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Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)Part report

1999 Ford Escort Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems

Complaints
8about this part
Share
2%of 325 total for the year
Median mileage
105,000miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the visibility of the 1999 Ford Escort, 2% of the 325 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 105,000 miles. 2 a fire, according to the filers.

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.

“I was driving with my heater fan running and began to get a burning smell. The fan then quit running. When I investigated to find out why the fan no longer would work, I found the electrical connection for the fan motor had melted and looked burnt as though it may have smoldered. I have that piece available for inspection if needed.”

NHTSA complaint #752612, filed 2001-09

“When defrosting my windshield, the section directly in front of me never fully defrosts. When the sun hits it it glares so much that I cannot see anything. Dealership found nothing wrong. It only defrosts from the inside if I wipe it off, but otherwise it stays fogged up.”

NHTSA complaint #734268, filed 2000-10

“Under carriage is separating. Spot welds are breaking. Fuel tank straps are not secured for tank, which causes it to move around. Structural integrity of vehicle is compromised because of spot welds. Windshield tilts towards driver. Passenger's door in rear of the station wagon would pivot and was getting worse.”

NHTSA complaint #876920, filed 2000-12

“Tape gets stuck in tape deck and won't play or eject. It just makes a whining noise. Heater/defrost doesn't want to work in extremely cold conditions.”

NHTSA complaint #751985, filed 2001-09

Related service bulletins

Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2003110%
200123%
200066%
199982%
1998164%
1997316%
1995142%
1994145%
1993205%
199242%
199131%
199022%
198911%
198843%
198514%

Other parts of the 1999 Ford Escort

Air bags
66 complaints
Engine cooling
62 complaints
Suspension
42 complaints
Electrical system
39 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
35 complaints
Brakes
25 complaints
Seat belts
16 complaints
Steering
16 complaints
Equipment
15 complaints
Tires
14 complaints
Fuel system
13 complaints
Exterior lighting
12 complaints

← All problems reported for the 1999 Ford Escort

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 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