FaultScore report
Owners have filed 413 complaints about the 1999 Ford Escort with NHTSA between 1998 and 2019. The largest single group is the airbags. Across this model's run it ranks 5 of 11 worst.
FaultScore 68/100
Higher is worse. Measured against the other years of the Ford Escort.
How this is worked out413
Complaints
99
Crashes reported
14
Fires reported
58
Injuries reported
4 complaints report a death.
70,000 mi
Median mileage at failure
Half of reported failures happened before this
21%
Failed under 36,000 miles
Inside a typical bumper-to-bumper warranty
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
Click any bar to open that year's report.
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
0 crashes, 2 fires · median 105,000 mi
2 crashes, 0 fires · median 86,000 mi
Median failure at 71,000 miles
3 crashes, 0 fires · median 8,300 mi
Median failure at 55,000 miles
1 crashes, 0 fires
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all complaints include one.
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single owner can see from inside their own car.
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
AIR BAG NON-DEPLOYMENT
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
SEAT BELTS:FRONT
CERTAIN TRW DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELTS MANUFACTURED ON DECEMBER 6 AND 9, 2002, FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR 1997 FORD ESCORT 4-DOOR AND STATION WAGON PLATFORM VEHICLES, FORD'S P/N F7CZ54611B09AAC. THE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES EXHIBIT A NO-LOCK CONDITION WHICH DOES NOT COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 209, SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES.
Risk: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE RESTRAINT SYSTEM MAY NOT PROVIDE ADEQUATE PROTECTION TO THE SEAT OCCUPANT, WHICH MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.
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. 102, "TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER SEQUENCE, STARTER INTERLOCK, AND TRANSMISSION BRAKING EFFECT."
Risk: THE DRIVER MAY NOT BE AWARE OF THE TRANSMISSION POSITION OF THE VEHICLE.
Recalls cover specific build ranges, so check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or, in Canada, Transport Canada.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
POWER TRAIN
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.
NHTSA complaint #11210426 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
AIR BAGS
1999 FORD ESCORT,HAD A WRECK AND THE CAR WAS TOTALED OUT BY INSURANCE ADJUSTER,THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND EVEN THE INSURANCE ADJUSTER STATED WOW THE AIRBAGS DIDN'T EVEN DEPLOY. ME AND MY GIRLFRIEND WERE INJURED AND WENT TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM AND HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO WORK SINCE OCTOBER 2011 AND HAVE OVER 100,000 DOLLARS ALONE IN MEDICAL BILLS AND STILL HAVE TO HAVE SURGERY. AIRBAGS SHOULD HAVE WORKED LIKE THEY WERE INSTALLED TO DO. I CALLED AND SPOKE WITH SOMEONE AT YOUR LOCATION AND SHE SAID THAT THERE WASN'T A RECALL YET,BUT THEY HAVE HAD SEVERAL COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE SAME THING. I DID NOT KNOW HOW TO FILL OUT THE INFORMATION ABOUT THE EQUIPMENT. MY COMPLAINT IS THAT THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY OR WORK WHEN WE HAD A ACCIDENT IN WHICH THE CAR WAS TOTALED OUT AND WE WERE IN A 1999 FORD ESCORT.
NHTSA complaint #10458854 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EQUIPMENT
1999 FORD ESCORT,HAD A WRECK AND THE CAR WAS TOTALED OUT BY INSURANCE ADJUSTER,THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND EVEN THE INSURANCE ADJUSTER STATED WOW THE AIRBAGS DIDN'T EVEN DEPLOY. ME AND MY GIRLFRIEND WERE INJURED AND WENT TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM AND HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO WORK SINCE OCTOBER 2011 AND HAVE OVER 100,000 DOLLARS ALONE IN MEDICAL BILLS AND STILL HAVE TO HAVE SURGERY. AIRBAGS SHOULD HAVE WORKED LIKE THEY WERE INSTALLED TO DO. I CALLED AND SPOKE WITH SOMEONE AT YOUR LOCATION AND SHE SAID THAT THERE WASN'T A RECALL YET,BUT THEY HAVE HAD SEVERAL COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE SAME THING. I DID NOT KNOW HOW TO FILL OUT THE INFORMATION ABOUT THE EQUIPMENT. MY COMPLAINT IS THAT THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY OR WORK WHEN WE HAD A ACCIDENT IN WHICH THE CAR WAS TOTALED OUT AND WE WERE IN A 1999 FORD ESCORT.
