1997 Ford Escort Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 22about this part
- Share
- 4%of 543 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 46,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 22 complaints about the steering of the 1997 Ford Escort, 4% of the 543 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 46,000 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I bought a 1997 Ford Escort wagon new and love it and has only 30000 miles on it. Recently I had a problem with steering the vehicle so I had it checked out at an auto repair shop. The mechanic told me I needed new tie rod ends and both rear coil springs were broken. As I do not drive this vehicle hard and do not haul anything except my puppy and groceries, I had a hard time believing this. So I took it to another garage and another mechanic told me the same thing and showed it to me. …”
NHTSA complaint #10019069, filed 2003-05, 30,123 miles“While driving , the steering wheel felt loose and made a loud noise. The dealer replaced the tie rod at owner's expense. Consumer feels that she should be reimbursed for the cost of repairs. The vehicle's rear coil springs broke at 16219 miles. The front coil spring broke at 16279 miles and was replaced under warranty. Catalytic converter failed causing noise.”
NHTSA complaint #10092438, filed 2005-03, 32,000 miles“Rear coil springs are cracked - both sides. Vehicle only 5 years old. Used in primarily in city, running errands - for retired couple. Also: left outer tie rod end is worn out and has to be replaced. This causes a vibration at highway speeds and also rattles when going over small bumps (<1 ) at low speeds (<10 MPH).”
NHTSA complaint #10018833, filed 2003-05, 60,000 miles“The contact owns a 1997 Ford Escort. When making a right turn at various speeds, the contact heard a clunking sound coming from the front end ball joints. The dealer stated that the brake pads, rotors, drums, and front wheel bearing on the passenger side needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the odometer and speedometer have both been replaced three times, but she does not trust that the speedometer is currently working properly. The failure mileage was 115,000. Updated 06-03/08. …”
NHTSA complaint #10226312, filed 2008-04, 115,000 miles“While getting an oil change technician informed consumer that both rear springs were broken. Dealer and manufacturer were not notified at this time. The rear spring and top mount failed and was replaced. The rear coil springs failed and was replaced. Both tie rods failed and was replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #8010973, filed 2002-06Steering: 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 1997 Ford Escort
152 complaintsElectrical system
114 complaintsSuspension
67 complaintsEngine cooling
66 complaintsBrakes
42 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
31 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
29 complaintsVehicle speed control
28 complaintsOther or unknown
22 complaintsFuel system
16 complaintsExterior lighting
12 complaintsSeat belts
12 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 Ford Escort
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 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