One problem related to steering linkages has been reported for the 1997 Ford Escort. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Went in for repair to bad spot on tire. Mechanic found that all 4 gas struts and both sets of coil springs were broken, and had to be replaced, along with a tie rod, and all 4 tires. I had not struck anything at all to cause this, and all of these defective parts would cause a major accident if they failed at highway speed. $ 1136. 48 in repairs after only 30k miles is completely unconscionable!!.