1999 Ford Explorer Sport problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
Worth extra scrutiny
The 1999 Ford Explorer Sport sits mid-pack among Explorer Sport years: 127 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 93, with no recalls and one closed investigation. Reports tied to this model year include 2 deaths and 9 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across electrical system (15), seats (15), and speed control (11), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
127
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
1
Investigations
7
Crash-involved
5
Fires reported
9
Injuries
2
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 1999 compare to other Explorer Sport years?
What are the most common 1999 Ford Explorer Sport problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seats | 15 | 12% | — flat |
| Electrical System | 15 | 12% | ▼ down |
| Speed Control | 11 | 9% | — flat |
| Airbags | 10 | 8% | ▲ up |
| Engine | 10 | 8% | — flat |
| Visibility & Wipers | 9 | 7% | ▲ up |
| Transmission | 9 | 7% | ▲ up |
| Latches & Locks | 7 | 6% | ▼ down |
| Body & Structure | 7 | 6% | ▲ up |
| Lighting | 6 | 5% | ▲ up |
| Steering | 6 | 5% | ▲ up |
| Suspension | 5 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Tires & Wheels | 5 | 4% | ▼ down |
| Brakes | 5 | 4% | — flat |
| Other | 3 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Seat Belts | 2 | 2% | — flat |
| Fuel System | 2 | 2% | ▼ down |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“VEHICLE FAILS TO START ON OCCASION. THE ENGINE WILL TURN OVER, BUT WILL NOT CATCH. AFTER WAITING FOR SEVERAL HOURS OR A DAY, THE VEHICLE WILL ONCE AGAIN START. SOMETIMES, AFTER LETTING THE ENGINE TURN OVER MANY, MANY TIME, THE ENGINE WILL CATCH. THIS SEEMS TO HAPPEN MOSTLY WHEN THE WEATHER IS HOT.…”
“WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH THE DRIVERS SEAT BACK COLLAPSED. AS A RESULT THE DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND RAN INTO A CONCRETE BARRIER. THE FRONT AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *NLM”
“1999 FORD EXPLORER SPORT WITH 76,655 MILEAGE CAUGHT FIRE, WHICH WAS PUT OUT BEFORE MAJOR DAMAGE OCCURRUED, THE FIRE STARTED AT THE MASTER CYLINDER, AT THE CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH. *AK”
“COMPLAINED OF LOUS RATTLING NOISE IN ENGINE ON 7/07/03, AND AGAIN ON 09/29/04 AT A DIFFERENT FORD DEALER. THERE ARE MAJOR MECHINICAL PROBLEMS WITH THIS VEHICLE IN CONCERN TO THE ENGINE CAM GUIDES, REAR DIFFERENTIAL AND LOWER BASLL JOINTS WORN, WHY WASN'T MY FORD EXPLORER SPORT RECALLED FOR THESE…”
“I WAS IN A SINGLE CAR ACCIDENT AND MY CAR ALMOST ROLLED OVER. I HIT THE HIGHWAY RAILING AND MY CAR WAS DAMAGED PRETTY BADLY IN THE FRONT AND SIDE. THE CAR WAS NOT IN DRIVABLE CONDITION HOWEVER, NO AIRBAG CAME OUT. THREE MONTHS LATER MY AIRBAG FAILURE LIGHT UNEXPECTEDLY TURNED ON. THE LIGHT REMAINS…”
1999 Ford Explorer Sport — common questions
Is the 1999 Ford Explorer Sport reliable?
It is close to typical for the Explorer Sport: 127 NHTSA complaints, 0 recalls, and 1 investigation on file.
What are the most common 1999 Explorer Sport problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (15 complaints), seats (15 complaints), speed control (11 complaints).
Does the 1999 Ford Explorer Sport have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 1999 Ford Explorer Sport.
Is the 1999 Ford Explorer Sport under NHTSA investigation?
NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.
Which Ford Explorer Sport years should you avoid?
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Explorer Sport years to avoid are 2001, 2002, 1998. The cleanest record among Explorer Sport years belongs to 2005.
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.