One problem related to service brakes has been reported for the 1999 Ford Escort. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
I own 2 Ford Escorts a 1999 Escort se, and a 2002 Escort se, I've noticed on both vehicles, when I've had to do an emergency stop (slamming the brakes) both vehicles take fairly long to respond, increasing the braking distance. I have 2 other friends who own similar Escorts, and notice the same problem, I feel that this concern needs to be investigated for a potential defect in the braking system.