MotorDeets

1999 Ford Escort: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 1999 Ford Escort: 1 recall, 325 owner complaints and up to 28 mpg combined.

1vehicle recalls
325owner complaints
79mention a crash
28best combined mpg
1999 Ford Escort
Photo: Just a Man · CC BY 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Recalls

1 vehicle recall from the manufacturer, plus 1 equipment/tire recall that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.

Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #99V276000 · 1999 · 106 vehicles

What's wrong: 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."

Why it matters: The driver May not be aware of the transmission position of the vehicle.

The fix: 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…

1 aftermarket equipment / tire recall replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Seat belts Equipment recall #04E048000 · 2004 · 388 vehicles

What's wrong: 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.

Why it matters: 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.

The fix: Trw will notify the customers who purchased the replacement seat belt assemblies free of charge. The recall began on August 27, 2004.

Most-reported problems

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 11 mention a fire, 56 injuries and 4 deaths were reported.

Airbags66
Engine & cooling62
Suspension42
Electrical39
Transmission & drivetrain35
Brakes (hydraulic)24
Steering16
Seat belts16

What owners describe

The 1999 Ford Escort has 325 owner complaints, ranking #6 of 14 Escort model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 249). Complaints peaked in 1999 (60 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 3 years old, at a median of 67,856 miles. Neighboring years: 1998 (375 complaints, 0 recalls), 2000 (98 complaints, 1 recalls).

Engines & fuel economy (EPA)

EngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyComb.Fuel
2.0 L 4-cylManual 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive243428Regular
2.0 L 4-cylAutomatic 4-spdFront-Wheel Drive223125Regular

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1999 Ford Escort.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
Check 1999 Ford Escort manual
Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
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ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
Check 1999 Ford Escort manual
Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
Check 1999 Ford Escort manual

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FAQ

Does the 1999 Ford Escort have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 1999 Ford Escort, plus 1 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common 1999 Ford Escort problems?

Owners have filed 325 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are airbags (66), engine & cooling (62), suspension (42).

What gas mileage does the 1999 Ford Escort get?

EPA ratings run up to 28 mpg combined (2.0 L, Manual 5-spd), across 2 engine and transmission combos.

Where can I get a 1999 Ford Escort repair manual?

eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.

Other Escort years

19901991199219931994199519961997199819992000200120022003