1999 Ford Escort: common problems and reliability
745 owner complaints on record.
Most complaints are about engine and engine cooling. 2 recalls.
Should I buy a 1999 Escort?The 1999 Ford Escort has 745 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are engine and engine cooling and air bags.
Safety record for the 1999 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 1999 Ford Escort vehicles (US, public record).
Is 1999 a good year for the Escort?
Across the 5 Escort model years we track, complaint volume runs from 248 (1996) to 745 (1999). With 745 complaints, the 1999 Escort sits above the model's median of 441.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 1999 Escort
seat belts:front
Campaign 04E048000CERTAIN 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.
power train:manual transmission:shift pattern indicator
Campaign 99V276000VEHICLE 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."
What owners say across generations
Sentiment is mixed and heavily dependent on the specific generation, condition, and purchase price.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Escort. See the full Escort owner picture and every model year.
Other Escort model years
Compare every Escort year side by side to see how 1999 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Escort against its rivals
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