1999 Ford Escort Air bags Problems
- Complaints
- 66about this part
- Share
- 20%of 325 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 99,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 66 complaints about the air bags of the 1999 Ford Escort, 20% of the 325 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 99,000 miles. 58 of these say a crash was involved and 3 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“My then 20 year old daughter was driving our 1999 Escort zx2. She stoped at a stop sign, and as she began to accell. The air bags deployed for no reason. She was shaken up, and burned on her face and arms. I reported this to Ford motor company, they told me because the vehicle was out of warranty, they would not be responsible and would not even inestigate the concern. They advised me to contact my insurance co. I contacted farmers ins. They said that since there was no accident it was not covered. However they agreed to pay for a portion of the investigation. …”
NHTSA complaint #10108320, filed 2005-01, 106,390 miles“While driving smoke started to come out from the front passenger side air bag compartment. Consumer pulled over, and had the vehicle towed. Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10079362, filed 2004-06, 26,000 miles“The vehicle was involved in a frontal collision while driving at 45 MPH. Upon impact, none of the frontal air bags deployed. Driver sustained back and neck injuries, and is currently in therapy.”
NHTSA complaint #10087274, filed 2004-09, 98,716 miles“I just want to complain that I feel Ford motor co. Should offer a subsidie for owners of 1999 Ford Escort zx 2 automobiles for the addition of disengagment switches for their front passenger side air bags devices. I am aware that newer models come equipped with this feature. I was advised by Ford motor co. That they actually encourage people to make this addition to their cars for safety purposes. …”
NHTSA complaint #10144432, filed 2005-12“My driver side airbag popped out all of a sudden. I lost control of the car and hit a brick mail box. After the collision the other airbag popped out. I filed a police statement and I had a witness driving behind me who saw what happened. I have contacted Ford but they have not returned a call as of 8/25/03.”
NHTSA complaint #10033458, filed 2003-08Air bags: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 1 | 10% |
| 2002 | 2 | 6% |
| 2001 | 9 | 13% |
| 2000 | 18 | 18% |
| 1999 | 66 | 20% |
| 1998 | 75 | 20% |
| 1997 | 152 | 28% |
| 1996 | 18 | 9% |
| 1995 | 67 | 12% |
| 1994 | 54 | 19% |
| 1993 | 2 | 1% |
| 1991 | 1 | 0% |
| 1985 | 1 | 4% |
Other parts of the 1999 Ford Escort
62 complaintsSuspension
42 complaintsElectrical system
39 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
35 complaintsBrakes
25 complaintsSeat belts
16 complaintsSteering
16 complaintsEquipment
15 complaintsTires
14 complaintsFuel system
13 complaintsExterior lighting
12 complaintsVehicle speed control
8 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1999 Ford Escort
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Nov 1, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology