1999 Ford F Series problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 44 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 14.7 times the median F Series year — the 1999 model ranks #4 of 35 F Series years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.
Engine leads the complaint categories with 14 reports (32% of the total).
44
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
3
Investigations
3
Crash-involved
3
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 1999 compare to other F Series years?
What are the most common 1999 Ford F Series problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 14 | 32% | ▲ up |
| Fuel System | 8 | 18% | ▲ up |
| Brakes | 4 | 9% | ▲ up |
| Electrical System | 4 | 9% | — flat |
| Body & Structure | 3 | 7% | — flat |
| Tires & Wheels | 3 | 7% | — flat |
| Visibility & Wipers | 2 | 5% | ▲ up |
| Lighting | 2 | 5% | — flat |
| Speed Control | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Suspension | 1 | 2% | — flat |
| Latches & Locks | 1 | 2% | new |
| Airbags | 1 | 2% | new |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“I HAD JUST GOT OFF WORK AND WAS LEAVING THE PARKING AREA AND BLEW OUT THE NUMBER 4 SPARKPLUG ON THE RIGHT SIDE HEAD. I SHUT OFF THE MY TRUCK AND PARKED IT. I CALLED A FRIEND THAT LIVES CLOSE FOR A RIDE HOME. THE NEXT MORNING I DROVE BACK TO THE PLANT AND TOOK MY TRUCK TO THE LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP.…”
“FUEL TANK NOW LEAKS AFTER THE FORD DEALER REPLACED THE STRAPS (11S21 RECALL). THEY SAID THEY WILL NOT COVER THE TANK REPLACEMENT EVEN THOUGH THE TANK DID NOT LEAK BEFORE THEY REPLACED THE STRAPS! *TR”
“THE ABS SYSTEM WAS EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS AT 10,000 WHEN THE LIGHT WOULD COME ON, VEHICLE WAS SERVICED SEVERAL TIMES DUE TO THE BRAKES LOCKING UP ON OCCASIONS WHILE DRIVING, THE ABS SYSTEM FAILED RESULTING IN LOSS OF CONTROL AND COLLISION WITH FENCE. *MJS”
“1999 FORD F-150 CAUGHT FIRE AND BURT TO THE GROUND IN A PARKING LOT. FIRE STARTED UNDER THE ENGINE COMPARTMANT STATED BY A WITNESS. THE VEHICLE WAS SITTING ABOUT 2 HOURS BEFORE IT CAUGHT FIRE. FOUND NUMEROUS RECALL ARTICLES ON THE WEB ABOUT A SWITCH CATCHING FIRE. *NM”
“DRIVER SIDE REAR TIRE SUFFERED TREAD SEPARATION AFTER APX 1 HOUR AROUND 70 MPH. TIRE PRESSURE WAS CHECKED / INFLATED TO MAX COLD PRIOR TO DEPARTURE. AIR TEMPERATURE WAS IN THE LOW 80S. I AM PROVIDING THIS INFORMATION IN CASE YOU TRACK SUCH INCIDENTS. NO RESPONSE IS REQUIRED. COOPER DISCOVERER H/T…”
1999 Ford F Series — common questions
Is the 1999 Ford F Series reliable?
NHTSA data argues against it: 44 complaints put the 1999 model at #4 of 35 F Series years. It is one of the F Series years to avoid.
What are the most common 1999 F Series problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (14 complaints), fuel system (8 complaints), brakes (4 complaints).
Does the 1999 Ford F Series have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 1999 Ford F Series.
Is the 1999 Ford F Series under NHTSA investigation?
NHTSA opened 3 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.
Which Ford F Series years should you avoid?
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the F Series years to avoid are 1997, 2001, 2000, 1999, 2002, 1998. The cleanest record among F Series years belongs to 1986.
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.