1999 Ford F-250: problems, recalls and reliability
19 recalls and 581 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is tires (18% of complaints); the 1997 and 1998 and 2000 and 2001 model years look more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Jul 2011
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 581 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“i was involved in a collision on US30 3 miles west of Rainer Oregon. where I struck another Ford truck while cruising at 55 mph. The vehicle I struck pulled in front of me, my vehicle was severely damaged in the front end and the steering wheel and lower dash panel injured me.,”Owner report · Air Bags · Sep 2023
“The Belt in the tire separated while driving. This caused a "Bubble" to form causing my truck to shake violently and required changing to the spare tire. If this happened on the highway I could have lost control and caused an accident. I took my truck to a tire installer who documented the above finding and noted the tire was properly inflated and there were no impact marks on the tread or sidewalls. I am currently working with the supplier but they are being unreasonable with the requirements to have it inspected. No other reps have been contacted at this time. No ( its a 24 year old truck, I don't have any tire related warning lamps) LT235/85 R16”Owner report · Tires · Oct 2022
“Tl* the contact owns a 1999 ford f-250. While driving 5 mph, the contact heard something snap on his vehicle. The contact pulled the vehicle over and discovered that the rear strap connected to the fuel tank detached from the vehicle. The contact wired the tank back into place and drove home. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA campaign number: 11v385000 (fuel system, gasoline). The contact informed the manufacturer of the failure and was informed that the vehicle was not included in the recall; therefore, he would be responsible for the repairs. A dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Aug 2019
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“Tl* the contact owns a 1999 ford f-250. While driving 55 mph, the fuel tank dropped out of place without warning. The contact heard a dragging, scraping sound underneath the vehicle. The contact pulled over into a parking lot and discovered the failure. Brad howell ford (2170 e blvd st, kokomo, in 46902) and the manufacturer were contacted and stated that the contact would be responsible for the repairs since there were no recalls. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.”Owner report · Engine · Jul 2019
“Tl* the contact owns a 1999 ford f-250. While operating the vehicle at highway speeds, both fuel straps fractured. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 11v385000 (fuel system, gasoline); although, the vehicle exhibited the same failure as listed in the recall campaign. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 180,000.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · May 2019
“Tl* the contact owns a 1999 ford f-250. When the contact exited and returned to the vehicle, it made an abnormal sound when it was restarted. Suddenly, a fire erupted under the hood, which spread to the cabin of the vehicle. The driver fell and hurt her knee while attempting to exit the vehicle quickly. Medical treatment was required. The fire was extinguished by the fire department. There was extensive damage to the front end of the vehicle. The insurance company was made aware of the failure. The manufacturer was notified. The dealer was not contacted. The cause of the failure was not determined. The VIN was not available. The approximate failure mileage was 300,000.”Owner report · Electrical System · Apr 2019
“Tl* the contact owns a 1999 ford f-250. The contact stated that the vehicle caught fire under the hood while parked on the side of the road. The failure occurred without warning. The contact extinguished the fire with snow. A police report was not filed. There were no injuries. The dealer and manufacturer were not contacted. The cause of the failure was not determined. The failure mileage was 69,000.”Owner report · Engine · Mar 2019
“Filled the gas tank full the drove down the street at 45 mph. About 1 mile into the drive the rear fuel tank strap broke in half and the rear end of the fuel tank fell to the ground spilling most of the fuel. The strap look corroded.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Feb 2019
“I was going down the freeway @ 65mph and I noticed my steering was not responding in the normal way. I had made it to a exit and stopped at light tried to make right turn truck continued straight, and I was stopped in rush hour traffic in ca. Got out and saw my sector shaft had broken off my steering gear box.”Owner report · Steering · Oct 2017
“Rear fuel tank strap failed, causing fuel tank to drag on ground while vehicle was in motion. See safety recall 11s21 which recalled fuel tank straps on other 1999 ford trucks including f-150 and f-250 light duty but not f-250 super duty. Recall should be extended to 1999 f-250 super duty.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Apr 2016
When filing, owners marked a crash in 55 of these complaints and injuries in 38 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 19 campaigns
ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH SPEED CONTROL, THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH MAY OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN.
Remedy: BY LETTER DATED SEPTEMBER 12, 2005, OWNERS WERE INSTRUCTED TO RETURN THEIR VEHICLES TO THEIR DEALERS TO HAVE THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH DISCONNECTED. OWNERS WHO HAVE HAD THEIR SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATED ARE BEING NOTIFIED THAT PARTS WILL BE AVAILABLE AND ADVISED TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TO RECONNECT THE SPEED CONTROL BEGINNING IN FEBRUARY 2006. OWNERS WHO DID NOT HAVE THEIR SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATED ARE BEING NOTIFIED TO HAVE THEIR SYSTEM REMEDIED BEGINNING IN FEBRUARY 2006. OWNERS ARE URGED TO AVAIL THEMSELVES OF THE FREE DISCONNECT SERVICE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE BECAUSE OF THE SIGNIFICANT RISK OF FIRE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673. (NOTE: ALSO SEE RECALLS 05V017 AND 06V286)
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: BI-FUEL CNG PICKUP TRUCKS AND BI-FUEL CNG VANS, MODIFIED BY CFI CONTROL SYSTEMS, INC., FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 303, "FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY OF COMPRESSED NATURAL GAS VEHICLES." THE LABEL AFFIXED TO THE FUEL FILLER DOOR BY THE VEHICLE MODIFIER CONTAINS THE INSPECTION DATE AND EXPIRATION DATE OF THE CNG TANK. HOWEVER, IT DOES NOT CONTAIN THE STATEMENT "SEE INSTRUCTIONS ON THE FUEL CONTAINER FOR INSPECTION AND SERVICE LIFE."
