1999 Ford Escort Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 39about this part
- Share
- 12%of 325 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 70,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 39 complaints about the electrical system of the 1999 Ford Escort, 12% of the 325 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 70,000 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved and 7 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I was out of town, drove for 2 1/2 hrs then parked for shopping. Was on way back home..10 min into drive, when my Ford Escort zx2 just lost all power while driving on the highway. I had little warning..a minute before it was running rough then nothing..no gauges or steering etc. I had the alternator replaced (did not think to keep the old part) and have replaced several fuses just because since it keeps doing this and the scary part is I bought it for my son who is a new driver and he had it happen to him twice in one day and twice to myself the next day. …”
NHTSA complaint #10155253, filed 2006-04, 109,240 miles“My car has 55000 miles and its a 1999 Escort.y transmission needs to be replaced. I have replaced the timing belt, this at less than 55000 miles? I was driving on a very busy street and the car died and would not restart. The shop replaced the timing belt and the pully's. Now I have gone to work monday morning and came out to go home, the car would not start again, just tried to turn over. I had it towed to the shop again, now its the fuel pump. There is no way that any of these problems should have started to happen yet on this car. …”
NHTSA complaint #10096479, filed 2004-10, 54,000 miles“Right front headlight was going on and off for a couple days. Got a replacement bulb to change light. Found the harness that connects into the back of the light to be melted and partially burnt. Had to replace harness.”
NHTSA complaint #10288831, filed 2009-10, 67,100 miles“Consumer was driving when suddenly smoke came from the steering wheel. He pulled to the side of the road and saw flames. The fire department responded to put the fire out.”
NHTSA complaint #10119335, filed 2005-04, 76,000 miles“The vehicles horn stopped blowing. The consumer feels that the horn is a safety issue, and other drivers need to be made aware. Ts the repair f the horn would require the replacement of the air bag. Scc”
NHTSA complaint #8023365, filed 2002-11, 68,000 milesElectrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 2 | 6% |
| 2001 | 5 | 7% |
| 2000 | 5 | 5% |
| 1999 | 39 | 12% |
| 1998 | 43 | 11% |
| 1997 | 114 | 21% |
| 1996 | 14 | 7% |
| 1995 | 48 | 8% |
| 1994 | 30 | 11% |
| 1993 | 40 | 11% |
| 1992 | 36 | 22% |
| 1991 | 104 | 32% |
| 1990 | 46 | 46% |
| 1989 | 64 | 42% |
| 1988 | 75 | 52% |
| 1987 | 28 | 50% |
| 1986 | 19 | 42% |
| 1985 | 9 | 35% |
| 1984 | 11 | 52% |
| 1983 | 2 | 29% |
Other parts of the 1999 Ford Escort
66 complaintsEngine cooling
62 complaintsSuspension
42 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 Oct 28, 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