AC & Heater complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (air conditioning, heater, defroster, HVAC controls).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 Ford Escort. The contact stated that the rear heater blower failed and sparks were shooting from the wiring harness. The contact was able to disconnect the harness before a fire ignited. The contact located a manufacturers recall for defective wiring of the defroster system, in which he believed to be the cause of the failure, but did not confirm if there were any recalls on his particular vehicle. The vehicle was neither inspected nor repaired. The VIN was not available. The failure and current mileage was 105,000.
Tl 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. The marker light was inoperative. Updated
In a crash, I was hit by a car going approx. 40 MPH, the airbags did not deploy. However, for 4 days following the accident there was an overwhelming odor of propellant in the car. This odor brought on a severe asthma attack for me. Also, the car hesitates and loses power when the air conditioning compressor kicks in. The car loses power enough so that it slows itself down when traveling on the highway. Also it is very alarming when it kicks on when accelerating from a stop sign or stoplight. The hesitency and power loss causes great concern for the welfare of the car.
While driving at 45 MPH vehicle stalled, and soon after consumer heard something hit the ground. Vehicle was guided to the shoulder, and consumer found that the air conditioner brackets broke. This in turn, caused the ac compressor to fall and rip a hole into the oil pan.
Dt: the contact stated the heater core ruptured, which caused water to get into the electrical system, and vehicle caught on fire. The vehicle has not been inspected to determine the cause of the problem. Upodated11/29/05.
Dt*: the contact stated there was a recall for the vehicle, NHTSA # 02V323000, concerning the air bag sensor. However, the recall remedy did not correct the problem. The vehicle was parked at an independent repair shop. The technician noticed the windows fogging up and opened the driver side door. While inside looking at the gauges the air bag deployed. This pinned the technician between the seat and steering wheel. The deployment cracked the windshield. Upon inspection, the technician determined it is the same problem indicated in the recall. There was water accumulated in the integrated air bag monitor. Updated 3/1/2006 - the consumer still has the defective parts in her possession.
When this component failed, it overheated and melted the wiring harnes. I worked for the selling dealer and made the repairs myself. Having worked at a Ford dealership, I can confirm that this melting of the wiring harness was a common problem. The failure results in no blower operation and therefore no defrosters in case of ice or fog buildup. The problem is reoccuring and we can smell the wiring overheating again. The wiring will need to be replaced or repaired again before winter. As you know, Ford has a long history of defective wiring harnesses in most of it's product line.
Frequently asked questions
Which Ford Escort years have ac & heater problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1997 (28), 1998 (13), 1999 (13) and 1995 (6) model years. AC & Heater complaints make up 5% of all complaints for the 1997.
Is there a recall for Ford Escort ac & heater problems?
No. NHTSA lists no a/c & heater recall for any Ford Escort model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Ford Escort ac & heater problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 81,000 miles; 15% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the defroster/defogger/hvac system › heater core (27 mentions), followed by the appliance › air conditioner (22).
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.