Four problems related to alternator/generator/regulator have been reported for the 1999 Ford Escort. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
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.
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.
I had to put an engine and transmission in my car last year. Now my ac doesn't work and I recently had to replace the battery and put a new alternator in it too. I have had issue after issue with my zx2.
Vehicle has stalled 5 times, at any speed. Dealer has replaced alternator 4 times/ starter, and battery once. Cannot remedy. Consumer is afraid to drive vehicle.