MYRModel Year Report

1999 Ford Escort

■ Significantly worse — known issue year
1999 Ford Escort
BUILT 2026-10-10

This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints
325
Recalls
2

Campaigns on file for 1999

Investigations
1

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Air bags

21% of complaints

Complaints per year

1981: 1 complaint 1981 1982: 4 complaints 1983: 7 complaints 1984: 21 complaints 1984 1985: 26 complaints 1986: 46 complaints 1987: 59 complaints 1987 1988: 148 complaints 1989: 152 complaints 1990: 104 complaints 1990 1991: 335 complaints 1992: 166 complaints 1993: 383 complaints 1993 1994: 289 complaints 1995: 576 complaints 1996: 205 complaints 1996 1997: 543 complaints 1998: 375 complaints 1999: 325 complaints 1999 325 2000: 98 complaints 2001: 68 complaints 2002: 33 complaints 2002 2003: 10 complaints
1981: 1 complaint 1981 1982: 4 complaints 1983: 7 complaints 1983 1984: 21 complaints 1985: 26 complaints 1985 1986: 46 complaints 1987: 59 complaints 1987 1988: 148 complaints 1989: 152 complaints 1989 1990: 104 complaints 1991: 335 complaints 1991 1992: 166 complaints 1993: 383 complaints 1993 1994: 289 complaints 1995: 576 complaints 1995 1996: 205 complaints 1997: 543 complaints 1997 1998: 375 complaints 1999: 325 complaints 1999 325 2000: 98 complaints 2001: 68 complaints 2001 2002: 33 complaints 2003: 10 complaints 2003
1981: 1 complaint 1981 1982: 4 complaints 1982 1983: 7 complaints 1983 1984: 21 complaints 1984 1985: 26 complaints 1985 1986: 46 complaints 1986 1987: 59 complaints 1987 1988: 148 complaints 1988 1989: 152 complaints 1989 1990: 104 complaints 1990 1991: 335 complaints 1991 1992: 166 complaints 1992 1993: 383 complaints 1993 1994: 289 complaints 1994 1995: 576 complaints 1995 1996: 205 complaints 1996 1997: 543 complaints 1997 1998: 375 complaints 1998 1999: 325 complaints 1999 325 2000: 98 complaints 2000 2001: 68 complaints 2001 2002: 33 complaints 2002 2003: 10 complaints 2003

1999: 325 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19811
19824
19837
198421
198526
198646
198759
1988148
1989152
1990104
1991335
1992166
1993383
1994289
1995576
1996205
1997543
1998375
1999325
200098
200168
200233
200310

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Air bags

21% · 68 reports

Most commonly citing frontal and side/window.

CRASHFIREINJURYDEATH
Show complaint excerpts

1999 Ford Escort,had a wreck and the car was totaled out by insurance adjuster,the airbags did not deploy and even the insurance adjuster stated wow the airbags didn't even deploy.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-05-17

Also filed under Equipment

Air bags did not release when impact to a tree occurred. Estimated speed was 45 miles per hour. Damaged done to front by collision with tree.

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-02-25

In a frontal collision none of the air bags deployed on impact.

NHTSA ODI report, 2002-09-19

Engine and engine cooling

19% · 62 reports

Most commonly citing gasoline and engine.

CRASHINJURY

Electrical system

14% · 46 reports

Most commonly citing ignition and horn.

CRASHFIREINJURYDEATH
Show complaint excerpts

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 1998-12-16

Suspension

13% · 42 reports

Most commonly citing coil springs and springs.

CRASHINJURY

Power train

11% · 35 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission and manual transmission.

CRASHFIREINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owns a 1999 Ford Escort. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and no occupant inside, the vehicle rolled backwards and crashed into another vehicle. A police report was filed.

NHTSA ODI report, 2019-05-28

Safety timeline

2 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. ▮
    1999Complaint volume 325 complaints filed for this model year.
  2. R
    1999-11-02Power train99V276000 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…

    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…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  3. I
    2001-04-19Defect petitionClosed 2001-11-01 Air bag non-deployment
  4. R
    2004-08-27Seat belts04E048000 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…

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

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1999 Ford Escort — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Air bags: 68 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine and engine cooling: 62 reports on file for this year.
  • Electrical system: 46 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 99V276000 · Power train
  • Recall 04E048000 · Seat belts
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 1999 Ford Escort reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1999 Ford Escort is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 1999 Ford Escort?
The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 21% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1999 Ford Escort have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.