mr *jb | |||
| 07/24/2000 | 1 | 06/01/1997 | |
| Manufacturer contacted - owner told warranty not covered manufacutrer's defects. no safety defect listed in summary. *ak | |||
| 07/10/2000 | 1 | 05/01/1999 | |
| Auto repair center tells me this is very common! no safety defect listed in the summary. *ak | |||
| SUSPENSION - REAR - SPRINGS | |||
| 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 | |||
| 05/30/2005 | 96755 | 2 | 05/07/1998 |
| Vehicle being serviced and technician noticed that both rear springs were broken in the same location. no indication from drive of vehicle that there was a problem but was told by technician that spring could come into contact with tire thus causing a blow-out. | |||
| 05/22/2005 | 66000 | 1 | 07/01/1997 |
| Dt: a problem with springs. a broken rear spring; they fixed it, and installed new springs. consumer later found out from other people that they were having the same problem. received a recall on the front springs; but he was having a rear spring problem.*ak | |||
| 01/24/2005 | 111000 | 1 | 12/23/2004 |
| While getting an oil change, the mechanic informed the consumer that both rear springs broke. the dealer was not notified.*ak this is the consumer's third ford escort with broke rear springs (1991, 1993 and 1997). *nm | |||
| 12/03/2004 | 2 | ||
| Rear suspension spring failure. *ak | |||
| 09/01/2004 | 1 | ||
| Replacement of rear springs on 1997 ford escort.*mr the consumer wanted an explanation as to why her 2000 ford taurus was recalled but not her 1997 for escort. *jb | |||
| 11/15/2003 | 121100 | 1 | |
| 1997 ford escort had both rear springs broken at the same place. had them replaced by mechanic who told me they should have never broken. i want ford to be accountable for this and reimburse me for the repair. if 1 spring was broken then i could see it being possible, but both at the same place???? they were manufactured poorly. *ak | |||
| 06/13/2003 | 40000 | 1 | |
| It was found during an inspection that the rear suspension springs were broken. *ak *ph *jb | |||
| 04/15/2003 | 60000 | 3 | 09/10/1997 |
| Rear coil springs are cracked - both sides. vehicle only 5 years old. used in primarily in city, running errands - for retired couple. also: left outer tie rod end is worn out and has to be replaced. this causes a vibration at highway speeds and also rattles when going over small bumps (<1) at low speeds (<10 mph). *jb | |||
| 06/16/2003 | 0 | 05/17/2000 | |
| The rear suspension in my car is all out of whack. i have been told that i need to replace the rear springs. my mechanic says that he has seen a lot of problems like with rear suspension in these cars. i drive an escort wagon. i don't go off roading so i don't understand why the rear springs are broken. seems like this could be an issue of a faulty part or suspension system. when i have people in the back seat of my car the handling is awful and i have to go really slow over any sort of bump because the car will bottom out! just thought others may be experiencing this problem. *nlm | |||
| 03/05/2003 | 1 | ||
| Brought my car in for the wiring recall and i told the dealer that there was spark knocking in the engine when it first starts and under hard acceleration. when i drive into my parents drive way my parents tell me that they know i am there because of the radio interference on the tv screen. i know a lot about electricity and i know that this is caused by noise and or shorts, bad connections what have you. i am very concerned about this because i know that the car has resistor plugs. we have also replaced the computer once and now this recall thing! we also had to replace the rear springs. when its really cold out and go to start the car the starter does not disengage and grinds on the fly wheel. it takes forever for it to warm up and it does not rarely ever warm up when its idling you have to drive it to get any heat. but overall its only left my wife stranded once. that's better than our last vehicle!! but now i wonder if this car is a ticking time bomb waiting to happen. ford may not be my next choice of vehicle in the future that is if it doesn't kill me first! *jb | |||
| 08/10/2001 | 0 | 09/30/1997 | |
| I took my car into my dealership for routine state inspection and was informed that both rear suspension coil springs were broken and would need to be replaced. i was very shocked since car has never been used to haul anything more than groceries. i was told by the mechanic this is a common problem and they check for it. i reported this to ford motors and was for the most part told sorry but not our problem. it appears from the various dealers and ford motors that this is a known problem that they plan to do nothing about unless forced to by people being killed or injured. if they cannot own up to poor workmanship, then i will be buying my vehicles elsewhere. | |||
| 01/13/2003 | 54636 | 1 | |
| Rear spring broke on a 1997 ford escort. this is the 5th escort our agency owns that has had broken rear springs. | |||
| 10/01/2002 | 71919 | 0 | 06/11/2000 |
| Premature failure of both rear springs, 1997 ford escort lx, vin 1falp13p3vw405898, resulting in replacement of spring assy's at customer cost for all parts, labor and associated parts. | |||
