VehicleVerdict

1999 Ford Expedition problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 1,137 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 5.6 times the median Expedition year — the 1999 model ranks #1 of 36 Expedition years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include 12 deaths and 78 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across engine (279), tires & wheels (223), and visibility & wipers (129), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

1,137

NHTSA complaints

9

Recalls

5

Investigations

64

Crash-involved

95

Fires reported

78

Injuries

12

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 1999 compare to other Expedition years?

See all Expedition years to avoid →

What are the most common 1999 Ford Expedition problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine27925%
Tires & Wheels22320%
Visibility & Wipers12911%
Electrical System12011%
Transmission716%
Speed Control595%
Suspension525%
Brakes414%
Steering343%
Other313%
Fuel System282%
Body & Structure222%
Airbags192%
Lighting81%
Seat Belts81%
Trailer Hitch61%
Child Seat30%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)20%
Latches & Locks20%

Does the 1999 Ford Expedition have recalls?

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

06E067000LightingAugust 1, 2006 · 19,413 units

Defect

CERTAIN MAXZONE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLIES, DEPO BRAND, P/NOS. 331-1129L-ASN AND 331-1129R-ASN, SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE PHOTOMETRIC REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Consequence

DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

MAXZONE WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER REIMBURSEMENT FOR ANY NONCOMPLIANT HEADLIGHTS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MAXZONE AT 909-822-3288.

06E060000LightingJune 29, 2006 · 87,745 units

Defect

CERTAIN AAI MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LIST PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."

Consequence

LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH

Remedy

AAI MOTORSPORTS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AAI MOTORSPORTS AT 909-923-9188.

06E056000Fuel SystemJune 13, 2006 · 58,640 units

Defect

CERTAIN AFTERMARKET FUEL FILTERS SOLD UNDER THE PUROLATOR BRAND NAME, P/N F65277, SHIPPED FROM JANUARY 16 THROUGH JUNE 2, 2006, FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. DUE TO INCORRECT DESIGN, THE QUICK CONNECTORS MAY NOT FULLY SEAT WITH THE TUBE INTERFACE, EVEN THOUGH THE PERSON MAKING THE CONNECTION MAY BELIEVE THAT THE QUICK CONNECTOR IS FULLY ATTACHED.

Consequence

FAILURE OF THIS CONNECTION COULD LEAD TO FUEL SPILLAGE AND, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.

Remedy

UFI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 4, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT UFI FILTERS USA AT 800-230-5876.

05V388000Speed ControlSeptember 7, 2005 · 4,500,000 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH SPEED CONTROL, THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH MAY OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN.

Consequence

A FIRE AT THE SWITCH COULD OCCUR.

Remedy

BY LETTER DATED SEPTEMBER 12, 2005, OWNERS WERE INSTRUCTED TO RETURN THEIR VEHICLES TO THEIR DEALERS TO HAVE THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH DISCONNECTED. OWNERS WHO HAVE HAD THEIR SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATED ARE BEING NOTIFIED THAT PARTS WILL BE AVAILABLE AND ADVISED TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TO RECONNECT THE SPEED CONTROL BEGINNING IN FEBRUARY 2006. OWNERS WHO DID NOT HAVE THEIR SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATED ARE BEING NOTIFIED TO HAVE THEIR SYSTEM REMEDIED BEGINNING IN FEBRUARY 2006. OWNERS ARE URGED TO AVAIL THEMSELVES OF THE FREE DISCONNECT SERVICE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE BECAUSE OF THE SIGNIFICANT RISK OF FIRE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673. (NOTE: ALSO SEE RECALLS 05V017 AND 06V286)

01X001000Tires & WheelsMay 22, 2001 · 13,000,000 units

Defect

THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SAFETY ACT. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. EQUIPMENT DESCRIPTION: FORD IS REPLACING ALL FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT 15, 16, AND 17 INCH TIRES MOUNTED ON FORD TRUCKS AND SUVS. FORD REPORTS TREAD SEPARATION CAN OCCUR DUE TO A COMBINATION OF THE SENSITIVITY OF THE TIRE DESIGN TO STRESS, AGING, AND MANUFACTURING DIFFERENCES BETWEEN PLANTS. FORD IS REPLACING THESE TIRES TO PREVENT POSSIBLE PREMATURE TIRE FAILURE. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: THE VEHICLES LISTED BELOW MAY HAVE BEEN ORIGINALLY EQUIPPED WITH FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT TIRES OR MAY HAVE HAD WILDERNESS AT TIRES INSTALLED DURING THE FIRESTONE RECALL LAUNCHED IN AUGUST 2000. CERTAIN 1991 THROUGHT 2002 FORD EXPLORER CERTAIN 2001 THROUGHT 2002 EXPLORER SPORT, AND SPORT TRAC CERTAIN 1997 THROUGH 2002 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER CERTAIN 1991 THROUGH 2001 RANGER CERTAIN 1999 THROUGH 2001 EXPEDITION CERTAIN 1991 THROUGH 1994, AND 1997 MODEL YEAR F-SERIES CERTAIN 1991 THROUGH 1994 BRONCO NOTE: BOTH ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT AND REPLACEMENT TIRES ARE AFFECTED.

Consequence

SHOULD THE TREAD SEPARATE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, A VEHICLE CRASH COULD OCCUR, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH.

