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4.8

definitely annoying
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
21,557 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

1997 Ford Escort steering problems

steering problem

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1997 Ford Escort Owner Comments

problem #11

Apr 302008

Escort

  • 115,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

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. The tie rod end, rear spring, windshield, upper ball joint, odometer knob, real passenger seal were all replaced. Updated 05/30/08

- Rice Lake, WI, USA

problem #10

Sep 162004

Escort 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 32,000 miles
While driving, the steering wheel felt loose and made a loud noise. The dealer replaced the tie rod at owner's expense. 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.

- Archbald, PA, USA

problem #9

Sep 102004

Escort

  • miles
Consumer's daughter was driving and vehicle shook when in reverse. Took vehicle to dealer, and they told her tie rods were defective. Another dealer told her it was the motor mounts.

- New York, NY, USA

problem #8

May 212003

Escort 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 30,123 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

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.

- Columbus, OH, USA

problem #7

Apr 152003

Escort 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 60,000 miles
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).

- Bainbridge Island, WA, USA

problem #6

May 262002

Escort

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
While getting an oil change technician informed consumer that both rear springs were broken. Dealer and manufacturer were not notified at this time. 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.

- Orange, CT, USA

problem #5

Feb 032002

Escort

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

While pulling out of a parking space vehicle lost control due to failure of tie rod end. Dealer and manufacturer were not notified at this time. Feel free to provide any further information.

- Rockville, MD, USA

problem #4

Jun 152001

Escort

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Front left tie rod was replaced by dealership because component was experiencing excessive wear, and were very noisy while the vehicle was in operation. Left outer tie rod end assembly was replaced.

- Napoleon, OH, USA

problem #3

Jun 012000

Escort

  • miles
Both rear springs & right rear outer tie rod broke.

- Limington, ME, USA

problem #2

Aug 232000

(reported on)

Escort

  • Manual transmission
  • miles
Two broken rear spring and a right side outer tie rod end, in addition to front brake pads, possible springs were of poor quality

- Beacon, NY, USA

problem #1

Jul 211998

(reported on)

Escort

  • miles
While driving the vehicle made a clunking noise, and the vehicle got stuck in an intersection. Both front tires were facing inward due to inner tie rod failure.

- Iowa City, IA, USA

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