1997 Ford Escort: headlights failing or too dim

8 of the 543 complaints about the 1997 Ford Escort describe headlights failing or too dim.

owner complaints: 8
of this car's complaints: 1%
recalls: 0

Is there a fix? 10 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below

Headlights failing or too dim by model year

2002
1
2001
2
1999
16
1998
4
1997
8
1996
2
1995
4
1994
6
1993
4
1992
3
1991
4

What owners say

Filed Aug 19, 2005 · Lights · 52,000 miles · NY

Dt: headlights are fogging up due to moisture. Caller is concerned that they will not pass inspection if they get any worse. Dealer said headlights need to be replaced, and that was all they could do. Manufacturer has not been called yet.*ak the 2 headlights were replaced. Consumer thought when the right directional malfunctioned , it was due to the mositure too.

Filed Apr 19, 2004 · Lights · FL

While driving at night consumer noticed that the headlights were dim. The plastic lens that covered the headlights was frosted. This caused poor visibility. Vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that headlight assembly needed to be replaced.

Filed Dec 9, 2003 · Lights · TN

We have a 1997 ford escort, and the plastic lens that covers the headlights is extremely frosted. This means when driving at night, the amount of light output by the headlights is reduced, limiting the visibility of the road in front of the vehicle which could be hazardous. When the bright lights are turned on, the additional light output is small, once again due to the frosted lens on both headlights. I have noticed this on another escort, and no doubt it exists on others. A local auto repair shop says it is a defect. The plastic lens should remain clear. I believe ford should replace them. They should remain free of any haze for the life of the vehicle. I checked and to replace both, it would cost I believe something like $250 or $300 dollars!

Filed Oct 13, 2003 · Lights · FL

Headlight lens dull, cloudy. Headlights are not as bright as they should be.

Filed Mar 18, 2003 · Lights · 50,000 miles · FL

The vehicle's headlights were dull which impaired the drivers vision. The dealer has been notified.

Filed Jan 24, 2002 · Acceleration, Electrical · NM

An electrical short circuit is occurring within vehicle which is causing vehicle battery to completely lose power. *ak consumer states radio caused battery to drain and speakers to pop, radio replaced 3 times, experiencing other electrical problems with the headlights dimming when the heater is on or when applying brakes, radiator had to be replaced, engine lights come on intermittently, and poor acceleration when going up a hill.

Filed Jul 16, 2001 · Lights · IL

The passenger side head light seal failed.

Filed Feb 1, 2000 · Electrical, Lights · MI

Intermittently headlights become inoperable. Headlights would not come on when ca ris warm. If consumer runs the car for an hour with headlights on, then shuts car and lights off, then turns sit back on within an hour or two, headlights will not come on. Dealer checked and replaced relay, but still didn't fix the problem. Possible faulty wiring.