| 09/17/2002 | 1 | ||
| Consumer heard a clicking sound coming from rear of vehicle. dealer determined both rear coil springs were broken and had to be replaced. nlm | |||
| 12/01/2001 | 2 | 11/01/2096 | |
| Rear springs on the strut assembly were completely rusted through causing rough handling of vehicle especially when car had passangers in rear seat. both rear struts/springs were replaced at cost of $500. mechanic said he saw many o f the same broken springs on escort model. car only had 34,000 miles on it when spring rusted through making this either a design defect or part defect.*ak | |||
| 07/01/2001 | 1 | 03/01/2001 | |
| Rear coil spring found broken at state safety inspection. break occurred at bottom, inside the vinyl covering of spring. new springs were $165.*ak | |||
| Rear suspension coil spring broken. please provide any further information.*ak | |||
| 1 | |||
| Consumer states both rear coil springs were broken near the bottom of the springs, where the plastic covering begins, the breaks were difficult to find, however there was a noise coming from the rear end of the vehicle to lead consumer to the rear coil springs.*jb | |||
| 07/05/2001 | 1 | 11/01/1996 | |
| Having taken car into dealership for routine state inspection have been informed that the left rear coil spring is broken and would need to be replaced for inspection. very shocked since car has never been used to haul anything more than groceries and is driven very safely due to lack of horse power. called other dealerships to see if this problem is common with ford escort and to my surprise have been told that it is not uncommon. reported to ford motors at detroit and was told to get it fixed and keep receipts just incase there maybe a recall. it appears from the various dealers and ford motors that this is a known problem that they plan to do nothing about unless forced to by people being killed or injured. would appreciate my governments intervention on behalf of unfortunate ford consumers.*ak | |||
| 08/24/2000 | 1 | 12/04/1996 | |
| Both rear coil springs broke. *ak mechanic stated coil springs were broken in two, however invoice stated that springs were weak, consumer paid 20% of the costs. *slc | |||
| 07/24/2000 | 1 | ||
| The rear coil spring was rusted completely through causing unusual handling, a plastic sleve placed around the steel coil may have trapped moisture between the steel and plastic causing rust over time and eventually breaking the coil. nlm | |||
| 11/27/2000 | 1 | 10/01/1997 | |
| While vehicle was being insepected by an independent repair shop, consumer was informed that both rear coil springs broke at 27906 miles, and need to be replaced. dealer notified, and informed consumer vehicle was out of is warranty, and not covered under a manufacturer's recall. repairs were made at consumer's cost.*ak | |||
| SUSPENSION - REAR - SPRINGS - AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM | |||
| 09/04/2001 | |||
| Two rear air springs broke on vehicle. dealer discovered it while rotating tires. this could cause vehicle to lose control. please provide any further information.*ak | |||
| SUSPENSION - REAR - SPRINGS - COIL SPRINGS | |||
| 01/15/2004 | 30000 | 1 | 09/29/1997 |
| Took car (1997 ford escort) to shop for routine state inspection and was informed that the right rear coil spring was broken and would need to be replaced to pass inspection. i was very surprised since the car only has 30,000 miles on it and has been driven very conservatively. mechanic stated that premature failure of rear suspension coil springs was a common problem with ford escorts. request government intervention to make ford co. reimburse consumer expense caused by faulty coil springs. *cb | |||
| 05/02/2002 | 40000 | 1 | 01/05/2001 |
| 1997 ford escort sw rear spring breakage. *cb | |||
| 09/06/2003 | 1 | 08/18/1997 | |
| 1997 ford escort rear coil springs broken after 60k miles.*ak | |||
| 07/20/2003 | 1 | ||
| We heard a clunking sound in the rear end. took to the mechanic and the rear springs are completely shattered.*ak | |||
| 07/03/2003 | 80000 | 0 | 01/16/2001 |
| Rear springs on my escort i believe to be cheaply made. both have busted. i have found that my escort is not the only one. there are many other escorts with the same problem. | |||
| 06/24/2003 | 67005 | 2 | 04/14/1998 |
| I had taken my 1997 ford escort in for its annual state inspection, where my rear springs were replaced at my cost. the mechanic working on my car had found that both of the original factory rear springs were broken directly below their plastic covering about one-fifth from the top of the spring. he had said that there were several escorts that he had worked on that had the same breakage at the same section of each of the rear springs. he had advised me to check to see if there were any recalls or service bulletins posted on this problem. i was also told to buy a new set of rear tires as soon as possible, as my present ones have irregular wear. *jb i would like to know if there was or will be a recall on this problem. | |||
| 05/21/2003 | 30123 | 11/28/1997 | |