NHTSA complaint #10458854 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #10364409 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:FAN/MOTOR
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.
NHTSA complaint #10364409 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1999 FORD ESCORT. WHILE DRIVING 40-45 MPH, THE CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH AND THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY UPON IMPACT. THE POLICE AND AMBULANCE APPEARED ON THE SCENE AND ONE OF THE VEHICLE OCCUPANTS WAS REPORTED INJURED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO AN IMPOUND LOT. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 132,000. UPDATED 10/19/10
NHTSA complaint #10329163 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
POWER TRAIN
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.
NHTSA complaint #11210426 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
AIR BAGS
VEHICLE AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON AND IS STILL ACTIVATED, WON'T TURN OFF. THERE HAS BEEN NO COLLISIONS OR ACTIVITY THAT CAUSED LIGHT TO BE ACTIVATED.
NHTSA complaint #11032000 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
WHILE DRIVING , THE CAR LOST POWER AND THE STEERING WHEEL WAS HARD TO TURN, AFTER COMING TO A STOP, WE TRIED TO START THE CAR UP AGAIN IT BSOUNDED LIKE IT WANTED TO TURN OVER BUT DIDN'T AFTER A FEW TRIES IT STOPPED MAKING ANY NOISE. A MECHANIC SAID THE ENGINE BLEW AND THAT IT WAS A ON GOING PROBLEM FOR THIS YEAR AND MAKE OF CAR. THE ENGINE WAS PUT IN THE CAR WHEN WE BOUGHT IT, IT WAS ADVERTISED AS NEW SO THE PREVIOUS OWNER MUST HAVE HAD THISHAPPEN TO THEM AND KNOWINGLY SOLD US THEIR PROBLEM. PLEASE WE NEED HELP.
NHTSA complaint #10992090 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
SINCE 2001, I HAVE HAD MY CAR SERVICED AT FORD AND SEARS REPAIR SHOP TO ADDRESS MY COMPLAINTS THAT WHEN MY CAR IS STATIONARY IT HAS EXCESSIVE VIBRATION. I WAS TOLD BY MANY FORD SHOPS THAT IT WAS NOTHING THAT I NEED TO REPLACE THE MOTOR MOUNTS. IT WAS REPLACED THE MOUNTS AND IT LAST LONG AND STILL THE VIBRATION CONTINUED. RECENTLY, I TOOK MY CAR TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP REGARDING THAT SAME COMPLAINT AND THEY FOUND IT IS AN "ENGINEER DEFECT: ENGINE-IDLE VIBRATION". CAN THIS BE REPAIRED BY FORD AND AT NO COST TO ME?
NHTSA complaint #10947015 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD ESCORT. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS RUSTED ON THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE BRAKE LINES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 137,000.
NHTSA complaint #10610759 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUSPENSION
TOOK CAR IN FOR OIL CHANGE. TECH DISCOVERED BOTH REAR SPRINGS ARE BROKEN. WAS QUOTED $1200 TO REPLACE, INCLUDING STRUTS (STILL GOOD). I AM IN MINNESOTA AND THIS CAR HAS NO TRACTION IN THE SNOW. I CAN DRIVE AT 10 MPH AND THE BACK STILL BREAKS TRACTION. I HAVE SPUN OUT MORE DRIVING THIS CAR THAN I HAVE WITH ANY OTHER VEHICLE. I DO THINK FORD DESIGNED AND SOLD AN UNSAFE VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #10605710 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS
TOOK CAR IN TO HAVE THE MUFFLER FIX AND THEY SAID THE FRAME WAS BUSTED AND COMING UP THROUGH THE FLOOR BOARDS SEPARATING FROM THE CAR. ALSO THE FRAME UNDER DOORS ARE ERODING. THEY SAID IT IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE AND IF I HIT ONE BIG POTHOLE I WOULD BE IN BIG TROUBLE.
