1999 Ford F-Super Duty: problems, recalls and reliability
3 recalls and 93 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is service brakes, hydraulic (22% of complaints); the 1997 and 2001 model years look more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Sep 1999
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 93 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“1999.5 ford-f350 diesel steering sector shaft snapped. Driving down highway, steering wheel was off 1/4 turn. In parking lot, shaft snapped and steering wheel spun freely without any wheel movement. Looks like there was an investigation, action # ea01009 (sector shaft fractures) but no recall. Chat boards have this happening way too often. The only things on a car that should not break are the breaks and the steering! *js”Owner report · Steering · Apr 2014
“Vehicle had a full fuel tank (approx 38 gallons). Vehicle was parked in a shopping plaza. When I returned to the vehicle I found the gas tank had fallen to the ground. The rear support strap had failed from corrosion. The front strap was still intact but severely corroded as well. Fuel lines into the top of the tank were severed due to the strap failure. Vehicle was purchased new and is lightly used, thus the low mileage for the year of the vehicle. *js”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Jun 2012
“Ford f-250 super duty pick up truck caught fire while sitting in the garage. Insurance vehicle arson investigator determined cruise control switch component was source of ignition in fire. Half my house burned down as a result of fire. *kb”Owner report · Electrical System · Aug 2011
Show 7 more owner reports
“Have had my ford f250 for a few years. It has only 43,000 miles on it. The frame is rotting and is in need of a replacement. This is not the first time I have seen this issue. This seems to be a common problem wit many ford frames from 1997 to 2004. *tr”Owner report · Structure · Jun 2011
“After filling up with gas and continuing on the highway, we began to smell gas fumes. Upon our arrival at home, we noticed the gas tank was hanging by the fuel line and front strap. The rear strap had broke (from rust) and fuel filler hose was often broken off the vehicle. *tr”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · May 2011
“5.4l ford triton engine spark plugs were changed at 84,000, at 110,128 spark plug on #7 cylinder came loose and blew out. Fuel air mixture comes out the spark plug hole which is dangerous(has been known to start engine fires). There is a design defect in the aluminum heads not having enough threads to keep the spark plug tight. This is an expensive repair that ford is not paying for when it is a poor design with the potential of it continuing to happen again on another cylinder. *tr”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · May 2011
“While driving on the highway, crossing an intersection, or idle in traffic, the diesel engine in my1999 ford f250 dies, leaving me stranded in dangerous situations. I have replaced 2 in the last 6 mos. At my cost. *tr”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jan 2011
“The clutch throwout bearing was made in plastic which cause the clutch to go out fast and damage the clutch finger,it may cause a fatal if it happen in traffic,more ever it gets expensive esp. When you have to do it twice in a year but the most important is life. *tr”Owner report · Power Train · Dec 2010
“Torque converter went out at 130,000 miles. It is a 1999 f-250 super duty xlt. Truck is louder with a rattle to it now. I took it to a mechanic and he confirmed it is the torque converter. I am currently waiting to get it repaired. *tr”Owner report · Power Train · Feb 2009
“On my f-250 super duty the #4 spark plus blew out causing it to run bad and fuel fume to escape that could have caused a fire. Friend has had this happen 3 times so far. I've only driven 9,000 miles in the last three years because of the safety issue and the cost to repair it each time it happens at over 1000.00 dollars a hole x10 that uncalled for and unsafe. *tr”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Mar 2008
When filing, owners marked a crash in 6 of these complaints and injuries in 4 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 3 campaigns
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SUPER DUTY TRUCKS AND CHASSIS-CABS EQUIPPED WITH 5.4L MANUAL TRANSMISSION POWERTRAINS. THE ACCELERATOR CABLE CORE WIRE CAN WEAR THE CABLE CONDUIT END FITTING DUE TO A FIFTEEN DEGREE ANGLE IT MAKES WITH THE CONDUIT AT THE THROTTLE BODY END. THIS COULD ALSO LEAD TO WEAR OR SEPARATION OF STRANDS OF THE CORE WIRE, WHICH COULD PREVENT THE THROTTLE FROM RETURNING TO THE IDLE POSITION.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ACCELERATOR CABLE AND THROTTLE BODY.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MOTOR HOME CHASSIS. THE ACCELERATOR CABLE IS SUSCEPTIBLE TO FREEZING. WATER CAN ACCUMULATE IN THE END FITTING AND CAN FREEZE AT TEMPERATURES OF 32 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT AND BELOW. THE ICE COULD PREVENT THE ACCELERATOR FROM RETURNING TO IDLE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ACCELERATOR CABLE WITH A REVISED ACCELERATOR CABLE.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MOTOR HOME CHASSIS. THE ACCELERATOR CABLE IS SUSCEPTIBLE TO FREEZING. WATER CAN ACCUMULATE IN THE END FITTING AND AT TEMPERATURES OF 32 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT AND BELOW, CAN FREEZE. THE ICE COULD PREVENT THE ACCELERATOR FROM RETURN TO IDLE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ACCELERATOR CABLE WITH A REVISED ACCELERATOR CABLE.
How other years compare
Check your exact F-Super Duty 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-Super Duty reliable?
NHTSA has 93 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns on record for the 1999 Ford F-Super Duty. The most complained-about area is service brakes, hydraulic (22% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1999 Ford F-Super Duty problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 110,064 miles or less.
Does the 1999 Ford F-Super Duty have open recalls?
3 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.