Three problems related to steering wheel have been reported for the 1999 Ford Escort. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
A grinding noise was coming from the engine area of the vehicle, then while traveling approximately 20 to 25 mph, grinding noise occurred again, and driver lost all steering control of vehicle, resulting in a crash with another vehicle, insurance company deemed vehicle as a total loss.
Steering wheel lock up while driving.
The steering column shakes very bad while driving and while at a stop sign or stop light, possible steering column or suspension problem.