NHTSA complaint #10596558 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
TL* 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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
AIR BAGS
1999 FORD ESCORT,HAD A WRECK AND THE CAR WAS TOTALED OUT BY INSURANCE ADJUSTER,THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND EVEN THE INSURANCE ADJUSTER STATED WOW THE AIRBAGS DIDN'T EVEN DEPLOY. ME AND MY GIRLFRIEND WERE INJURED AND WENT TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM AND HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO WORK SINCE OCTOBER 2011 AND HAVE OVER 100,000 DOLLARS ALONE IN MEDICAL BILLS AND STILL HAVE TO HAVE SURGERY. AIRBAGS SHOULD HAVE WORKED LIKE THEY WERE INSTALLED TO DO. I CALLED AND SPOKE WITH SOMEONE AT YOUR LOCATION AND SHE SAID THAT THERE WASN'T A RECALL YET,BUT THEY HAVE HAD SEVERAL COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE SAME THING. I DID NOT KNOW HOW TO FILL OUT THE INFORMATION ABOUT THE EQUIPMENT. MY COMPLAINT IS THAT THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY OR WORK WHEN WE HAD A ACCIDENT IN WHICH THE CAR WAS TOTALED OUT AND WE WERE IN A 1999 FORD ESCORT.
NHTSA complaint #10458854 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EQUIPMENT
1999 FORD ESCORT,HAD A WRECK AND THE CAR WAS TOTALED OUT BY INSURANCE ADJUSTER,THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND EVEN THE INSURANCE ADJUSTER STATED WOW THE AIRBAGS DIDN'T EVEN DEPLOY. ME AND MY GIRLFRIEND WERE INJURED AND WENT TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM AND HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO WORK SINCE OCTOBER 2011 AND HAVE OVER 100,000 DOLLARS ALONE IN MEDICAL BILLS AND STILL HAVE TO HAVE SURGERY. AIRBAGS SHOULD HAVE WORKED LIKE THEY WERE INSTALLED TO DO. I CALLED AND SPOKE WITH SOMEONE AT YOUR LOCATION AND SHE SAID THAT THERE WASN'T A RECALL YET,BUT THEY HAVE HAD SEVERAL COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE SAME THING. I DID NOT KNOW HOW TO FILL OUT THE INFORMATION ABOUT THE EQUIPMENT. MY COMPLAINT IS THAT THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY OR WORK WHEN WE HAD A ACCIDENT IN WHICH THE CAR WAS TOTALED OUT AND WE WERE IN A 1999 FORD ESCORT.
NHTSA complaint #10458854 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD ESCORT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. A LOCAL MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT THE TIMING BELT WAS DEFECTIVE. IN ADDITION, THE MOTOR FAILED. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 93,083.
NHTSA complaint #10443205 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #10364409 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:FAN/MOTOR
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.
NHTSA complaint #10364409 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUSPENSION:REAR
I BOUGHT A USED 1999 FORD ESCORT STATIONS WAGON WITH ONLY 16K MILES ON IT. AT 30K MILES I TOOK IT TO A LOCAL FORD DEALER FOR AN OIL CHANGE AND THEY GAVE ME AN ESTIMATE FOR $585 TO REPLACE THE REAR COIL SPRINGS THAT ARE BROKEN, SAYING IT WAS A SAFETY HAZARD. NOTE I NEVER ASKED FOR MORE THAN A SIMPLE OIL CHANGE. IN READING ALL THE COMPLAINTS HERE FOR BROKEN SPRINGS I BELIEVE FORD HAS GOTTEN AWAY WITH A MAJOR SAFETY DEFECT THAT EVEN ITS DEALERS ARE WELL AWARE OF.
