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 1998 Ford Escort owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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.
Dt: 1998 Ford Escort. The consumer took the vehicle to dealer to be serviced, and the service department noticed the rear coil springs were broken , approximately 1 turns from the top. The consumer contacted Ford, and they told him the part was not under warranty. The coil springs were replaced. There had been no noticeable problems before this. The caplipers were replaced due them being frozen. The crank pulley and serpentine belt were replace.
While having my oil changed, the technician noted that the right rear suspension spring was broken near the bottom. The broken spring did not perceivably alter the function of the car nor did it make noise. It was clarified to me that the spring needed to be replaced and based on the number of complaints on this site I feel it is necessary to have both spring replaced. The estimate for this repair is estimated at about $400.
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.
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.
Tl 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 updated 01/10/11
Both rear coil springs on my 1998 Ford Escort se wagon were found to be broken (each cracked and broke in two pieces beneath the plastic sleeve). Vehicle had 52,715 miles at the time, but from corrosion evidence of broken springs, it appears they May have been broken for awhile prior to discovery. Four other incidents noted on same year/make/model vehicle within this database.
Both rear coil springs are broken. The vehicle has seen mostly highway miles and is well kept. There was little to no symptoms of the problem ,and was found during an inspection of the rear brakes. It was explained that this could have caused the wheel to separate had it not been found.
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.
While the state inspection station was inspecting the vehicle inspector informed consumer that both rear springs broke. Dealer was notified, and they informed consumer that this vehicle was not covered under a recall.
Suspension complaints in other Escort years
Frequently asked questions
How common are suspension problems on the 1998 Ford Escort?
NHTSA has 50 complaints about the suspension of the 1998 Ford Escort, 13% of the model year's 375 complaints. The component named most often is rear › springs (15 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Ford Escort suspension problems?
No. NHTSA lists no suspension recall for the 1998 Ford Escort. 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 1998 Ford Escort suspension problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 55,000 miles, and 5% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 0 fires and 4 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.