Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 531 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 8.4 times the median F-350 year — the 1999 model ranks #3 of 53 F-350 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include 5 deaths and 28 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across tires & wheels (120), brakes (88), and transmission (75), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
531
NHTSA complaints
13
Recalls
4
Investigations
60
Crash-involved
12
Fires reported
28
Injuries
5
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tires & Wheels | 120 | 23% | ▲ up |
| Brakes | 88 | 17% | ▲ up |
| Transmission | 75 | 14% | ▲ up |
| Steering | 52 | 10% | ▲ up |
| Suspension | 39 | 7% | ▲ up |
| Airbags | 28 | 5% | ▲ up |
| Engine | 25 | 5% | ▲ up |
| Fuel System | 25 | 5% | ▲ up |
| Speed Control | 15 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Visibility & Wipers | 13 | 2% | ▲ up |
| Lighting | 12 | 2% | ▲ up |
| Electrical System | 10 | 2% | ▲ up |
| Body & Structure | 8 | 2% | ▲ up |
| Other | 8 | 2% | ▲ up |
| Seat Belts | 6 | 1% | ▲ up |
| Climate Control (A/C & Heat) | 3 | 1% | ▲ up |
| Trailer Hitch | 2 | 0% | ▲ up |
| Seats | 2 | 0% | ▲ up |
13 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
CERTAIN CEQUENT 90 DEGREE 7-WAY RIGHT ANGLE ADAPTORS SOLD BY DISTRIBUTORS IN TOW PACKAGES FOR AFTERMARKET SALES TO TOW 5TH WHEEL RV TRAVEL TRAILERS. DUE TO INCORRECT WIRING OF THE HARNESS, THE TRAILER LIGHTS MAY NOT OPERATE PROPERLY.
Consequence
IF THE TRAILER LIGHTS ARE NOT WORKING PROPERLY, A VEHICLE CRASH CAN OCCUR.
Remedy
ALL OF THE DEFECTIVE TOW PACKAGES ARE STILL AT THE DISTRIBUTOR LEVEL AND HAVE NOT BEEN SOLD TO ANY CONSUMERS.
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)
Defect
ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS, FAILURE OF THE FRONT PARKING BRAKE CABLE INPUT BUTTON COULD RESULT IN FAILURE OF THE PARKING BRAKE SYSTEM TO HOLD THE VEHICLE STATIONARY.
Consequence
THIS COULD RESULT IN UNINTENDED VEHICLE MOVEMENT AND A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT PARKING BRAKE CABLE AND THE CONTROLLER AND VERIFY THE PERFORMANCE OF THE PARKING BRAKE SYSTEM. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN APRIL 5, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332.
Defect
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH GASOLINE ENGINES AND 8 FOOT BOXES, MAY NOT FULLY SATISFY THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 301, "FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY." IN A 30 MPH FRONTAL BARRIER CRASH TEST, A FUEL TANK VAPOR RECOVERY VALVE SEPARATED INTERNALLY. DURING THE SUBSEQUENT STATIC ROLLOVER TEST, FUEL SPILLAGE EXCEEDED THE SPECIFIED RATE.
Consequence
FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSTALL A STOP PLATE ASSEMBLY ON THE VEHICLE FRAME TO PREVENT RECOVERY VALVE CONTACT WITH A FRAME CROSSMEMBER DURING THE IMPACT SEQUENCE.
Defect
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: GASOLINE AND DIESEL ENGINE PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH 8 FOOT BEDS, DO NOT FULLY SATISFY THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 301, "FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY." THE FUEL TANK FRONT STRAP ISOLATOR MAY NOT BE PROPERLY POSITIONED WHICH COULD RESULT IN THE STRAP CUTTING THE TANK DURING A 30 MPH FRONT BARRIER TEST, RESULTING IN FUEL SPILLAGE.
Consequence
DURING THE SUBSEQUENT STATIC ROLLOVER TEST, FUEL SPILLAGE EXCEEDED THE SPECIFIED RATE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A FIRE.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPOSITION THE FRONT STRAP ISOLATOR.
Defect
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH 6" BEDS MANUFACTURED FROM JANUARY 5, 1998 THROUGH JUNE 4, 1999, DO NOT NOT FULLY SATISFY THE POST CRASH TEST STATIC ROLLOVER REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 301, "FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY." CONTACT BETWEEN THE FUEL TANK AND A FUEL TANK LOCATOR BRACKET DURING A FRONT BARRIER IMPACT TEST RESULTED IN A CUT IN THE TANK, RESULTING IN FUEL LEAKAGE.