NHTSA complaint #10357495 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1999 FORD ESCORT. WHILE DRIVING 40-45 MPH, THE CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH AND THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY UPON IMPACT. THE POLICE AND AMBULANCE APPEARED ON THE SCENE AND ONE OF THE VEHICLE OCCUPANTS WAS REPORTED INJURED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO AN IMPOUND LOT. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 132,000. UPDATED 10/19/10
NHTSA complaint #10329163 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TIRES
FIRESTONE 710 TIRES. LESS THAN 20,000 MILES, TREAD IS GONE, DOES NOT HANDLE ON ICE AND SNOW. TIRES ARE SOLD IN MINNESOTA, WERE IT SNOWS A LOT. TIRES ROTATED ONCE SO COMPANY WILL NOT STAND BY 65,000 MILE WARRANTY. HIGHWAY MILES, NO REASON FOR TREAD TO HAVE WORN OFF SO SOON. PLEASE CHECK IF TIRE IS DEFECTIVE AND IF SHOULD BE SOLD IN AREAS WHERE IT SNOWS QUITE OFTEN. I HAVE ALMOST GONE OFF THE ROAD MANY TIMES THIS WINTER, SEEMS LIKE YOUR GLIDING ON AIR.
NHTSA complaint #10298347 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD ESCORT. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH HE REAR-ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED AND NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 99,000.
NHTSA complaint #10295582 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN
COMPANY STATES THEY DO A COMPREHENSIVE INSPECTION, SELL HIGH QUALITY USED VEHICLES, MEET CUSTOMERS PERSONAL NEEDS, AND BACK THEIR PRODUCT. NO INSPECTION WAS DONE, ONLY COSMETIC REPAIRS TO SELL THE CAR. NO INSPECTION REPORT CAN BE PRODUCED EXCEPT THE REPAIRS BEFORE CAR WAS PUT ON LOT. THIS VEHICLE IS FAR FROM THE HIGH QUALITY. WE HAVE HAD THIS VEHICLE BACK IN THE SHOP 14 TIMES IN 14 MONTHS. IT DID NOT MEET THE 4 PERSONAL NEEDS WE REQUESTED. EVERYTHING WITH THOSE NEEDS HAS GONE COMPLETELY WRONG! WE DID NOT WANT A FORD; WE GOT A FORD, IT IS NOT RELIABLE. WE HAVE BEEN DEALING WITH THE AC AT THE SHOP 7 TIMES, NOW RENDERING THE CAR DISABLED. IT IS NOT RELIABLE, KEEPS BREAKING DOWN. IT DOES NOT GET GOOD MILEAGE; CAR GETS 21 MPG WHEN IT SHOULD GET ABOUT 35-38 ACCORDING TO MFG. WARRANTY WAS BURNED BY MILES GOING BACK AND FORTH TO SHOP FOR CONSTANT REPAIRS. 700 MILES FOR THE SAME ISSUE- THE AC. SERVICE ISSUES ARE THAT THEY HAVE NOT FOUND THE ROUTE OF THE PROBLEM AND WE KEEP HAVING TO GO BACK TO GET THE SAME THING FIXED. OWNER IS UNCOOPERATIVE, WONT LISTEN, ALWAYS COMES BACK WITH RESPONSES AND REPLIES THAT GO IN CIRCLES. HE WILL NOT LISTEN. WE HAVE BEEN ASKING FOR A DIFFERENT CAR SINCE TWO WEEKS AFTER WE BOUGHT THIS CAR; WHEN WE FOUND OUT THE CAR WAS UNSAFE TO BE PUT ON THE ROAD. WITHIN TWO WEEKS IT WAS IN THE SHOP FOR BROKEN MOTOR MOUNTS, BROKEN TRANSMISSION MOUNTS, BAD FUEL PUMP, WORN BRAKE PADS TO METAL. WHICH WERE WORN IN TWO WEEKS AFTER THEY WERE CHANGED BECAUSE OF A WARPED ROTOR. WE HAD TOLD THEM THERE WAS A SHAKE IN THE CAR WHEN WE DID A TEST DRIVE. THEY SAID IT WOULD HAPPEN TO A FORD. WE DID NOT WANT A FORD! WE WERE DESPERATE BECAUSE OUR CAR WAS DISABLED, OLD AND READY FOR THE JUNKYARD. WE WERE BROKE AND COULD NOT COME UP WITH A DOWN PAYMENT. THIS WAS THE ONLY PLACE THAT ADVERTISED NO DOWN PAYMENT. WE DID NOT NEED TO REPAIR CREDIT AS MOST PEOPLE WHO GO HERE. WE WERE APPROVED EVERYWHERE, JUST HAD NO DOWN PAYMENT.
