Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1999 Ford Escort owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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. The contact stated that the gear shift lever was in the park position at the time. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000. The VIN was not available.
Noticed that engine warning light was coming up on and off, changed spark plugs,wires, light would go off for a period and than come back on. I was driving down the freeway between 65-70 miles/hour when I hured a loud bang , pulled off the freeway, I had the car taking to a local Ford dealership, service writer told me that the valve seat in the head had seperated and fell into the motor. He also told me that the 1.9 motor had a flaw in the head and Ford motor company new about this problem for many years. Than he showed me another Escort that6 had the same exact problem and that this was not the first car he seened with this problem. Second problem: I have had to replace 3 transmitions with in a year, which was covered by Ford motor company and possibly a 4th. I don't know because the motor went. …
OK, so I just bought my 1999 Ford Escort zx2 on December 1, 2008 at 82,000 miles. 2 months later I needed to replace my alternator in February 2009. In May 2009 my engine blew, apparently the #1 rod separated and went through the oil pan. I replaced the engine since I still have a loan on the car. It is now July 2009 and my transmission is slipping. I only have owned this car for less than 8 months and repair costs are more than what I paid for this. Unfortunately I can't get rid of it because I don't have enough money for a better car and now I am in this endless cycle of repairs.
1999 Escort automatic transmission was completely replaced at 30,906 miles (6/8/2001). 35,386 miles later (3/30/2004), the differential assembly blew up and destroyed the automatic transmission. Ford's customer support cntr on 4/6/04 said I would be responded to within 3 business days. I tried e-mailing them again, and I still have no response. A total of 66,292 miles and two new transmissions broken. Today is six business days later. I feel I am now being ignored by Ford. They know I have bought 8 Ford cars/trucks since 1977. I have dmv records for 6 of them.
When pressing gas accelerator pedal, car does not move. Car hesitates when starting from a stop. Occasionally (about 1 of 2 times) the car will shut down and check engine lights and other service lights appear. The transmission was replaced once already on 11/29/00. Transmission further complained about on 1/15/01 and 8/9/01 - told there was no problem. The car has been towed by aaa twice in past two weeks. 5 mechanics cannot diagnosis the problem. Also, when car is idling, in gear, the whole car shakes.
1999 Ford Escort, 5 speed manual transmission, station wagon: oil leaked through the camshaft bolts into the manual clutch assembly, causing it to gum up and eventually fail to disengage the transmission. Symptoms included the car lurching forward when starting the engine with the clutch fully depressed, and a thumping sound when the clutch was depressed while driving. The clutch was replaced at owner's expense by kayser Ford in madison wi; unclear what was done with the old parts.
Transmission had to be replaced 3 times because it went bad within at 47,000 miles while driving transmission made a noise like it was straining to go into gear. It felt like vehicle was being driven in second gear instead of drive. Dealership only replaced transmission, but did not provide a cause for the problem.
Vehicle lunged forward while in neutral, causing a front end collision with garage wall. Dealer has been contacted, and informed consumer that oil pan was dented. Also, vehicle will not shift into reverse. Please provide further details.
With no warning or early signs, transmission burned up. Drove fine the night before, woke up the next morning and had not transmission. Transmission fluid was black. Had to get entire transmission rebuilt.
Intermittently vehicle will not engage into reverse. When it does engage it will accelerate unexpectedly. Dealer has repaired and inspected the vehicle several tmes, and problem still exists.
Related recalls
Power train › Manual transmission › Shift pattern indicator
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 pattern is not displayed in the occupant compartment in view of the driver. This does not comply with the requirements of FMVSS no.
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 forward of the shift…
Transmission complaints in other Escort years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 1999 Ford Escort?
NHTSA has 35 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 1999 Ford Escort, 11% of the model year's 325 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (28 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1999 Ford Escort transmission problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 99V-276 (shift pattern indicator, Oct 12, 1999). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1999 Ford Escort transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 66,000 miles, and 23% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 1 fire and 2 injuries to transmission & drivetrain problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.