1997 Ford Escort Suspension Problems
- Complaints
- 67about this part
- Share
- 12%of 543 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 67,005miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 67 complaints about the suspension of the 1997 Ford Escort, 12% of the 543 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 67,005 miles. 1 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.
“1997 Ford Escort had both rear springs broken at the same place. Had them replaced by mechanic who told me they should have never broken. I want Ford to be accountable for this and reimburse me for the repair. If 1 spring was broken then I could see it being possible, but both at the same place???? They were manufactured poorly.”
NHTSA complaint #10051214, filed 2003-12, 121,100 miles“Both rear springs found broken at state inspection. I was informed that this was a very common problem and it is the first thing that the inspectors look at because of this. Evidently very well known in the trade. What can I do about it. Evidently this occurred quite awhile ago . I now have to spend $250.00 to fix it. If this is that common why has Ford evidently chosen to ignore this problem?”
NHTSA complaint #10013727, filed 2003-03, 71,000 miles“I took my Escort in for an inspection and the rear coil springs are broken again the first time they broke the dealer replaced them and said he thought a recall would be issued because Ford new there was a problem with them now once again they are broken and there is still no recall if someone knew there was a problem with them why aren't they correcting the problem and do we the consumers have to keep shelling out our hard earned money for repairs. This car is a 1997 Ford Escort and rear springs were replaced twice just not fair.”
NHTSA complaint #10241830, filed 2008-09, 100,000 miles“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“Rear springs on my Escort I believe to be cheaply made. Both have busted. I have found that my Escort is not the only one. There are many other escorts with the same problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10025385, filed 2003-07, 80,000 milesSuspension: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 1 | 10% |
| 2002 | 4 | 12% |
| 2001 | 9 | 13% |
| 2000 | 8 | 8% |
| 1999 | 42 | 13% |
| 1998 | 50 | 13% |
| 1997 | 67 | 12% |
| 1996 | 13 | 6% |
| 1995 | 37 | 6% |
| 1994 | 18 | 6% |
| 1993 | 19 | 5% |
| 1992 | 7 | 4% |
| 1991 | 9 | 3% |
| 1989 | 2 | 1% |
| 1988 | 5 | 4% |
| 1987 | 3 | 5% |
| 1986 | 1 | 2% |
Other parts of the 1997 Ford Escort
152 complaintsElectrical system
114 complaintsEngine cooling
66 complaintsBrakes
42 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
31 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
29 complaintsVehicle speed control
28 complaintsOther or unknown
22 complaintsSteering
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 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