1999 Ford F-250 SD: problems, recalls and reliability
5 recalls and 249 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is engine and engine cooling (36% of complaints); the 1997 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Oct 2009
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 249 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Tl* the contact owns a 1999 ford f-250 sd. While driving 55 mph, the cable snapped in the rear of the vehicle, damaged the rear axle, and caused the trailer to fracture. The manufacturer was notified and suggested that the vehicle be taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not available. The approximate failure mileage was 55,000.”Owner report · Suspension · Apr 2016
“Tl* the contact owns a 1999 ford f-250 sd. The contact stated that the straps for the fuel tank were rusted all the way through. The contact was made aware of NHTSA campaign number: 11v385000 (fuel system). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. However, the refused to provide any assistance since the vehicle was not included in any recalls. The failure mileage was unknown....updated 06/03/15 *bf updated 7/7/2015*js”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Apr 2015
“Traveling southbound on florida turnpike towing 5th wheel trailer, right lane, 65mph, 80psi tire pressure checked before departure. Had traveled approx 50 miles when tread partially separated from right front tire. No loss of tire pressure, which allowed safely steering off highway. Tread remaining on tire did extensive damage to rf fender and custom fiberglas running board/ wheel flare. Fender bottom pushed back and damaged rf door. Second tread failure from same set of tires in four months. Already a recall on same model, other size tires we found online today. *tr”Owner report · Tires · Jan 2015
Show 7 more owner reports
“2014 lexus pulled out in front of me slammed on brakes hit drivers side rear door and back panel. My airbag did not deploy. *tr”Owner report · Air Bags · Jan 2015
“Tl* the contact owns a 1999 ford f-250 sd. The contact stated that while driving at 65-70 mph, there was an abnormal noise coming from the front driver's side wheel. The contact discovered that the front driver's side tire had blown out. As a result, the ABS warning light illuminated. The tire was replaced with a spare. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 07e106000 (wheels).the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 163,000.”Owner report · Tires · Jan 2015
“Uniroyal liberator lt265/75-16 load e tread separated causing damage to right rear bed of truck. Truck bed was damaged as well as tailpipe, mud flap ripped off, bracing torn off, brake shield bent. *tr”Owner report · Tires · Nov 2014
“Diesel fuel tank fell down because of rusted tank straps and leaked 30 gallons of fuel onto roadside. 13 yards of soil had to be abated from the contaminated site. *tr”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Sep 2014
“Tl* the contact owns a 1999 ford f-250 sd. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 mph, the vehicle displayed a reduction in power and exhibited a loud, abnormal noise from the engine without warning. The smell of gasoline was emitted inside the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to independent mechanic, who installed a new insert, cylinder head, spark plug and coil. The manufacturer was notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 153,000. Updated 05/28/14*lj”Owner report · Engine · Mar 2014
“Tl* the contact owns a 1999 ford f-250 sd with federal courgia tires, line size: 35x12.5r20. The contact stated that while driving 65 mph, the rear passenger's side tire blew, causing the contact to loose control of the vehicle. The vehicle was flipped and rolled over three times. The contact sustained back injuries as a result. A police report was filed. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The VIN was not available. The dot number was not available. The approximate failure mileage was 70,000 and the tire failure mileage was 8,000.”Owner report · Tires · Jul 2013
“While backing out of my driveway, the brake pedal slowly sank to the floor. I put the truck in park and got out of the vehicle. I noticed an expanding pool of hydraulic fluid forming underneath the truck, just forward of the rear, driver's side tire. Upon investigation, the right rear brake line had chaffed a hole on the frame rail resulting in a loss of brakes. Had this brake line failed at any other time, rather just backing out of my driveway, it could have resulted in dire consequences.”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Jul 2013
When filing, owners marked a crash in 15 of these complaints and injuries in 10 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 5 campaigns
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.
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.
CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Remedy: PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.
CERTAIN AFTERMARKET FUEL FILTERS SOLD UNDER THE PUROLATOR BRAND NAME, P/N F65277, SHIPPED FROM JANUARY 16 THROUGH JUNE 2, 2006, FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. DUE TO INCORRECT DESIGN, THE QUICK CONNECTORS MAY NOT FULLY SEAT WITH THE TUBE INTERFACE, EVEN THOUGH THE PERSON MAKING THE CONNECTION MAY BELIEVE THAT THE QUICK CONNECTOR IS FULLY ATTACHED.
Remedy: UFI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 4, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT UFI FILTERS USA AT 800-230-5876.
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.
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.
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.
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.
How other years compare
Check your exact F-250 SD by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1999 Ford F-250 SD reliable?
NHTSA has 249 owner complaints and 5 recall campaigns on record for the 1999 Ford F-250 SD. The most complained-about area is engine and engine cooling (36% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1999 Ford F-250 SD problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 99,000 miles or less.
Does the 1999 Ford F-250 SD have open recalls?
5 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning vehicle speed control. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.