Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, springs).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1995 Ford Escort owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
When I had the car in to repair a leaking radiator I was told that the rear springs of the car were broken - these were replaced along with the two rear tires which had been damaged due to the broken springs. Six months later backing out of the driveway the left front spring broke puncturing that tire - per the garage both front springs are broken and must be replaced. Since I've had the care in two different garages I've heard that this is a common problem with the Ford escorts.
The rear coil springs were found broken (both), the front passenger's side coil spring broke when turning in the driveway and as a result, the front tire was punctured. There was a sag in the front end. The date of the first incident was 04/01/2002.
1995 Ford Escort wagon,rear coil spring failure(broken) even the replacement springs are prone to premature failure. Under normal driving, why don't these last the life of the car? What renumeration can I expect from Ford?
I just read about the Ford winstar front coil springs breaking in the newspaper and now that I browse this site, it appears to be a problem on many other Ford cars. My 1995 Escort front left spring snapped causing the left front tire to be slashed. I was in a parking lot so speed was not a factor. I managed to change the tire and get the car to a Ford dealer that was nearby. Upon inspection, I could see that the spring had snapped (clean break) like if a seam in the coil had failed. When I questioned the dealer, they did not know of this being a common occurrence and they would not fix it without charge as there was no recall. Now that I see that this appears to happen on many Ford cars. ....... I have reason to believe that the coil springs on fords May have hidden defects causing them to snap without warning.. Should you need further information, please email me. Thanks.
Both rear coil springs on this vehicle are broken. The car does not carry heavy loads, and the roads traveled upon are not rough. The car has relatively low milage, 88,000. When inspected, the mechanic involved indicated that this was a known problem with the Ford Escort. This comment was further substantiated by another mechanic and the auto parts dealer where the replacement parts were purchased. When contacting a Ford dealership, the service manager I spoke with seemed familiar with the problem, stating that if the car had less than 100,000 miles, I would be covered. However, she later came back and said there was no recall in effect. If this is a known problem, I would expect there would be some sort of recall notice. Furthermore, I was told, that if the spring shifted while driving, it could come into contact with the tire, causing a severe blowout and accident.
I could not put an accurate date or mileage because I took my car in for the 100,000 mile check up. At that time the dealer (varsity Ford) told me the springs were broken. However, I had no indication they were broken (the car stops bouncing at less than 2.5 bounces). I have now taken it to a local shop, illi's auto in ann arbor, mi, and he confirmed that they are fractured. Since I have never had an accident, it makes no sense. The repair bill is $963.00. I have spoken with several friends who had to have the rear springs (mounts and struts) replaced for the same reason. Furthermore, the repair place my friend took his Escort to said that replacing the rear springs has become a "standard repair". This should not be. My office-mates 1995 Ford contour had front springs that broke. They did a recall on those. Your help is appreciated.
While driving the vehicle, the vehicle has irregular steering control and rough riding, inappropiate tire wear. Consumer states vehicle can not be aligned properly due to the right front wheel assembly design which is causing irregular steering and tire wear.
Common failure problem of 1995 to 2000 Ford exscorts -- rear spring breakage resulting in possible puncture of rear tire by spring. Replacement springs do not break -- only the original equipment is a problem accourding to two different repair shops.
Upon annual state inspection, it was discovered that both rear coil springs had broken, fortunately both in a way that had not caused tire damage. Speedometer fluctuates greatly and creates buzzing-like noise at speeds greater than 55 MPH. Mr
While driving over 45 MPH vehicle shakes and has bad vibration. It seems like the front end is about to fall off. Dealer cannot determine problem. There is a TSB, and Ford states there is going to be a recall, but has no solutions.
Suspension complaints in other Escort years
Frequently asked questions
How common are suspension problems on the 1995 Ford Escort?
NHTSA has 37 complaints about the suspension of the 1995 Ford Escort, 6% of the model year's 576 complaints. The component named most often is front › springs › coil springs (9 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1995 Ford Escort suspension problems?
No. NHTSA lists no suspension recall for the 1995 Ford Escort, though it has 4 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1995 Ford Escort suspension problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 51,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 0 fires and 5 injuries to suspension problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.