Remedy

THE REPLACEMENT/REIMBURSEMENT PROGRAM FOR THIS CAMPAIGN EXPIRED ON MARCH 31, 2002. HOWEVER, CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT FORD AT 1-877-917-3673 OR GO ON-LINE TO WWW.FORD.COM FOR POSSIBLE ASSISTANCE.

00V073000Trailer HitchMarch 7, 2000 · 565,800 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MULTI-PURPOSE VEHICLES. THE TRAILER HITCH ASSEMBLY TO THE FRAME ATTACHING BOLTS COULD LOSE THE CLAMP LOAD.

Consequence

THE TRAILER HITCH COULD THEN SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TRAILER HITCH MOUNTING BOLTS AND NUT PLATES.

99V099000Tires & WheelsApril 29, 1999 · 53,784 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH FOUR-WHEEL-DRIVE (4X4), 17" CHROME STEEL WHEELS. THE CLAMP LOAD CAN BE LOST ON THE WHEEL LUGS DUE TO INSUFFICIENT WHEEL CONTACT AREA WITH THE HUB. IN SOME CASES, THE CONTACT AREA CAN DEFORM, RESULTING IN A LOSS OF LUG NUT TORQUE.

Consequence

LOSS OF LUG NUT TORQUE CAN CAUSE VIBRATION OR SEPARATION OF A WHEEL AND TIRE FROM THE VEHICLE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL RE-TORQUE THE WHEEL LUGS TO PROPER SPECIFICATIONS AND ALSO INSTALL A LABEL THAT SPECIFIES THAT THE WHEEL LUGS BE TORQUED TO 110 LB-FT ANY TIME THE WHEEL IS REMOVED.

98V312000Fuel SystemDecember 7, 1998 · 305 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. THE FUEL LINE ASSEMBLIES MAY HAVE BEEN DAMAGED BY THE SUPPLIER DURING MANUFACTURING, ALLOWING LEAKAGE.

Consequence

FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE CAN RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THESE VEHICLES AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE FRONT AND REAR FUEL LINE ASSEMBLIES.

98V296000BrakesNovember 17, 1998 · 4,000 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE A MISSING OR PARTIALLY INSTALLED RETAINER CLIP THAT HOLDS THE MASTER CYLINDER PUSH ROD TO THE BRAKE PEDAL ARM.

Consequence

INCREASED BRAKE STOPPING DISTANCE CAN OCCUR, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THESE VEHICLES TO SEE IF THE RETAINER CLIP WAS INSTALLED, AND REPAIR, IF NECESSARY.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

TRUCK PARKED, NOT DROVE FOR THREE DAYS, ALARM WENT OFF AND TRUCK BURST INTO FLAMES IN MOTOR AREA, TRUCK TOTAL LOSS, FOUND OUT AFTER FIRE THEY HAD RECALL ON CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH, WOULD'VE BEEN NICE TO KNOW, SO I'M SURE SEVERAL PEOPLE UNAWARE.CAR COMPANY NEED TO REALIZE CARS IS HOW THEY MAKE THERE…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · July 10, 2012 · fire

WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 30 MPH SUDDENLY LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING THROUGH TREES, AND ENDING ON OTHER SIDE. AIRBAGS DEPLOYED, AND RIGHT FRONT TIRE WENT FLAT. CONSUMER DID NOT KNOW WHAT COULD HAD CAUSED TIRE TO BE FLAT, AND LOSE CONTROL OF VEHICLE. NO DEMAGE TO VEHICLE EXTERIOR, JUST…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · February 19, 2001 · crash

ON SUNDAY WINDSHIELD WIPERS STARTED GOINIG CRAZY.THEY STARTED TO GO ON AND OFF FOR 5 MINUTES AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO SHUT THEM OFF.FINALLY MY HUSBAND PULLED OVER AND TURNED THE CAR OFF, AND THE WIPERS SHUT OFF.THE DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED .ON TUESDAY AT ABOUT 7:56 AM I WAS DRIVING TO GO TO A GAS…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · November 9, 1999 · fire

UPON STARTING VEHICLE CONSUMER SMELT SMOKE FROM WITHIN THE CABIN. CONSUMER PROCEEDED TO TURN THE VEHICLE OFF, AND LIFTED THE HOOD. ENGINE COMPARTMENT WAS ON FIRE. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED. FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED, AND VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO DEALER. AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM CAUSED THE FIRE. COMPONENT THAT…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · March 31, 2003 · fire

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD EXPEDITION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL DROPPED AND CAUSED HIM TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE SWERVED AND THEN FLIPPED OVER. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND DISCOVERED THAT THE REAR SUSPENSION WAS COMPLETELY…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · November 26, 2013 · crash

1999 Ford Expedition — common questions

Is the 1999 Ford Expedition reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 1,137 complaints put the 1999 model at #1 of 36 Expedition years. It is one of the Expedition years to avoid.

What are the most common 1999 Expedition problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (279 complaints), tires & wheels (223 complaints), visibility & wipers (129 complaints).

Does the 1999 Ford Expedition have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 9 recall campaigns affecting the 1999 Ford Expedition. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1999 Ford Expedition under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 5 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Ford Expedition years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Expedition years to avoid are 1999, 2000, 1997, 1998, 2003, 2001, 2019, 2017, 2020, 2018, 2005, 2002, 2006, 2004, 2021. The cleanest record among Expedition 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.