1997 Ford Escort brakes problems

Filed Aug 31, 2013 · Brakes · 46,000 miles · PA

The brakes failed while my wife was driving this car. It was not very difficult to diagnose the problem. The brake fluid leaked out of a brake line in the rear of the car. The location of the brake line failure is where the line is fastened to the body when the car was manufactured. It is my opinion that this defect may exist on many other vehicles of this type, that is why I am reporting it to you.

Filed Apr 30, 2008 · Brakes, Electrical · 115,000 miles · WI

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

Filed Mar 1, 2007 · Brakes, Suspension · WI

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.

Filed May 24, 2004 · Acceleration, Brakes · 100,000 miles · CA

Consumer complained about transmission axle slippage and defective brake problems. Vehicle vibrated when accelerating. Consumer had the vehicle inspected by a private mechanic.

Filed Sep 26, 2003 · Brakes · 43,000 miles · PA · crash

Brakes failed. Pedal went to the floor, resulting in an accident. Dealership mechanic said the problem was due to the emergency brake driveline.

Filed Sep 6, 2003 · Airbags, Brakes · NY

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 federal safety agency web site regarding the 1997 ford escort and they are distressing to say the least. My next vehicle will be a gm product.

Filed Jul 7, 2003 · Airbags, Brakes · VA · fire

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.

Filed Feb 27, 2003 · Brakes · FL

When the brake was applied, there was a loud noise.

Filed Jul 30, 2002 · Brakes · KY

While appying brakes vehicle will not stop. A braking light appeared on panel. Dealership is aware of problem.

Filed May 18, 2002 · Brakes · CA · crash

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.