Consequence
FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK LOCATOR BRACKET WITH A SIMILAR BRACKET WHOSE DESIGN HAS BEEN REVISED TO INCORPORATE MORE ROUNDED SURFACES WHERE CONTACT WITH THE TANK OCCURS.
Defect
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: GASOLINE AND DIESEL ENGINE PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH 6" AND 8" BEDS MANUFACTURED FROM JANUARY 5, 1998 THROUGH MARCH 21, 1999, DO NOT NOT FULLY SATISFY THE POST CRASH TEST STATIC ROLLOVER REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 301, "FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY." SIX ATTACHMENT BOLTS (M12 BOLTS) MAY HAVE BEEN DAMAGED DURING THE 30 MPH FRONT BARRIER TEST ALLOWING THE BOLTS TO SHIFT OR BECOME DETACHED, RESULTING IN FUEL SPILLAGE.
Consequence
FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL AUGMENT THE BOX-TO-CHASSIS ATTACHMENT BY INSTALLING BOX-TO-CHASSIS RETAINING CABLES.
Defect
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN 1997-1999 RHD EXPLORER EQUIPPED WITH 4.0L OHV/SOHC ENGINES AND CRUISE CONTROL BUILT FROM MAY 29, 1996 THROUGH MARCH 4, 1999; 1998-1999 EXPLORER/MOUNTAINEERS EQUIPPED WITH 4.0L OHV/SOHC OR 5.0L ENGINES OR 1998-1999 RANGERS EQUIPPED WITH 2.5L, 3.0L FFV/EFI OR 4.0L ENGINES AND CRUISE CONTROL BUILT FROM JANUARY 5, 1998 THROUGH MARCH 4, 1999; 1998-1999 MUSTANGS EQUIPPED WITH 3.8L, 4.6L 2-VALVE OR 4-VALVE ENGINES AND CRUISE CONTROL BUILT FROM MARCH 2, 1998 THROUGH MARCH 4, 1999; 1999 F250/F350/F450/F550 (OVER 8,500 LBS.) TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH 5.4L OR 6.8L ENGINES AND CRUISE CONTROL BUILT FROM MARCH 2, 1998 THROUGH MARCH 4, 1999; AND 1999 F-53 STRIPPED CHASSIS EQUIPPED WITH 5.4L OR 6.8L ENGINES AND CRUISE CONTROL BUILT FROM MARCH 2, 1998 THROUGH MARCH 4, 1999. A CRUISE CONTROL CABLE CAN INTERFERE WITH THE SPEED CONTROL SERVO PULLEY AND NOT ALLOW THE THROTTLE TO RETURN TO IDLE WHEN DISENGAGING THE CRUISE CONTROL.
Consequence
IF THE CRUISE CONTROL IS USED AND THIS CONDITION IS PRESENT, A STUCK THROTTLE COULD RESULT, WHICH COULD POTENTIALLY RESULT IN A CRASH.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CRUISE CONTROL CABLES. AT THE PRESENT TIME, THE REPLACEMENT CABLES ARE NOT AVAILABLE. CUSTOMERS ARE BEING ADVISED NOT TO USE THE CRUISE CONTROL SYSTEM UNTIL A REPLACEMENT CAN BE MADE.
Defect
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS. THE CAST TOW HOOKS CHANGES THE CRASH PULSE OF THE VEHICLE IN FRONTAL BARRIER IMPACTS AND THE AIR BAG SENSOR WAS NOT CALIBRATED TO THIS NEW CRASH PULSE WHICH MAY CAUSE THE AIR BAGS TO DEPLOY IN LOWER SPEED IMPACTS THAN DESIGN INTENT.
Consequence
UNEXPECTED AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT CAN RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CAST TOW HOOKS WITH FORGED HOOKS.
Defect
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MEDIUM DUTY TRUCKS AND CHASSIS-CABS. ONE OR MORE OF THE FOUR RIVETS ON THE LOWER STEERING SHAFT FLEX COUPLING MAY NOT HAVE BEEN CRIMPED DURING THE SUB-ASSEMBLY PROCESS.
Consequence
IF A RIVET IS NOT CRIMPED, THE FLEX JOINT CAN ROTATE ON THE SHAFT AND THERE WOULD BE A REDUCTION IN OR LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE LOWER STEERING SHAFT RIVETS AND REPLACE ANY SHAFTS WITH UNCRIMPED RIVETS.
Defect
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SUPER DUTY SINGLE REAR WHEEL PICKUP TRUCKS. THE PARKING BRAKE SYSTEM, WHEN ENGAGED WITH A FORCE OF 125 POUNDS APPLIED TO THE PARK BRAKE FOOT CONTROL, MAY NOT HOLD THE VEHICLES ON A 20 DEGREE GRADE. THIS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 105, "HYDRAULIC BRAKE SYSTEMS."