NHTSA complaint #10284836 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
COMPANY STATES THEY DO A COMPREHENSIVE INSPECTION, SELL HIGH QUALITY USED VEHICLES, MEET CUSTOMERS PERSONAL NEEDS, AND BACK THEIR PRODUCT. NO INSPECTION WAS DONE, ONLY COSMETIC REPAIRS TO SELL THE CAR. NO INSPECTION REPORT CAN BE PRODUCED EXCEPT THE REPAIRS BEFORE CAR WAS PUT ON LOT. THIS VEHICLE IS FAR FROM THE HIGH QUALITY. WE HAVE HAD THIS VEHICLE BACK IN THE SHOP 14 TIMES IN 14 MONTHS. IT DID NOT MEET THE 4 PERSONAL NEEDS WE REQUESTED. EVERYTHING WITH THOSE NEEDS HAS GONE COMPLETELY WRONG! WE DID NOT WANT A FORD; WE GOT A FORD, IT IS NOT RELIABLE. WE HAVE BEEN DEALING WITH THE AC AT THE SHOP 7 TIMES, NOW RENDERING THE CAR DISABLED. IT IS NOT RELIABLE, KEEPS BREAKING DOWN. IT DOES NOT GET GOOD MILEAGE; CAR GETS 21 MPG WHEN IT SHOULD GET ABOUT 35-38 ACCORDING TO MFG. WARRANTY WAS BURNED BY MILES GOING BACK AND FORTH TO SHOP FOR CONSTANT REPAIRS. 700 MILES FOR THE SAME ISSUE- THE AC. SERVICE ISSUES ARE THAT THEY HAVE NOT FOUND THE ROUTE OF THE PROBLEM AND WE KEEP HAVING TO GO BACK TO GET THE SAME THING FIXED. OWNER IS UNCOOPERATIVE, WONT LISTEN, ALWAYS COMES BACK WITH RESPONSES AND REPLIES THAT GO IN CIRCLES. HE WILL NOT LISTEN. WE HAVE BEEN ASKING FOR A DIFFERENT CAR SINCE TWO WEEKS AFTER WE BOUGHT THIS CAR; WHEN WE FOUND OUT THE CAR WAS UNSAFE TO BE PUT ON THE ROAD. WITHIN TWO WEEKS IT WAS IN THE SHOP FOR BROKEN MOTOR MOUNTS, BROKEN TRANSMISSION MOUNTS, BAD FUEL PUMP, WORN BRAKE PADS TO METAL. WHICH WERE WORN IN TWO WEEKS AFTER THEY WERE CHANGED BECAUSE OF A WARPED ROTOR. WE HAD TOLD THEM THERE WAS A SHAKE IN THE CAR WHEN WE DID A TEST DRIVE. THEY SAID IT WOULD HAPPEN TO A FORD. WE DID NOT WANT A FORD! WE WERE DESPERATE BECAUSE OUR CAR WAS DISABLED, OLD AND READY FOR THE JUNKYARD. WE WERE BROKE AND COULD NOT COME UP WITH A DOWN PAYMENT. THIS WAS THE ONLY PLACE THAT ADVERTISED NO DOWN PAYMENT. WE DID NOT NEED TO REPAIR CREDIT AS MOST PEOPLE WHO GO HERE. WE WERE APPROVED EVERYWHERE, JUST HAD NO DOWN PAYMENT.
