1996 Ford Escort Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 10about this part
- Share
- 5%of 205 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 105,317miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 10 complaints about the steering of the 1996 Ford Escort, 5% of the 205 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 105,317 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Tie rod failure on the left side. The tie rods on both sides were replaced about 3 years ago. When taken in to the shop they found the right side was very bad also. This car has 59,000 miles. The failure happened while driving. Pretty scarry stuff...”
NHTSA complaint #10058366, filed 2004-02, 59,000 miles“While driving it was hard to turn the steering wheel. Dealership informed the consumer that the problem pertained to the steering fluid leakage. The problem had not be resolved.”
NHTSA complaint #10065056, filed 2004-03, 151,634 miles“The left, outer tie rod broke, traveling on a staight, smooth road at about 35 MPH. A police report is available. Unable to steer the vehicle, it went out of control and left the road. It came to a stop against a tree, causing slight body damage.”
NHTSA complaint #738141, filed 2000-12“Theere is a loud cracking noise coming from the steering gear. Also, consumer is having problem with brakes, and the vehicle has been in the shop two times. Dealer can't determine the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #829798, filed 1998-12“During vehicle operation a severe pull to the left is experienced. The rack and pinion, right front shocks, and the front brakes have been replaced as a result.”
NHTSA complaint #802857, filed 1996-10Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 3 | 9% |
| 2001 | 5 | 7% |
| 2000 | 4 | 4% |
| 1999 | 16 | 5% |
| 1998 | 17 | 5% |
| 1997 | 22 | 4% |
| 1996 | 10 | 5% |
| 1995 | 19 | 3% |
| 1994 | 11 | 4% |
| 1993 | 13 | 3% |
| 1992 | 4 | 2% |
| 1991 | 12 | 4% |
| 1990 | 5 | 5% |
| 1989 | 7 | 5% |
| 1988 | 9 | 6% |
| 1987 | 3 | 5% |
| 1986 | 1 | 2% |
Other parts of the 1996 Ford Escort
77 complaintsEngine cooling
30 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
19 complaintsAir bags
18 complaintsElectrical system
14 complaintsSuspension
13 complaintsBrakes
11 complaintsFuel system
11 complaintsOther or unknown
6 complaintsVehicle speed control
5 complaintsSeats
4 complaintsBody and structure
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1996 Ford Escort
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology