1998 Ford Escort Suspension Problems
- Complaints
- 50about this part
- Share
- 13%of 375 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 55,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 50 complaints about the suspension of the 1998 Ford Escort, 13% of the 375 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 55,000 miles. 3 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.
“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10175924, filed 2006-12, 120,048 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10093090, filed 2004-09, 47,983 miles“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #10220292, filed 2008-03, 187,000 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10313589, filed 2010-02, 12,195 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10016797, filed 2003-04, 52,715 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 1998 Ford Escort
75 complaintsEngine cooling
49 complaintsElectrical system
43 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
43 complaintsBrakes
35 complaintsFuel system
22 complaintsSeat belts
17 complaintsSteering
17 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
16 complaintsBody and structure
14 complaintsVehicle speed control
14 complaintsEquipment
13 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1998 Ford Escort
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 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