| I bought a 1997 ford escort wagon new and love it and has only 30000 miles on it. recently i had a problem with steering the vehicle so i had it checked out at an auto repair shop. the mechanic told me i needed new tie rod ends and both rear coil springs were broken. as i do not drive this vehicle hard and do not haul anything except my puppy and groceries, i had a hard time believing this. so i took it to another garage and another mechanic told me the same thing and showed it to me. i am no longer driving this vehicle as it is unsafe and this vehicle should be placed on a recall list and fixed by ford free of charge. neither me or my husband have ever had this happen and we feel that definitely this has to be a factory defect. please advise me as soon as possible what to do about this defective vehicle so that i can know which direction to pursue this matter, a.e., newspapers, tv stations, etc. thanks for your help. *jb | |||
| 03/31/2003 | 71000 | 1 | 01/15/1998 |
| Both rear springs found broken at state inspection. i was informed that this was a very common problem and it is the first thing that the inspectors look at because of this. evidently very well known in the trade. what can i do about it. evidently this occurred quite awhile ago. i now have to spend $250.00 to fix it. if this is that common why has ford evidently chosen to ignore this problem? *nlm | |||
| 11/04/2002 | 32700 | 1 | |
| The rear coil springs were cracked. *mr *nlm | |||
| SUSPENSION - REAR - SPRINGS - LEAF SPRING ASSEMBLY | |||
| 05/26/2002 | 1 | ||
| While getting an oil change technician informed consumer that both rear springs were broken. dealer and manufacturer were not notified at this time. *ak the rear spring and top mount failed and was replaced. the rear coil springs failed and was replaced. both tie rods failed and was replaced. *yh | |||
| 10/01/2001 | 2 | 01/01/2097 | |
| Both rear springs broke at approximately 60000 miles. broken spring has a high potential to puncture a tire and if at high speed cause major wreck and personnal injury. investigation at several repair facilities i discovered that this vehicle and model year has a systemmatic problem with the rear springs breaking at 60000 miles. the auto company has not issued a recall or notification of a potential concern. | |||
| 01/16/2002 | 2 | 08/01/1997 | |
| No abuse at all. reported to dealer. they said to save recept in case of recall. both springs failed inside plastic protective sleeve. *ak | |||
| 10/25/2001 | 1 | 03/01/2000 | |
| Went for an inspection for my escort and the dealer said that my springs were broken in the rear. they also said that it was common for that to happen. there was no indication that they were bad when the car was driven, as a matter of fact the car drove perfectly. this is very suspiciuos to me because i have never seen or heard of coil springs breaking befor on any vehicle. is this a way for car companys to make the consumer foot the bill and toss you a bone to make you happy. i believe that they are not broken and is a major cover up for fords already poor reputation! | |||
| 02/22/2001 | 1 | 02/01/1998 | |
| While in for state inspection, was told by local garage that car would fail due to rear spring being broken. they informed me that they had replaced springs on other '97 escorts and recommended i call the dealer about possible recall. called pleasant valley ford, spoke to steve in service, said no recall yet but wouldn't be surprised if one soon. said not safe to drive car since spring could puncture tire. said save receipt. had car repaired, have receipt and broken spring. will be calling ford customer service 2/27/01 | |||
| 06/01/2000 | 1 | 10/01/1997 | |
| Both rear springs & right rear outer tie rod broke. *ak | |||
| 08/22/2000 | 1 | ||
| Had taken vehicle for inspection & mechanic noticed rear suspension springs were broken in the same place. vehicle was rejected. took vehicle to a different place & it passed inspection. break is 1/8 inch long & its the 2nd coil spring from the bottom. will be taking it to be repaired. *ak | |||
| 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 | |||
| 01/26/2000 | 2 | ||
| The consumer has owned 2 ford escort and have had to replaced the rear springs in both vehicles on more than one occasion consumer believes the are cheaply made and too light. nlm | |||
| Rear spring leaf on the rear shocks cracked in half, causing the wheel to wobble. the part has been ordered. however, it is on back order. *ak | |||
| SUSPENSION - REAR - SPRINGS - LEAF SPRING ASSEMBLY - LEAF | |||
| 02/14/2003 | 1 | ||
| The rear leaf springs broke, which caused uneven wear on the rear tires. *jb | |||
| SUSPENSION - REAR - SPRINGS - LEAF SPRING ASSEMBLY - U-BOLT, LEAF SPRING TO AXLE | |||
| 04/01/2001 | 1 | ||
| During normal operation of vehicle a metal to metal grinding/rubbing noise was being emitted from vehicle, unknown location. . then, vehicle would not maintain control when going over bumps, and in general seemed bouncy. a private mechanic informed consumer that rear bolt springs were busted, and that gas struts were busted/ leaking fluid. *ak rear struts and springs broke and leaking. *yh | |||