1998 Ford Escort suspension problems

Filed Oct 18, 2010 · Suspension · 26,000 miles · OH

Tl*the contact owns a 1998 ford escort. The contact stated that the rear coil springs broke in 2003 and were repaired. The vehicle was at a repair shop getting an oil change when the contact was informed that the rear coil springs had broken again. The vehicle had not been inspected or repaired. The current and failure mileages were approximately 26,000. Updated 01/04/11*lj updated 01/10/11

Filed Feb 24, 2010 · Suspension · 12,195 miles · PA

Failure of the rear springs on 1998 ford escort first in 2003 at 12,195miles and the replacements both failed again in 2009 at 36, 000 miles. Failure appears due to salt corrosion enhancement due to covered spring surface. Ford was contacted and even though there is a tsb on this issue they would offer no assistance. Failure rates are very short. Vehicle was never overloaded and is gently driven.

Filed Apr 23, 2009 · Suspension · 36,252 miles · PA

During a state required inspection found both rear coil springs broken. Ford will not take responsibility. This is the second time this has occurred.

Filed Mar 6, 2008 · Body, Brakes · 187,000 miles · PA

I was sold a 1998 ford escort zx2 for 800 dollars, from but behind a local dealership. The dealership did the notary, and they were the ones who signed off on the car and gave me a hand written receipt with someone else's name on it. They also did the inspection later on after we replaced one of the ball joints. We had the car looked at by another official inspection station and they said the car was a death trap. We contacted a state trooper. He did an inspection, failed the car, and took the sticker. There was a long list of problems. I tried to get a refund before I got the cops involved and he refused. This was also before the 10 days were up for the inspection. I paid for the car on the 13th of feb. 2008.

Filed Jul 5, 2007 · Suspension · 49,300 miles · IL

Coil spring on 1998 ford escort broke and almost blew out the tire. Brought it to the repair shop to get it fixed and replaced the tire.

Filed Dec 27, 2006 · Suspension · 135,000 miles · IL

Broken rear springs.

Filed Dec 12, 2006 · Suspension · 120,048 miles · MO

Both rear springs broke. This is the second time in less then 6 months for the 2002. This seems to be a major design flaw in ford escort. I have a 1998 & 2002 and both have broken rear springs. Also every technician I have talked to knows the problem.

Filed Jul 14, 2006 · Suspension · VA

While having possible brake noises checked, the mechanic, while the car was on the lift, saw that both rear coil springs were broken. He stated that the marks he saw indicated that they had been broken for a while.

Filed Feb 20, 2006 · Suspension · 38,500 miles · MA

Was having my 1998 escort serviced. Mechanic found both rear coil springs had fractured in same spot. Had them repaired there instantly at a cost of $710.10 . I called ford they said no recall, I then brought springs to my ford dealer to show them and to ask for reimbursement for defective parts, I am still waiting for an answer. However ford did offer to get rid of the springs for me but I still have them in my trunk.

Filed Oct 7, 2005 · Steering, Suspension · MI

Dt: consumer took 1998 ford escort for a oil change on september 30, 2005. The mechanic found both rear coils springs broke. The rear struts were damaged, and the left front tie rod was broken. The mileage on my vehicle at time of service was 71, 127 miles. The consumer used the car for shopping and pleasure with no hard driving at her age. She was surprised to hear this was common for the 1997 and 1998 ford escorts. I had other ford escorts prior to this one and I had no problem. This problem cost the consumer $732. Had not contacted dealership or manufacturer. Had no accidents. The consumer was not aware that this vehicle had all these problems. This vehicle drives much better and is quieter since had the problems fixed.