VehicleVerdict

1999 Ford Escort problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 413 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 3.2 times the median Escort year — the 1999 model ranks #5 of 23 Escort years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include 5 deaths and 80 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across airbags (69), engine (64), and electrical system (51), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

413

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

1

Investigations

99

Crash-involved

14

Fires reported

80

Injuries

5

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1999 compare to other Escort years?

Escort NHTSA complaints by model year, 1999 highlighted729 complaints1981: 2 complaints1982: 5 complaints1983: 7 complaints1984: 27 complaints1985: 31 complaints1986: 53 complaints1987: 65 complaints1988: 206 complaints1989: 199 complaints1990: 128 complaints1991: 413 complaints1992: 222 complaints1993: 480 complaints1994: 351 complaints1995: 725 complaints1996: 257 complaints1997: 729 complaints1998: 470 complaints1999: 413 complaints2000: 128 complaints2001: 85 complaints2002: 41 complaints2003: 13 complaints
Escort NHTSA complaints by model year, 1999 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Escort years to avoid →

What are the most common 1999 Ford Escort problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Airbags6917%
Engine6415%
Electrical System5112%
Suspension4210%
Transmission358%
Brakes287%
Seat Belts184%
Steering164%
Fuel System154%
Tires & Wheels143%
Lighting123%
Visibility & Wipers92%
Speed Control82%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)82%
Body & Structure82%
Other61%
Seats61%
Latches & Locks31%
Child Seat10%

Does the 1999 Ford Escort have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

04E048000Seat BeltsJuly 12, 2004 · 388 units

Defect

CERTAIN TRW DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELTS MANUFACTURED ON DECEMBER 6 AND 9, 2002, FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR 1997 FORD ESCORT 4-DOOR AND STATION WAGON PLATFORM VEHICLES, FORD'S P/N F7CZ54611B09AAC. THE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES EXHIBIT A NO-LOCK CONDITION WHICH DOES NOT COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 209, SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES.

Consequence

IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE RESTRAINT SYSTEM MAY NOT PROVIDE ADEQUATE PROTECTION TO THE SEAT OCCUPANT, WHICH MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.

Remedy

TRW WILL NOTIFY THE CUSTOMERS WHO PURCHASED THE REPLACEMENT SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 27, 2004.

99V276000TransmissionOctober 12, 1999 · 106 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE S/R OPTION. THE S/R OPTION INCLUDES, AMONG OTHER FEATURES, A 5-SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSION. ON THESE VEHICLES, THE TRANSMISSION SHIFT PATTERN IS NOT DISPLAYED IN THE OCCUPANT COMPARTMENT IN VIEW OF THE DRIVER. THIS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 102, "TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER SEQUENCE, STARTER INTERLOCK, AND TRANSMISSION BRAKING EFFECT."

Consequence

THE DRIVER MAY NOT BE AWARE OF THE TRANSMISSION POSITION OF THE VEHICLE.

Remedy

OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH AN ADHESIVE BACKED PLAQUE CONTAINING THE SHIFT PATTERN, ALONG WITH MATERIALS AND INSTRUCTIONS FOR LOCATING AND AFFIXING THE PLAQUE TO THE VEHICLE CENTER CONSOLE, JUST FORWARD OF THE SHIFT LEVER. OWNERS WILL ALSO BE ADVISED THAT THEIR DEALER CAN AFFIX THE PLAQUE IF THEY PREFER.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY IN A HEAD-ON COLLISSION THAT OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING 42 MPH. THERE WAS PRE-IMPACT BRAKING, THE SEAT BELT WAS WORN AND THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT WAS NOT ILLUMINATED PRIOR TO THE CRASH. THERE WERE NO INJURIES TO THE DRIVER. THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · July 3, 2006 · crash

“A GRINDING NOISE WAS COMING FROM THE ENGINE AREA OF THE VEHICLE, THEN WHILE TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 20 TO 25 MPH, GRINDING NOISE OCCURRED AGAIN, AND DRIVER LOST ALL STEERING CONTROL OF VEHICLE, RESULTING IN A CRASH WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE, INSURANCE COMPANY DEEMED VEHICLE AS A TOTAL LOSS. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · October 3, 2001 · crash

“CONSUMER HAS BEEN EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH HORN. WHEN CONSUMER THEY APPLIES HORN, IT'S HARD TO MAKE IT MAKE A SOUND. BECAUSE OF THIS, THE CONSUMER WAS ALMOST INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT. COULD NOT LET OTHER DRIVERS BE AWARE OF VEHICLE'S PRESENCE. THE MANUFACTURER HAS YET TO BE CONTACTED. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · November 25, 1998 · crash

“REAR COIL SPRING FAILURE. 2 SEPARATE REAR COIL SPRING FAILURES WITHIN 2 MONTHS. 1 OF WHICH PUNCTURED THE TIRE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. THE CAR LOST CONTROL AND WENT INTO THE MEDIAN. LUCKILY NOBODY WAS INJURED AND THERE WERE NO OTHER VEHICLES INVOLVED. REPAIR SHOP NOTED THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · January 2, 2008 · crash

“VEHICLE LUNGED FORWARD WHILE IN NEUTRAL, CAUSING A FRONT END COLLISION WITH GARAGE WALL. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED, AND INFORMED CONSUMER THAT OIL PAN WAS DENTED. ALSO, VEHICLE WILL NOT SHIFT INTO REVERSE. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · December 13, 2001 · crash

1999 Ford Escort — common questions

Is the 1999 Ford Escort reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 413 complaints put the 1999 model at #5 of 23 Escort years. It is one of the Escort years to avoid.

What are the most common 1999 Escort problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are airbags (69 complaints), engine (64 complaints), electrical system (51 complaints).

Does the 1999 Ford Escort have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1999 Ford Escort. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1999 Ford Escort under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Ford Escort years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Escort years to avoid are 1997, 1995, 1993, 1998, 1991, 1999, 1994, 1996, 1992, 1988, 1989. The cleanest record among Escort years belongs to 1981.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.