1999 Ford F53: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 15 owner complaints on record; most reports concern engine and engine cooling.
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 15 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Tl*the contact owns a 1999 ford f53. The contact received a recall notice for NHTSA campaign id number 07v336000 (vehicle speed control). The part for the recall repair was unavailable. There had been no failure to date. The engine size was unknown. The current mileage was 58,200. Updated 3/11/08 updated 03/11/08 *tr”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Sep 2007
“Dt: caller said there was a recall on v8 engines, not on v10. Caller was having the same problem with his vehicle's exhaust manifold and studs. Caller said studs broke and exhaust was leaking into the cab of vehicle. Caller thought the studs rusted. Dealer said they could not help him unless consumer paid for it. Manufacturer said consumer was not having a problem with the v10 engines. *ak”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Oct 2004
“Whats the use of having tsb's with no information? Just want to make a dime more? This site is useless. What do you think people are looking for when they search tsb's? Answers! You have none! Quit wasting peoples time and money.*ak”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Dec 2003
Show 6 more owner reports
“Winnabago adventurer on ford chassis: defective air filter becomes to pick mositure which causes the sensor to malfunction, causing the vehicle to hesitate and stall which may cause a crash. Ford is putting out a tsb, but not a recall. Ford still does not have parts for the fix. Please provide further information.*ak”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jun 2000
“Wheels cannot be balanced to prevent vibration of vehicle. Differential was defective from ford and was replaced after two attempts to fix same. Chassis is still vibrating and unusable as one repair attempt wrapped the generater gas line around the generator exhaust pipe ( this repair attempt was by fleetwood motorhomes in decatur, ind. On a second try to fix the motorhome).”Owner report · Power Train · Aug 1999
“Rear differential ring and pinion gear failed. Manufacturer provided interim repair until component manufacturer (dana) can provide a permenent compnent(s) replacement. Rear end still makes driveline vibration/noise at 60 mph under load. Failure of this component could render vehicle unable to move under it's own power or be towed to a repair facility leaving the motorist stranded.”Owner report · Suspension · Apr 1999
“Brake pedal required multiple applications to get any braking action. Reported to dealer. Discovered air in the brake lines. Could result in condensation in brake lines and subsequent loss of braking capability if operating below freezing temperatures.*ak”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Feb 1999
“Air filter sucks in water when it rains, causing the engine to stall. Ford has issued a tsb on the vehicle; however there is no solution. Manufacturer has been notified. *ak”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Jan 1999
“Whenever it rains water gets inside of engine air filter on the motorhome chassis. This causes engine to shutdown. Would stall out when starting. Tsb #13079 on chassis. Dealer could not repair problem and get water out of engine. *ak *ml”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jan 1999
Recalls - 2 campaigns
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.
ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS, PASSENGER VEHICLES, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND MOTOR HOMES CHASSIS, THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH MAY, UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, LEAK INTERNALLY AND THEN OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUSED WIRING HARNESS. OWNERS OF THE PASSENGER CARS INCLUDED IN THIS CAMPAIGN WILL BE INSTRUCTED TO RETURN THEIR VEHICLES TO THEIR DEALERS TO HAVE THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH DISCONNECTED AS AN INTERIM REPAIR. AS SOON AS REPAIR PARTS ARE AVAILABLE (EXPECTED OCTOBER 2007), OWNERS WILL BE INSTRUCTED TO RETURN TO THE DEALERS FOR INSTALLATION OF A FUSED WIRING HARNESS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 13, 2007, AND MAILING COMPLETED BY SEPTEMBER 19, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-888-222-2751.
Check your exact F53 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 F53 reliable?
NHTSA has 15 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 1999 Ford F53. The most complained-about area is engine and engine cooling.
Does the 1999 Ford F53 have open recalls?
2 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.