NHTSA complaint #10284836 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
COMPANY STATES THEY DO A COMPREHENSIVE INSPECTION, SELL HIGH QUALITY USED VEHICLES, MEET CUSTOMERS PERSONAL NEEDS, AND BACK THEIR PRODUCT. NO INSPECTION WAS DONE, ONLY COSMETIC REPAIRS TO SELL THE CAR. NO INSPECTION REPORT CAN BE PRODUCED EXCEPT THE REPAIRS BEFORE CAR WAS PUT ON LOT. THIS VEHICLE IS FAR FROM THE HIGH QUALITY. WE HAVE HAD THIS VEHICLE BACK IN THE SHOP 14 TIMES IN 14 MONTHS. IT DID NOT MEET THE 4 PERSONAL NEEDS WE REQUESTED. EVERYTHING WITH THOSE NEEDS HAS GONE COMPLETELY WRONG! WE DID NOT WANT A FORD; WE GOT A FORD, IT IS NOT RELIABLE. WE HAVE BEEN DEALING WITH THE AC AT THE SHOP 7 TIMES, NOW RENDERING THE CAR DISABLED. IT IS NOT RELIABLE, KEEPS BREAKING DOWN. IT DOES NOT GET GOOD MILEAGE; CAR GETS 21 MPG WHEN IT SHOULD GET ABOUT 35-38 ACCORDING TO MFG. WARRANTY WAS BURNED BY MILES GOING BACK AND FORTH TO SHOP FOR CONSTANT REPAIRS. 700 MILES FOR THE SAME ISSUE- THE AC. SERVICE ISSUES ARE THAT THEY HAVE NOT FOUND THE ROUTE OF THE PROBLEM AND WE KEEP HAVING TO GO BACK TO GET THE SAME THING FIXED. OWNER IS UNCOOPERATIVE, WONT LISTEN, ALWAYS COMES BACK WITH RESPONSES AND REPLIES THAT GO IN CIRCLES. HE WILL NOT LISTEN. WE HAVE BEEN ASKING FOR A DIFFERENT CAR SINCE TWO WEEKS AFTER WE BOUGHT THIS CAR; WHEN WE FOUND OUT THE CAR WAS UNSAFE TO BE PUT ON THE ROAD. WITHIN TWO WEEKS IT WAS IN THE SHOP FOR BROKEN MOTOR MOUNTS, BROKEN TRANSMISSION MOUNTS, BAD FUEL PUMP, WORN BRAKE PADS TO METAL. WHICH WERE WORN IN TWO WEEKS AFTER THEY WERE CHANGED BECAUSE OF A WARPED ROTOR. WE HAD TOLD THEM THERE WAS A SHAKE IN THE CAR WHEN WE DID A TEST DRIVE. THEY SAID IT WOULD HAPPEN TO A FORD. WE DID NOT WANT A FORD! WE WERE DESPERATE BECAUSE OUR CAR WAS DISABLED, OLD AND READY FOR THE JUNKYARD. WE WERE BROKE AND COULD NOT COME UP WITH A DOWN PAYMENT. THIS WAS THE ONLY PLACE THAT ADVERTISED NO DOWN PAYMENT. WE DID NOT NEED TO REPAIR CREDIT AS MOST PEOPLE WHO GO HERE. WE WERE APPROVED EVERYWHERE, JUST HAD NO DOWN PAYMENT.
NHTSA complaint #10284836 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
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.
NHTSA complaint #10277102 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #10277102 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM
EXCESSIVE ENGINE VIBRATION BRAKES FRONT EXHAUST PIPE AND FUMES GET INTO CAR.
NHTSA complaint #10257216 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD ESCORT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE DROPPED TWO VALVE SEATS. AS A RESULT, TWO CYLINDER HEADS FAILED. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE PERFORMED AS IF IT WERE NOT RECEIVING ANY POWER AND THEN SHUT OFF. THERE WAS NO COMPRESSION, BUT THE VEHICLE STILL DROVE POORLY. THE CONTACT ALSO HEARD A DISTURBING, CHOPPING NOISE UNDER THE HOOD. SHE PURCHASED A REBUILT ENGINE AND HAD THE TRANSMISSION SENSORS REPLACED; HOWEVER, THE ENGINE FAILED AGAIN SIX MONTHS LATER. THE CONTACT PURCHASED A NEW ENGINE, WHICH WAS SUPPOSED TO BE UNDER A LIFETIME WARRANTY, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED AND THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AGAIN. BOTH THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 142,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 100,000.
NHTSA complaint #10238875 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.