VehicleVerdict

1999 Ford F-450 Sd problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 76 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 15.2 times the median F-450 Sd year — the 1999 model ranks #2 of 36 F-450 Sd years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across transmission (17), brakes (15), and tires & wheels (10), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

76

NHTSA complaints

11

Recalls

5

Investigations

7

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

5

Injuries

0

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 1999 compare to other F-450 Sd years?

See all F-450 Sd years to avoid →

What are the most common 1999 Ford F-450 Sd problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission1722%
Brakes1520%
Tires & Wheels1013%
Engine912%
Visibility & Wipers68%
Steering45%
Electrical System45%
Airbags34%
Other34%
Suspension23%
Fuel System23%
Seat Belts11%

Does the 1999 Ford F-450 Sd have recalls?

11 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.

07E106000Tires & WheelsDecember 17, 2007 · 130,000 units

Defect

CERTAIN FEDERAL-MOGUL REPLACEMENT WHEEL HUB ASSEMBLIES WITH THE BRAND NAMES: NATIONAL, CARQUEST P/NOS. 515020, 515021, 515025, 515053, 515054, 515059, AND 515060, SHIPPED BETWEEN JANUARY 23, 2006, AND DECEMBER 20, 2007, SOLD FOR LIGHT DUTY AND MEDIUM DUTY TRUCKS. THE INBOARD RETENTION NUT USED TO MAINTAIN HUB BEARING ASSEMBLY CAN LOOSEN RESULTING IN AN ABS LIGHT INDICATION, NOISE, AND/OR WHEEL SEPARATION.

Consequence

WHEEL SEPARATION CAN RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

FEDERAL-MOGUL WILL NOTIFY CUSTOMERS AND WILL REPLACE THE HUB ASSEMBLY FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 7, 2008. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FEDERAL-MOGUL TOLL-FREE AT 877-489-6659.

07V553000EngineDecember 5, 2007 · 1,176,000 units

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.

07E066000Electrical SystemAugust 28, 2007 · 175 units

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.

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)

02V068000BrakesMarch 11, 2002 · 51,846 units

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.

01V046000Tires & WheelsFebruary 14, 2001 · 102,000 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH COMMERCIAL TRUCK TIRES THAT HAVE STEEL CORDS IN THE TIRE SIDEWALL. THE VALVE STEMS MAY HAVE BEEN TORN OR DAMAGED DURING ASSEMBLY AND COULD LEAK CAUSING SIDEWALL DAMAGE.

Consequence

IF NOT MAINTAINED, COULD RESULT IN A SIDEWALL ZIPPER FAILURE. A ZIPPER FAILURE DURING INFLATION OF A DAMAGED TIRE COULD RESULT IN INJURY TO SOMEONE NEAR THE TIRE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VALVE STEMS FOR LEAKAGE, AND WILL REPLACE BOTH THE VALVE STEM AND THE TIRE IF LEAKAGE IS PRESENT. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 28, 2001. 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 1-800-392-3673.

99V062001Speed ControlMarch 30, 1999 · 898,739 units

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.

98V303000AirbagsDecember 1, 1998 · 20 units

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.

98V235000TransmissionSeptember 24, 1998 · 4 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MEDIUM DUTY TRUCKS BUILT ON A 165" WHEEL BASE, 4X2 CHASSIS-CABS EQUIPPED WITH A 6.81 ENGINE, 5 SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSION AND OPTIONAL 5.38:1 REAR AXLE RATIO. THE TWO-PIECE DRIVE SHAFT CAN BE DAMAGED IF THE VEHICLE IS DRIVEN AT SPEEDS IN EXCESS OF 80 MILES PER HOUR.

Consequence

THIS CONDITION CAN RESULT IN UNDERBODY DAMAGE OR FOR THE DRIVE SHAFT TO SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE DRIVE SHAFT ON THESE VEHICLES.

98V116000SteeringMay 29, 1998 · 90,000 units

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

AND ALSO F550 1999, VIN# [XXX], DEFECTIVE THROW BEARING ON THE CLUTCH ASSEMBLY IN A CRASH. FIRST THE PROBLEM OCCURRED ON 1999, F450; AND DEALER REPLACED THAT VEHICLE WITH A 1999 F550, BUT CURRENTLY VEHICLE IS HAVING THE SAME EXACT PROBLEM. *AK INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · November 1, 1998

WHEN ENGAGING EMERGENCY PARKING BRAKE IT FAILED TO HOLD VEHICLE, CAUSING VEHICLE TO ROLL FREELY BACKWARDS. CONSUMER NOTED PROBLEM WAS DUE TO A CABLE WHICH SNAPPED ALLOWING VEHICLE TO ROLL BACKWARDS. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED DEALER, DEALER HAS MADE SOME ADJUSTMENTS TO EMERGENCY PARKING BRAKE CABLE,…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · November 1, 1999 · crash

WHILE DRIVING AND WITHOUT WARNING, THE RIGHT REAR OUTSIDE FIRESTONE TIRE EXPERIENCED TREAD SEPARATION. SIZE#LT22575R16. PH. AN INDENT REPORT WAS ENCLOSED. *JB THE COMPANY STATED THE TIRE HAD BEEN OPERATED FOR LONG PERIOD OF TIME WITH INSUFFICIENT AIR PRESSURE TO CARRY THE LOAD AND THE TIRE FAILURE…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · May 26, 2003

AFTER I STOPPED TO PICK-UP SOME GROCERIES I STARTED THE TRUCK WHEN A LOUD BANG HAPPENED. I COULD SMELL GAS AN THE ENGINE STARTED SHAKING. I SHUT IT OFF. THE NEXT MOURNING I TOOK IT TO PARMA CAR CARE SPECIALISTS AN THEY INFORMED ME THE SPARK PLUG BLEW OUT OF THE HEAD STRIPPING ALL THE THREADS WITH…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · October 25, 2005

ON JUNE 25, 2003 CONSUMER WAS DRIVING ON A WET ROAD AT 35 MPH WHEN THE DRIVER'S SIDE MIRROR WAS STRUCK BY AN ONCOMING VEHICLE. CONSUMER WAS STRUCK IN THE FACE BY THE PLASTIC CASING SURROUNDING THE GLASS MIRROR.*AK

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · June 25, 2003 · crash

1999 Ford F-450 Sd — common questions

Is the 1999 Ford F-450 Sd reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 76 complaints put the 1999 model at #2 of 36 F-450 Sd years. It is one of the F-450 Sd years to avoid.

What are the most common 1999 F-450 Sd problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (17 complaints), brakes (15 complaints), tires & wheels (10 complaints).

Does the 1999 Ford F-450 Sd have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 11 recall campaigns affecting the 1999 Ford F-450 Sd. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1999 Ford F-450 Sd under NHTSA investigation?

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

Which Ford F-450 Sd years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the F-450 Sd years to avoid are 2008, 1999, 2000, 2005, 2006, 2004, 2022, 2021, 2019, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2020, 2018. The cleanest record among F-450 Sd years belongs to 2026.

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.