Bulletins


BulletinBulletin dateReplacement BulletinItem no.SummaryAdded
SUSPENSION - REAR
1499306/01/2001622804Some vehicles produced through july 1999 may exhibit rear suspension spring failure with no resulting operational concern. *tt10/23/2001

Consumer Complaints


Fail datemilesoccurencesPurchase date
SUSPENSION
05/02/2002
 During annual safety inspection mechanic found right and left coil springs broken-apparently due to rust and lightweight construction
08/01/1996204/22/1995
 Vehicle's tires are wearing prematurely due to a defect in suspension alignment. the consumer had rear alignment kit installed on vehicle, however problems with tires wearing out is still occurring.
SUSPENSION - FRONT
10/07/1996
 (fourth time), when changing lanes to the left after 55mph or more the car fishtails (wanders), as a result, the vehicle was hit on the driver's side. *ak
12/13/1994
 Vehicle pulls to the side, had sixteen tires on vehicle because of premature wear. *ak
02/21/19951
 Vehicle continuously vibrates/pulls to the left. *skd
10/24/19944
 Vehicle pulls to the left at all speeds. *skd
10/30/19941
 Front end misaligned. *ak
SUSPENSION - FRONT - SPRINGS - COIL SPRINGS
04/26/200638000101/02/1994
 Dt*: the contact stated there was a rattling noise coming from the front end of the vehicle while driving at any speed. upon inspection by an independent mechanic, the mechanic noticed the left front and both rear coil springs were broken. there were pieces of metal from the springs broken off which was causing the rattling sound. updated 05/16/2006. *ak *nm
03/15/200385694105/07/1998
 Front left coil spring was cracked. dealer notified.*ak the spring broke when the consumer arrived home. the vehicle made a clunk noise when in drive and reverse. the vehicle was towed to midas and the mechanic showed the consumer the problem. when the spring broke it rubbed against the tire and ruined it. consumer had to replace the tire in addition to both spring. *ph
09/18/2002101/01/2094
 No description given. nlm
08/15/2001106/28/1995
 Both rear coil springs broke, vehicle was rejected due to failed suspension springs.
08/01/19980
 Right front tire was making noise when consumer stopped. called a mechanic who had told her that coil spring was broken, and if she was driving faster the tire could have caused an accident.
SUSPENSION - REAR
09/20/1998105/01/1996
 During annual inspection our mechanic discovered and failed the car for safety reasons, that the rear springs were collapsing on our car. he has informed us that his shop has been getting numerous escort wagons with the same problem as ours. he has advised us to call the local dealership about the defect of the springs. all the dealership said that this is not a safety issue, but get them fixed anyway and save the bill in case of a recall. our vehicle has 49,000 odd miles and has never carried anything heavier than 2 suit cases, a port-a-crib and some toys. if it wasn't for a repair shop showing me the records of replacement coils on the escorts i would never have thought of doing this. the problem with the coils they are cracking at the base at the suspension, which could lead to lose of control of the vehicle.
 Vehicle was designed without a rear wheel alignment kit, causing the left rear tire to pocket and then offsets the alignmnet. installation of the kit did not correct the problem, owner has gone through four sets of tire in three years.
09/01/19941
 Vehicle made without left rear dogbone, making it impossible to align rear wheels. *dsh
SUSPENSION - REAR - SPRINGS
05/07/2002
 Rear coil spring has a tendency to rust which causes them to break without any warning. driver was notified about coil spring being broken when he took vehicle to inspection.*ak
10/03/2001
 During routine inspection mechanic found rear coil springs broken on both sides. consumer could not tell they were broken when driving vehicle. *ak
SUSPENSION - REAR - SPRINGS - COIL SPRINGS
04/26/200638000101/02/1994
 Dt*: the contact stated there was a rattling noise coming from the front end of the vehicle while driving at any speed. upon inspection by an independent mechanic, the mechanic noticed the left front and both rear coil springs were broken. there were pieces of metal from the springs broken off which was causing the rattling sound. updated 05/16/2006. *ak *nm
SUSPENSION - REAR - SPRINGS - LEAF SPRING ASSEMBLY
05/02/2002
 Rear spring broke off because of rust and corrusion. dealership is aware of problem.*ak
07/14/2001107/01/2001
 Spring snapped at 60 mph on flat smooth road no bumps. ruined left front tire. *ak
09/05/1998
 The consumer has been experiencing problems with rear coil springs. rear coil springs broke. also, while driving, the brake lights illuminate consistently. in addition, the consumer has to start applying brakes at a long distance from the destination desired to stop. *ak