1999 Ford F-350: problems, recalls and reliability
13 recalls and 413 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is tires (22% of complaints); the 1997 and 1998 and 2001 model years look more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Aug 2007
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 413 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“The contact owns a 1999 Ford F-350. The contact stated while driving at speeds in excess of 40 MPH, after driving over a pothole in the roadway, the vehicle started shaking and vibrating violently. The contact stated that after slowing down the failure ceased. The cause of the failure was not determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 50,000.”Owner report · Suspension · Feb 2022
“Tl* the contact owns a 1999 ford f-350. The contact stated that while the owner was operating the vehicle, the power steering assist malfunctioned. The contact indicated that the power steering assist was available while turing the steering wheel to the left however, was not available while turning the steering wheel to the right. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic however, the cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 190,000.”Owner report · Steering · Sep 2020
“Tl* the contact owns a 1999 ford f-350. While the contact's father was driving 55 mph, he swerved to avoid striking another vehicle. When the brake pedal was depressed, the driver's side tires did not stop and the steering seized. As a result, the driver struck a tree and the vehicle rolled into a ditch. A police report was filed. The air bags did not deploy. The contact's father sustained blunt force trauma to the torso and was fatally injured upon impact. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000. The VIN was not available.”Owner report · Air Bags · Oct 2018
Show 7 more owner reports
“Takata recall. I was driving down the road and my truck shut off randomly my overdrive light started flashing after this and continued to flash and still shuts off so I replaced my fuel filter, cps sensor and it still shuts off. It's like I'm goin down the road and it stalls. It does it more than once when I'm driving I just shut it off and start it again.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Jul 2018
“Tl* the contact owns a 1999 ford f-350 equipped with hankook dynapro as tires, size: 235/85r16. While driving above 45 mph, the vehicle would swerve uncontrollably. The contact also noticed that the front tires were wearing down quickly and unevenly, but the rear tires showed no failures. The local tire store was contacted and stated that they no longer serviced or sold hankook tires. The contact called the manufacturer and left a voice message. The vehicle failure mileage was 370,000. The tire failure mileage was unknown.”Owner report · Tires · May 2018
“Both front aluminum rims cracked, first one I repaired in 2006 the second one just happened and is not repairable. 120 k on truck. Dealer told me nothing he could do on the first one. These rims are definitely defective and unsafe!”Owner report · Wheels · May 2016
“Takata recall while traveling at highway speeds the right front tire lost all air after taking tire and wheel in to get fixed the tire shop said the wheel had seperated causing the tire to loose air left front tire now loosing air I have talked to several people with same problems on ford f350 1ton dullys04”Owner report · Wheels · Apr 2016
“Tl* the contact owns a 1999 ford f-350, equipped with alcoa wheels, size: 16 x 6. While driving 55 mph, the wheels vibrated. The contact pulled the vehicle over and noticed that the front driver side wheel spokes were fractured. The contact was able to change the wheel and drive the vehicle home. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was not able to be diagnosed. The manufacturer was not notified. The VIN was unknown. The failure mileage was 130,000.”Owner report · Wheels · Mar 2016
“Tl* the contact owns a 1999 ford f-350. While driving approximately 30 to 35 mph, the front end of the vehicle shook uncontrollably. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road and the contact noticed that the front axle assembly bracket was completely rusted. The front axle assembly bracket was replaced and the vehicle was repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 167,000.”Owner report · Suspension · Dec 2015
“Tl* the contact owns a 1999 ford f-350. While the vehicle was undergoing routine maintenance, the mechanic noticed that the fuel straps were disconnected and covered with rust. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 122,000. Updated 10/28/2014*lj updated 04/21/2015 *js”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Aug 2014
When filing, owners marked a crash in 46 of these complaints and injuries in 25 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 13 campaigns
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.
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.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SUPER DUTY SINGLE REAR WHEEL PICKUP TRUCKS. THE PARKING BRAKE SYSTEM, WHEN ENGAGED WITH A FORCE OF 125 POUNDS APPLIED TO THE PARK BRAKE FOOT CONTROL, MAY NOT HOLD THE VEHICLES ON A 20 DEGREE GRADE. THIS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 105, "HYDRAULIC BRAKE SYSTEMS."
Remedy: DEALERS WILL BURNISH THE PARKING BRAKE USING A SPECIFIED PROCEDURE.
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.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SUPERCAB PICKUP TRUCKS WITH DUAL REAR WHEEL, AND WIDE FRAME. THE JACKS PROVIDED WITH THESE VEHICLES ARE TOO LARGE TO BE STOWED SECURELY UNDER THE SEAT AS INTENDED AND WERE PLACED LOOSE ON THE FLOOR IN THE REAR OF THE CAB.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THESE JACKS.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SUPERCAB PICKUP TRUCKS. THE POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE IS TAPED TO THE NEGATIVE CABLE WHICH CONTAINS A CLIP TO SECURE THE ASSEMBLY TO THE SIDE FRAME RAIL. IF INCORRECTLY POSITIONED, THE POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE CAN CONTACT THE AIR CONDITIONING COMPRESSOR PULLEY.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND/OR MODIFY THE BATTERY CABLE CLIPS TO ENSURE THAT THEY ARE PROPERLY LOCATED.
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)
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: 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-350 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-350 reliable?
NHTSA has 413 owner complaints and 13 recall campaigns on record for the 1999 Ford F-350. The most complained-about area is tires (22% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1999 Ford F-350 problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 108,000 miles or less.
Does the 1999 Ford F-350 have open recalls?
13 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly. 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.