VehicleVerdict

1999 Ford E-450 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 83 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 10.4 times the median E-450 year — the 1999 model ranks #1 of 35 E-450 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

The trouble concentrates in one system: tires & wheels issues account for 52% of all reports (43 of 83), far ahead of brakes at 22.

83

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

3

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

4

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1999 compare to other E-450 years?

E-450 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1999 highlighted83 complaints1992: 0 complaints1993: 5 complaints1994: 0 complaints1995: 0 complaints1996: 1 complaints1997: 18 complaints1998: 6 complaints1999: 83 complaints2000: 45 complaints2001: 20 complaints2002: 16 complaints2003: 22 complaints2004: 45 complaints2005: 41 complaints2006: 26 complaints2007: 15 complaints2008: 10 complaints2009: 2 complaints2010: 6 complaints2011: 10 complaints2012: 6 complaints2013: 16 complaints2014: 5 complaints2015: 8 complaints2016: 22 complaints2017: 16 complaints2018: 5 complaints2019: 4 complaints2021: 51 complaints2022: 22 complaints2023: 3 complaints2024: 3 complaints2025: 5 complaints2026: 6 complaints2027: 0 complaints
E-450 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1999 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all E-450 years to avoid →

What are the most common 1999 Ford E-450 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Tires & Wheels4352%
Brakes2227%
Transmission78%
Engine34%
Body & Structure22%
Speed Control22%
Visibility & Wipers11%
Fuel System11%
Steering11%
Airbags11%

Does the 1999 Ford E-450 have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

09V399000Speed ControlOctober 13, 2009 · 4,500,000 units

Defect

FORD IS RECALLING MODEL YEARS 1995-2003 WINDSTAR, 2000-2003 EXCURSION DIESEL, 1993-1997 AND 1999-2003 F-250 SD THROUGH F-550 SD DIESEL, 1992-2003 E-150 THROUGH E-550, 1995-2002 EXPLORER, 1997 AND 2002 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER, 1995-1997 AND 2001-2003 RANGER, AND 1994 F53 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE TEXAS INSTRUMENTS SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH (SCDS). THE SCDS MAY LEAK INTERNALLY AND THEN OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN.

Consequence

A VEHICLE FIRE COULD OCCUR WITH OR WITHOUT THE ENGINE RUNNING.

Remedy

FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS THAT DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUSED WIRING HARNESS IN LINE WITH THE SCDS. ON 1999-2003 WINDSTAR VEHICLES WITH A LEAKING SCDS, DEALERS WILL ALSO INSPECT THE ABS CONTROL MODULE CONNECTOR AND REPAIR AS NECESSARY. REPAIRS WILL BE COMPLETED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 27, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-888-222-2751.

06V286000Speed ControlAugust 1, 2006 · 1,200,000 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH SPEED CONTROL, GASOLINE OR NATURAL GAS ENGINES, THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH MAY OVERHEAT.

Consequence

OVERHEATING COULD RESULT IN SMOKE OR BURN AND AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUSED WIRING HARNESS INTO THE SPEED CONTROL SYSTEM FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 7, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332. (NOTE: ALSO SEE RECALLS 05V017 AND 05V388)

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“THIS WAS THE THIRD STEELTEX TIRE TO FAIL ON THIS VEHICLE. THIS VEHICLE WAS MANUFACTURED OVERWEIGHT. THE SECONDARY MANUFACTURER HAS OFFERED TO EXCHANGE IT FOR A NEW MOTORHOME. I HAVE SERIOUS RESERVATIONS THAT THE NEW UNIT IS SAFE. (TIRESIZE: 225 75 16E)( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: 225 75 16E )”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · June 23, 2000 · fire

“REAR CALIPER BOOTS BROKEN AND REPLACED, LATER REPLACEMENT OF THE GROOVED REAR CALIPER PISTONS WHICH WERE CAUSING LEAKAGE. *MJS”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · February 2, 2000

“I FOUND OUT THAT BECAUSE OF A DESIGN FLAW IN THE FORD TRITON ENGINE CYLINDER HEADS THEY ARE PRONE TO "SPARK PLUG BLOW OUT". IN CERTAIN INSTANCES THIS CAN RESULT IN FIRE AS THE SPARK PLUG BECOMES A MISSILE AND CAN BREAK FUEL LINES ETC. AFTER SUCH AN EVENT THE REPAIR FOR OUT OF WARRANTY VEHICLES CAN…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · April 24, 2008

“DRIVER REPORTED INTERMITTENT CRUISE CONTROL ISSUE. WHEN RESEARCHING POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS TO THE ISSUE BECAME AWARE OF CRUISE CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH ISSUE. IT IS UNDER FORD RECALL 05S28. IT IS BY ALL ACCOUNTS, A FIRE HAZARD. ON 6/23/2015 TOOK THE VEHICLE IN TO A FORD DEALER IN ROCHESTER, N.Y.FOR…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · June 2, 2015 · fire

1999 Ford E-450 — common questions

Is the 1999 Ford E-450 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 83 complaints put the 1999 model at #1 of 35 E-450 years. It is one of the E-450 years to avoid.

What are the most common 1999 E-450 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are tires & wheels (43 complaints), brakes (22 complaints), transmission (7 complaints).

Does the 1999 Ford E-450 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1999 Ford E-450. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1999 Ford E-450 under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 3 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Ford E-450 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the E-450 years to avoid are 1999, 2021, 2000, 2004, 2005. The cleanest record among E-450 years belongs to 2027.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.