Consequence
THIS COULD ALLOW A VEHICLE TO ROLL ON AN INCLINE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH, PERSONAL INJURY, OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL BURNISH THE PARKING BRAKE USING A SPECIFIED PROCEDURE.
Defect
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SUPERCAB PICKUP TRUCKS. THE POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE IS TAPED TO THE NEGATIVE CABLE WHICH CONTAINS A CLIP TO SECURE THE ASSEMBLY TO THE SIDE FRAME RAIL. IF INCORRECTLY POSITIONED, THE POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE CAN CONTACT THE AIR CONDITIONING COMPRESSOR PULLEY.
Consequence
IF THE CABLE WEARS, A COMPLETE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILURE CAN OCCUR AND POTENTIAL SPARKING AND/OR IGNITION OF FLAMMABLE MATERIAL.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND/OR MODIFY THE BATTERY CABLE CLIPS TO ENSURE THAT THEY ARE PROPERLY LOCATED.
Defect
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SUPERCAB PICKUP TRUCKS WITH DUAL REAR WHEEL, AND WIDE FRAME. THE JACKS PROVIDED WITH THESE VEHICLES ARE TOO LARGE TO BE STOWED SECURELY UNDER THE SEAT AS INTENDED AND WERE PLACED LOOSE ON THE FLOOR IN THE REAR OF THE CAB.
Consequence
THE JACKS CAN MOVE ABOUT THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT CREATING THE POTENTIAL FOR PERSONAL INJURY DURING A CRASH OR SUDDEN STOP.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THESE JACKS.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“1999 FORD F-350. UNIT #1 WAS TRAVELING WESTBOUND IN THE RIGHT HAND LANE ON THE OHIO TURNPIKE. UNIT #1 HAD A RIGHT TIRE BLOWOUT CAUSING THE DRIVER TO LOSE CONTROL AND STRIKE THE GUARDRAIL OFF THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE ROADWAY. UNIT #1 CAME TO A CONTROLLED STOP AFTER STRIKING THE GUARDRAIL. *LN ACCORDING…”
“WHILE MAKING A SHARP RIGHT TURN AND APPLYING THE BRAKES VEHICLE WOULD NOT STEER AND KEPT GOING. DRIVER HIT A LITTLE EMBANKMENT AND ENDED UP IN A HAY FIELD. AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY WHEN THIS HAPPENED, AND NO ONE WAS INJURED. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIRS. ALSO, WHOLE STEERING GEAR…”
“THE U-BOLTS FAILED, AND THE AXEL DROPPED DOWN. WE HEARD A "THUD" , AND FELT A DROPPING SENSATION. THE STEERING IMMEDIATLEY BECAME INOPERABLE, AND THE TRUCK CRASHED INTO SEVERAL BALES OF HAY. THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR WAS DAMAGED. WHEN I CONTACTED PARKER TOYOTA, THEY CLAIMED MY EXTENDED WARRANTY DID…”
“WHILE MAKING A SHARP RIGHT TURN AND APPLYING THE BRAKES VEHICLE WOULD NOT STEER AND KEPT GOING. DRIVER HIT A LITTLE EMBANKMENT AND ENDED UP IN A HAY FIELD. AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY WHEN THIS HAPPENED, AND NO ONE WAS INJURED. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIRS. ALSO, WHOLE STEERING GEAR…”
“SIMPLY PUT IN PHYSICS TERMS THE FRONT END GOES INTO UNWANTED RESONANT VIBRATION WHERE THE TRUNK IS OUT OF CONTROL. THIS HAS BENN REPORTED TO THE DEALER AND FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE. THEY DO NOT UNDERSTAND WHAT UNWANTED RESONANCE VIBRATION IS. THE TRUNK IS OUT OF CONTROL AND THE DRIVER HAS TO USE THE…”
NHTSA data argues against it: 531 complaints put the 1999 model at #3 of 53 F-350 years. It is one of the F-350 years to avoid.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are tires & wheels (120 complaints), brakes (88 complaints), transmission (75 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 13 recall campaigns affecting the 1999 Ford F-350. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
NHTSA opened 4 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the F-350 years to avoid are 2017, 2019, 1999, 2000, 2018, 2016, 2015, 2012, 2020, 2004, 2006, 2011, 1995, 1997, 2001, 2008, 2005, 1996, 2014, 2002, 1993, 1994, 2021, 2013, 2003. The cleanest record among F-350 years belongs to 2010.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.