1999 Ford Escort Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 12about this part
- Share
- 4%of 325 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 50,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 12 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 1999 Ford Escort, 4% of the 325 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 50,000 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“1) headlamps: originally thought there was a loose wire because right light would work periodically. Upon further inspection, my mechanic found the connection to which the bulb was plugged had melted some what. He suggested that I return to the dealer to ask if there were any recalls on this particular problem, which I intend to do tomorrow. 2) brake pedal: recently I found it necessary to have new brake pads installed. Part of the problem (for me) was the brake pedal was too soft and too low (the brakes were bad also). The repairs were made by an extremely reputable mechanic. …”
NHTSA complaint #10010716, filed 2003-03, 37,300 miles“Dt: contact states the headlight socket went out on 1999 Ford Escort. The dealership was consumer telling that if she did not have the socket replaced it will cause a fire. But they will not fix it under warranty because the warranty sayid that electronic parts werw not covered under the warranty.”
NHTSA complaint #10129289, filed 2005-07, 58,000 miles“The contact owns a 1999 Ford Escort. The contact stated that the entire air conditioning unit had to be replaced within a month of her purchasing the vehicle. She also stated that the timing chain needed to be replaced in august of 2007. A day or two later, the valves needed to be replaced as well. The radio and clock in the vehicle would intermittently turn on and off and made a strange noise. The dealer stated that the contact was responsible for the cost of the diagnostic. The current mileage was 136,964 and failure mileage was approximately 150. Updated 5/19/08 the gear light went out. …”
NHTSA complaint #10225715, filed 2008-04, 150 miles“Consumer called complaining about having problem with the vehicle intermittently headlights due to a melted wires. Dealer has inspected replaced wires connection on several times, and could not correct the problem. Please provide further information. Ts”
NHTSA complaint #10002027, filed 2003-01“The contact owns a 1999 Ford Escort. The contact stated that the driver's side headlight burned out several times and would recur sporadically. The contact did not take the vehicle to the dealer for repairs or inspection. The failure mileage was unknown, but the current mileage was 143,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10475002, filed 2012-09Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 1 | 3% |
| 2001 | 1 | 1% |
| 2000 | 2 | 2% |
| 1999 | 12 | 4% |
| 1998 | 3 | 1% |
| 1997 | 12 | 2% |
| 1996 | 1 | 0% |
| 1995 | 12 | 2% |
| 1994 | 5 | 2% |
| 1993 | 5 | 1% |
| 1992 | 8 | 5% |
| 1991 | 16 | 5% |
| 1989 | 9 | 6% |
| 1988 | 11 | 8% |
| 1986 | 2 | 4% |
| 1985 | 1 | 4% |
Other parts of the 1999 Ford Escort
66 complaintsEngine cooling
62 complaintsSuspension
42 complaintsElectrical system
39 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
35 complaintsBrakes
25 complaintsSeat belts
16 complaintsSteering
16 complaintsEquipment
15 complaintsTires
14 complaintsFuel system
13 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 31, 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