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. The tie rod end, rear spring, windshield, upper ball joint, odometer knob, real passenger seal were all replaced. Updated 05/30/08

- Rice Lake, WI, USA

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.

- Archbald, PA, USA

Consumer's daughter was driving and vehicle shook when in reverse. Took vehicle to dealer, and they told her tie rods were defective. Another dealer told her it was the motor mounts.

- New York, NY, USA

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. I am no longer driving this vehicle as it is unsafe and this vehicle should be placed on a recall list and fixed by Ford free of charge. Neither me or my husband have ever had this happen and we feel that definitely this has to be a factory defect. Please advise me as soon as possible what to do about this defective vehicle so that I can know which direction to pursue this matter, a.E., newspapers, tv stations, etc. Thanks for your help.

- Columbus, OH, USA

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).

- Bainbridge Island, WA, USA

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.

- Orange, CT, USA

While pulling out of a parking space vehicle lost control due to failure of tie rod end. Dealer and manufacturer were not notified at this time. Feel free to provide any further information.

- Rockville, MD, USA

Front left tie rod was replaced by dealership because component was experiencing excessive wear, and were very noisy while the vehicle was in operation. Left outer tie rod end assembly was replaced.

- Napoleon, OH, USA

Both rear springs & right rear outer tie rod broke.

- Limington, ME, USA

Two broken rear spring and a right side outer tie rod end, in addition to front brake pads, possible springs were of poor quality

- Beacon, NY, USA

While driving the vehicle made a clunking noise, and the vehicle got stuck in an intersection. Both front tires were facing inward due to inner tie rod failure.

- Iowa City, IA, USA