VehicleVerdict

1999 Ford F-550 Sd problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 92 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 18.4 times the median F-550 Sd year — the 1999 model ranks #1 of 34 F-550 Sd years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 11 injuries in total across these filings.

Transmission leads the complaint categories with 26 reports (28% of the total).

92

NHTSA complaints

9

Recalls

4

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

9

Fires reported

11

Injuries

0

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 1999 compare to other F-550 Sd years?

See all F-550 Sd years to avoid →

What are the most common 1999 Ford F-550 Sd problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission2628%
Tires & Wheels2123%
Engine1011%
Brakes78%
Suspension55%
Fuel System55%
Electrical System44%
Airbags33%
Steering33%
Body & Structure33%
Speed Control22%
Lighting22%
Other11%

Does the 1999 Ford F-550 Sd have recalls?

9 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.

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.

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.

HEARD A CLUNKING NOISE, AND HAD VEHICLE SERVICED FOR UNIVERSAL JOINTS. TWO WEEKS LATER, WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY WENT TO APPLY BRAKES AND ALL OF A SUDDEN THERE WAS SMOKE EVERYWHERE, TIRES CAUGHT ON FIRE, AND BRAKES FAILED. INSIDE BRAKES SPUN AROUND TO CALIPER AND FROZE. *AK

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · June 9, 2000 · fire

RECALL 00 V 046 000. RECALL STATES THAT THERE SHOULD BE A 12 FEET INFLATOR TO INFLATE TIRES. HOWEVER, FORD DOES NOT PROVIDE INFLATOR DEVICE.*AK CONSUMER FEELS IF SOMEONE WERE INJURED, THE RESPONSIBILITY WOULD FALL ON HIM , THEREFORE CONSUMER DOES NOT WISH TO COMPLY WITH THE SAFETY REGULATIONS UNTIL…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels

HEARD A CLUNKING NOISE, AND HAD VEHICLE SERVICED FOR UNIVERSAL JOINTS. TWO WEEKS LATER, WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY WENT TO APPLY BRAKES AND ALL OF A SUDDEN THERE WAS SMOKE EVERYWHERE, TIRES CAUGHT ON FIRE, AND BRAKES FAILED. INSIDE BRAKES SPUN AROUND TO CALIPER AND FROZE. *AK

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · June 9, 2000 · fire

HEARD A CLUNKING NOISE, AND HAD VEHICLE SERVICED FOR UNIVERSAL JOINTS. TWO WEEKS LATER, WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY WENT TO APPLY BRAKES AND ALL OF A SUDDEN THERE WAS SMOKE EVERYWHERE, TIRES CAUGHT ON FIRE, AND BRAKES FAILED. INSIDE BRAKES SPUN AROUND TO CALIPER AND FROZE. *AK

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · June 9, 2000 · fire

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD F-550 SD. WHILE PARKED, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE FRAME WAS FRACTURED WHERE THE SHOCKS WERE LOCATED ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTICS OR REPAIRS. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · March 15, 2012

1999 Ford F-550 Sd — common questions

Is the 1999 Ford F-550 Sd reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 92 complaints put the 1999 model at #1 of 34 F-550 Sd years. It is one of the F-550 Sd years to avoid.

What are the most common 1999 F-550 Sd problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (26 complaints), tires & wheels (21 complaints), engine (10 complaints).

Does the 1999 Ford F-550 Sd have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 9 recall campaigns affecting the 1999 Ford F-550 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-550 Sd under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 4 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Ford F-550 Sd years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the F-550 Sd years to avoid are 1999, 2000, 2004, 2006, 2005, 2003, 2001, 2002, 2008, 2015, 2021, 2020, 2017, 2019, 2016, 2018. The cleanest record among F-550 Sd years belongs to 1998.

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.