Remedy: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED A LABEL WITH THE REQUIRED STATEMENT, ALONG WITH INSTRUCTIONS FOR AFFIXING THE LABEL AT THE FUEL FILLER DOOR. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN NOVEMBER 2, 2000. 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.
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.
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.
DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Remedy: DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.
CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE 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: CK MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE NONCOMPLIANT LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CK MOTORSPORT AT 1-909-610-7211.
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.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE LOWER STEERING SHAFT RIVETS AND REPLACE ANY SHAFTS WITH UNCRIMPED RIVETS.
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.
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.
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.
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.
CERTAIN EAGLE EYES HEADLAMPS, P/NOS. FR208-B101R, FR208-B101L, FR208-B001R, AND FR208-B001L, SOLD FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE PHOTOMETRIC REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Remedy: SABRY LEE WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER FULL CREDIT FOR ANY NONCOMPLIANT HEADLAMP. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON JUNE 14, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABRY LEE ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE AT 1-866-467-2279.
FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN 1997 THROUGH 2003 MODEL YEAR FORD F-150, 2004 MODEL YEAR FORD F-150 HERITAGE, 1997 THROUGH 1999 MODEL YEAR F-250 LESS THAN 8,500 LBS. GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT RATING (GVWR), AND 2002 AND 2003 LINCOLN BLACKWOOD VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 20, 1995, THROUGH AUGUST 4, 2004, ORIGINALLY SOLD, OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN, CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, KENTUCKY, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. PROLONGED EXPOSURE TO ROAD DEICING CHEMICALS MAY CAUSE SEVERE CORROSION OF THE FUEL TANK STRAPS WHICH SECURE THE TANK TO THE VEHICLE.
Remedy: FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND INSTRUCT THEM TO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO A FORD OR LINCOLN DEALER TO HAVE THE FUEL TANK STRAPS REPLACED WITH STRAPS THAT HAVE INCREASED CORROSION PROTECTION. EARLY IN THIS CAMPAIGN, IF REPLACEMENT STRAPS ARE NOT AVAILABLE, DEALERS MAY INSTALL A CABLE SUPPORT UNDER THE STRAP AS AN INTERIM REPAIR OR A STEEL REINFORCEMENT OVER THE EXISTING STRAP AS A PERMANENT REPAIR. ANY REPAIRS WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 16, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD MOTOR COMPANY CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER AT 1-866-436-7332. FORD'S RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBER IS 11S21
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.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CAST TOW HOOKS WITH FORGED HOOKS.
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.
Remedy: ALL OF THE DEFECTIVE TOW PACKAGES ARE STILL AT THE DISTRIBUTOR LEVEL AND HAVE NOT BEEN SOLD TO ANY CONSUMERS.
ON CERTAIN TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH SPEED CONTROL, GASOLINE OR NATURAL GAS ENGINES, THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH MAY OVERHEAT.
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)
CERTAIN MAXZONE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLIES, DEPO BRAND, P/NOS. 331-1129L-ASN AND 331-1129R-ASN, SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE PHOTOMETRIC REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Remedy: MAXZONE WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER REIMBURSEMENT FOR ANY NONCOMPLIANT HEADLIGHTS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MAXZONE AT 909-822-3288.
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.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPOSITION THE FRONT STRAP ISOLATOR.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS. THE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR O-RING MAY HAVE BEEN DAMAGED WHEN THE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR WAS INSTALLED IN THE ENGINE FUEL RAIL. IF THE O-RING IS DAMAGED, FUEL VAPOR OR LEAKAGE COULD OCCUR.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS. A SPEED CONTROL CABLE MAY NOT HAVE FULLY SEATED INTO THE ACCELERATOR BRACKET AT TIME OF INSTALLATION. IF THE CABLE IS NOT FULLY SEATED INTO THIS BRACKET, THE CABLE COULD SEPARATE FROM THE BRACKET.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL ADD A RETAINING CLIP TO THE SPEED CONTROL CABLE FITTING AT THE ACCELERATOR BRACKET.
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.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL AUGMENT THE BOX-TO-CHASSIS ATTACHMENT BY INSTALLING BOX-TO-CHASSIS RETAINING CABLES.
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.
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.
How other years compare
Check your exact F-250 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 reliable?
NHTSA has 581 owner complaints and 19 recall campaigns on record for the 1999 Ford F-250. The most complained-about area is tires (18% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1999 Ford F-250 problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 99,500 miles or less.
Does the 1999 Ford F-250 have open recalls?
19 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.