1999 Ford F-450 SD: problems, recalls and reliability
11 recalls and 66 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is power train (24% of complaints); the 1997 and 2001 model years look 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 66 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Tl*the contact owns a 1999 ford f450 super duty. The contact stated that the front passenger side tie rod detached from the vehicle while driving between 45-50 mph. The contact crashed into the guard rail, but there were no injuries. The vehicle was towed to his residence. The manufacturer has not yet been notified. The failure mileage was 70,000. Updated 08/31/09 *bf updated 09/03/09.*jb”Owner report · Steering · Jan 2009
“99 ford f450 was stalling on freeway, wouldn't start, very shaky. Replaced cam position sensor worked for awhile, having problems again. *tr”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Aug 2007
“Tl* - the contact owns a 1999 ford f450 super duty. The contact stated that he had stopped the vehicle, put the parking brake on , and left the vehicle running. Then he noticed smoke coming out of the hood and opened the hood. The contact saw that the fuse box and the wires located near the driver' s side fender were on fire. The vehicle was completely engulfed in fire and was a total loss. The contact stated that the fire department took a report. The current and failure mileage were both 43000. *ak”Owner report · Electrical System · Feb 2007
Show 7 more owner reports
“I have a 1999 ford power stroke diesel. In may of 2006 I had a cps failure which caused my vehicle to shut down intermittently while traveling, mostly in intersections and at stops. The problem continued for several weeks until I could identify the cps as the cause. Since then I have changed out three cps units on three other superduty's. I replaced all of the units with international parts due to the excessive cost of the unit from ford. Unfortunately, I did not save the defective parts being all to happy to discard them! *tr”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · May 2006
“Dt*: the contact stated a dark spot of oil was observed in the driveway below where the vehicle's motor would normally be located while parked. This vehicle is only driven once a week. When the vehicle was observed, the oil pan was found to be severely rusted and oil was leaking through the pin holes. It was taken to the local service dealer where the oil pan was replaced.”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Mar 2006
“After I stopped to pick-up some groceries I started the truck when a loud bang happened. I could smell gas an the engine started shaking. I shut it off. The next mourning I took it to parma car care specialists an they informed me the spark plug blew out of the head stripping all the threads with it an also the ignition coil was damaged needing replacement. *jb”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Oct 2005
“Torsion bar bracket cracked in half on right front. This caused torsion bar to drop down and right front wheel to go out on 45 degree angle. If this would have happen on the highway an employee would have been seriously injured.*jb”Owner report · Suspension · Sep 2005
“Tl*the contact owns a 1999 ford f450. The contact was driving various speeds, the vehicle would shut down while driving due to the delaminated fuel tanks. Excessively large amounts of smoke has been seen in the engine area of the vehicle. Ford advised the contact that they are not responsible for the failure or repair. The failure and current mileages were unavailable. Updated 04/05/10*jb”Owner report · Fuel System, Diesel · Apr 2005
“While driving at approximately 35 mph, and not hitting any debris, the air bags deployed inadvertently. Owner contacted the dealer, and was informed that the vehicle was out of warranty, and there was nothing they could do. *ak”Owner report · Air Bags · Mar 2005
“1999 ford f-350 dually 1 ton 4x4 aluminum wheels have cracked right front and left rear spare tire carrier cable broke....spare fell off on highway and lost. Both of the above failures could have resulted in very serious accidents. *jb”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Jan 2005
When filing, owners marked a crash in 7 of these complaints and injuries in 5 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 11 campaigns
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MEDIUM DUTY TRUCKS BUILT ON A 165" WHEEL BASE, 4X2 CHASSIS-CABS EQUIPPED WITH A 6.81 ENGINE, 5 SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSION AND OPTIONAL 5.38:1 REAR AXLE RATIO. THE TWO-PIECE DRIVE SHAFT CAN BE DAMAGED IF THE VEHICLE IS DRIVEN AT SPEEDS IN EXCESS OF 80 MILES PER HOUR.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE DRIVE SHAFT ON THESE VEHICLES.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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)
How other years compare
Check your exact F-450 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-450 SD reliable?
NHTSA has 66 owner complaints and 11 recall campaigns on record for the 1999 Ford F-450 SD. The most complained-about area is power train (24% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1999 Ford F-450 SD problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 76,000 miles or less.
Does the 1999 Ford F-450 SD have open recalls?
11 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning power train:manual transmission. 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.