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.
1997 Ford Escort suspension complaints
Page 3 of 3: complaints 41 to 67 of 67, newest first, as owners wrote them.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
Both rear springs & right rear outer tie rod broke.
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.
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
Manufacturer contacted - owner told warranty not covered manufacutrer's defects. No safety defect listed in summary.
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.
Two broken rear spring and a right side outer tie rod end, in addition to front brake pads, possible springs were of poor quality
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
Auto repair center tells me this is very common! No safety defect listed in the summary.
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.
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.
Engine check light is coming and staying on. Vehicle is vibrating upon acceleration. Contacted dealer after numerous repairs, not able to find the problem.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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