Three problems related to transmission not engage have been reported for the 1999 Ford Escort. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Brake shift interlock will not disengage. Cannot shift out of park after starting car. Required to use manual override procedure of sticking a screwdrive down a small hole near the gearshift. (this procedure is listed in the owner's manual). Dealer has been contacted. This should not happen on a new car. Fuses checked w/o problem.
The vehicle will not properly engage into reverse. When it does engage it accelerates suddenly . Dealer has inspeced and repaired the vehicle several times.
Intermittently vehicle will not engage into reverse. When it does engage it will accelerate unexpectedly. Dealer has repaired and inspected the vehicle several tmes, and problem still exists.