Ford Escort headlights problems

Filed Sep 11, 2012 · Lights · WI

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.

Filed Oct 18, 2009 · Electrical · 67,100 miles · WV

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.

Filed Apr 23, 2008 · Electrical, Engine · 85,000 miles · MD

I purchased my se in november of 2006 with less than 83k miles on it. Three months after purchasing it, one of the head gaskets cracked. I had the head repaired, and less than two months after that the head cracked again. I had the engine replaced. I have now had new heads, new engine, new fuel pump and a new alternator installed and now am having a new problem. When I pulled out from a stop, the brake light would come on until the brakes were applied. The engine is now emitting a grinding noise when stopped, and I feel it is unsafe to drive. This is all in addition to the violent shaking, faulty front headlight, transmission that needs flushed and loud engine noise. I have spent more on repairs than I paid for the vehicle, and now have to put more money in to it, and it still has less than 94k miles on it. This is my first ford, and will be my last.

Filed Jan 14, 2008 · Lights · VT

The headlamp covers are awful and dangerous. They are so cloudy they make visibility almost nil in many circumstances (esp foggy nights). I feel the material they are made of is sub par, causing the problem and there should be a recall on them.

Filed Dec 8, 2007 · Lights · 50,000 miles · NM

The plastic headlight lenses are both very obscured by deteriorated material..this lowers the light transmission substantially causing a very unsafe night driving condition.. There is no mechanical damage to the lenses only deterioration.

Filed Nov 4, 2006 · Lights · 120,990 miles · TN

Headlight switch went out -- no headlights, parking lights, dash lights. No warning signs prior to failing.

Filed Nov 1, 2006 · Lights · 97,000 miles · CA · fire · 1 injury

Headlight cover clouded from age. Drivers can't see well at night. I've noticed that all escorts have this problem. I also noticed a recall on replacement lighting that leads to suggest that many others are having to replace the headlight covers. Why isn't manufacture responsible for defective parts? Especially safety parts. Previous owner hit something slightly. I believe this is due to lack of adequate lighting.

Filed Aug 11, 2006 · Lights · NJ

Headlamp lens is turning cloudy with age, reducing amount of light on road.

Filed May 13, 2006 · Lights · 129,400 miles · MO

The head light lenses on the front of my 96 ford escort from the heat of the bulbs being eventually start to melt I believe this is a problem of poor quality on fords part.

Filed Apr 12, 2006 · Electrical · 109,240 miles · OR

I was out of town, drove for 2 1/2 hrs then parked for shopping. Was on way back home..10 min into drive, when my ford escort zx2 just lost all power while driving on the highway. I had little warning..a minute before it was running rough then nothing..no gauges or steering etc. I had the alternator replaced (did not think to keep the old part) and have replaced several fuses "just because" since it keeps doing this and the scary part is I bought it for my son who is a new driver and he had it happen to him twice in one day and twice to myself the next day. We were able to get it back home after jumping it twice in 8 miles the last two times it quit. It is now parked fearing we will be stranded or worse lose control and end up in an accident due to loss of headlights, steering etc.