1997 Ford Escort: ball joint or control arm failure

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 28, 2005 · Engine, Steering · 32,000 miles · PA

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

Filed Sep 10, 2004 · Engine, Steering · NY

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.

Filed Jan 23, 2004 · Suspension · 100,000 miles · WA

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.

Filed May 21, 2003 · Steering, Suspension · 30,123 miles · OH

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.

Filed May 17, 2003 · Steering, Suspension · 60,000 miles · WA

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).

Filed Jun 4, 2002 · Steering, Suspension · CT

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.

Filed Feb 13, 2002 · Steering, Suspension · OH

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!!

Filed Feb 12, 2002 · Steering · MD

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.

Filed Jun 27, 2001 · Steering · OH

Front left tie rod was replaced by dealership because component was experiencing excessive wear, and were very noisy while the vehicle was in operation. *ak left outer tie rod end assembly was replaced.

Filed Jan 23, 2001 · Steering, Suspension · ME

Both rear springs & right rear outer tie rod broke.

Filed Aug 23, 2000 · Brakes, Steering · NY

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