Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 10 complaints on file for the 1999 Ford Excursion — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.
10
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
1
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
1
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 3 | 30% | new |
| Electrical System | 2 | 20% | new |
| Suspension | 2 | 20% | new |
| Brakes | 1 | 10% | new |
| Fuel System | 1 | 10% | new |
| Speed Control | 1 | 10% | new |
1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
ON CERTAIN HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH 7.3L DIESEL ENGINES, THE CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR LOCATED ON THE ENGINE OF THE VEHICLE MAY FUNCTION INTERMITTENTLY, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN AN ENGINE STALL.
Consequence
IN THE EVENT OF AN ENGINE STALL, A CRASH COULD RESULT WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE SENSOR AND REPLACE IT WITH AN IMPROVED CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 29, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“I OWN A 1999 FORD EXPEDITION AND HAVE NOW HAD 2 SPARK PLUGS EJECT OUT OF THE CYLINDER HEAD DUE DESTROYING THE COILS OF EACH SPARK PLUG IN THE PROCESS. THIS IS A WIDELY KNOW ISSUE WITH 1997-2000 FORDS, BUT FORD IS DOING NOTHING ABOUT IT. I CALL THE DEALER IN CARLSBAD CALIFORNIA AND WAS QUOTED ALMOST…”
“WHILE DRIVING/IDLING, SMOKE WOULD COME OUT FROM THE DRIVER SIDE TAILLIGHTS COMPARTMENT. THE DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. THE CAUSE WAS NOT DETERMINED. PLEASE PROVIDE MORE INFORMATION. *NM THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE DEALERSHIP DID NOT OFFER TO REPAIR THE DAMAGE NOR…”
“WHILE BACKING UP AND TURNING, THE LOWER BALL JOINT ON MY 1999 FORD EXPEDITION FAILED. THE PIN ACTUALLY SHEARED OFF THE BALL. THE VEHICLE HAD ABOUT 96200 MILES ON IT. *JB”
“WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES THE STEERING WHEEL VIBRATED AND THE CAR JUMPED. THE FRONT AND REAR ROTORS WERE REPLACED. THE FUEL LINE WAS REPLACED TWICE. THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN. *JB”
“WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES THE STEERING WHEEL VIBRATED AND THE CAR JUMPED. THE FRONT AND REAR ROTORS WERE REPLACED. THE FUEL LINE WAS REPLACED TWICE. THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN. *JB”
The record is thin — 10 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (3 complaints), electrical system (2 complaints), suspension (2 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1999 Ford Excursion. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Excursion years to avoid are 2000, 2001. The cleanest record among Excursion years belongs to 1998.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.