Two problems related to rear suspension springs have been reported for the 1996 Ford Escort. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
I never hauled anything heavy in the back of my station wagon. The rear coil springs were hollow not solid and failed because they rusted through as a result of water collecting in the bottom of the support which holds the base of the spring in the correct position. My mechanic said that many times when you hit a bump the broken spring will twist and puncture the sidewall of the tire that it is adjacent to the spring. He also said that the same spring failure occurs with all the Ford Escort station wagons. Ford should be required to issue a recall on all these station wagons and repair the problem. Nlm.
Rear coil springs have cracked. Dealer has inspected vehicle. Parts are on back order.