Suspension complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, springs).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Dt*: the contact stated while having routine tire maintenance done at a garage, the mechanic determined the rear spring was fractured. The contact did not have any problems with the vehicle. Updated 11/21/2006 - the consumer contacted the manufacture but they did not respond. The vehicle would not shift from park. The dealer replaced the shift lock system.
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 driving the steering bolt became loose which caused the steering wheel to jump around. This made it difficult for the consumer to steer the vehicle. When at a stop light or at idle, the vehicle would vibrate badly and the consumer had to place the vehicle in neutral. When the windows were half way down, they would rattle terribly. The consumer was concerned they May shatter. The headlights bounced around at night, on the vehicle in front of the consumer and had been confronted about the distraction. Ford said it was normal. The vehicle had been in for the vibration since purchase. The motor mounts in the vehicle were changed for a second time.
There was a fast idle, vibration in steering wheel, burning smell coming from the engine, and the vehicle stalled along with the fast idle. The service dealer stated the vehicle had run fine. After five attempts to remedy the problem, and after being told repeatedly the vehicle ran normally, the consumer would like a full refund. The pcv was replaced, and the vehicle had run perfect until the fast idle had returned along with the vibrations which irritated the consumer which caused headaches after 20 miles of driving. The valve assembly/crankcase ventilation regulator was replaced as well. Mr scc
Tl contact owns a 2000 Ford Escort. In an attempt to purchase new tires and after the vehicle was put on a lift, the tire dealer discovered that both rear springs failed. The dealer was notified and stated that there were no recalls regarding the springs. The current mileage was 33,009 and failure mileage was 33,000.
When I first bought,my2000 Escort zx2,I noticed that there was a very excessive vibration felt while the car is running. It can be felt everywhere in the car.front seats,back seats,everywhere. You can even see the steering wheel in a vibrating motion,and can see it in the outside door mirror.you can stand outside the car,and the front bumper and body panels are shaking also.I have had the car into the dealer seversl times and they keep telling me that this vibration is a characteristic of the Escort zx2.so they don't want to do anything about it. I guess they think if they keep telling me the same things every time I take the car in, that I will give up,and trade the car in on something else,then they would be off the hook. But they are wrong,because other then the bad vibration, my wife and I love the car. I just want it fixed. What do you think. Thanks.
Rear coil spring failure. 2 separate rear coil spring failures within 2 months. 1 of which punctured the tire at highway speeds. The car lost control and went into the median. Luckily nobody was injured and there were no other vehicles involved. Repair shop noted this is a common problem with escorts.
When I took my car (1999 Ford Escort stationwagon VIN.#[redacted]) in for its oil change & inspection. It failed inspection because a rear coil spring was completely cracked in half. The car is 5 years old, but only had 8,953 miles on it. I am a senior citizen and only drive the car on a limited basis, usually for shopping or to a doctor's office. I was told the the spring was not covered under any warranty and was charged a total of $412.99 (plus tax) for this repair. I was told to contact Ford directly to see if anything could be done to compensate me. My son called Ford's customer relations # and was told to see the service manager at the dealer, who would then submit the claim for me. After 2 seperate visits to the dealer, my son was told: 1) the manager had gone home early that day & that only the manager could deal with the problem. …
Frequently asked questions
Which Ford Escort years have suspension problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1997 (67), 1998 (50), 1999 (42), 1995 (37) and 1996 (13) model years. Suspension complaints make up 12% of all complaints for the 1997.
Is there a recall for Ford Escort suspension problems?
No. NHTSA lists no suspension recall for any Ford Escort model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Ford Escort suspension problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 59,000 miles; 40% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the rear › springs (62 mentions), followed by the rear › springs › coil springs (40).
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.