1999 Ford Explorer Sport
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1993 | 5 |
| 1997 | 37 |
| 1998 | 121 |
| 1999 | 93 |
| 2000 | 71 |
| 2001 | 188 |
| 2002 | 133 |
| 2003 | 65 |
| 2004 | 18 |
| 2005 | 5 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
12% of complaints: seats — 11 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH THE DRIVERS SEAT BACK COLLAPSED. AS A RESULT THE DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND RAN INTO A CONCRETE BARRIER. THE FRONT AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *NLM
NHTSA ODI report, 20030925
11% of complaints: electrical system — 10 distinct reports on file.
5% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 5 distinct reports on file.
FIRE INJURY DEATH4% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 4 distinct reports on file.
FIRE4% of complaints: seats — 4 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
1999 FORD EXPLORER SPORT DRIVERS SEAT BACK UNLATCHED ITSELF WHILE DRIVING. LUCKILY ONLY 20 MPH! REAR PASSENGER DRIVERS SIDE SEAT IS FOLDED DOWN FORWARD TO HOLD DRIVERS SEAT IN PLACE, UNTIL I CAN FIND ANOTHER USED SEAT. *TR
NHTSA ODI report, 20130626
WAS DRIVING AROUND THE CITY WHEN I REACH INTO MY POCKET TO GET MY PHONE AND HEAR A LOUD THUMP COMING FROM THE SEAT AND THE NEXT THING I NOTICE IS THE SEAT RECLINING ALL THE WAY BACK.
NHTSA ODI report, 20130607
SAFETY TIMELINE
No recalls on file for this model year.
SPARK PLUG EJECTION FROM CYLINDER HEAD
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1999 Ford Explorer Sport — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for seats issues (11 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (10 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (5 reports on file for this year).
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1999 Ford Explorer Sport reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1999 Ford Explorer Sport is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1999 Ford Explorer Sport?
The most-reported component is seats:front assembly:recliner, accounting for 12% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1999 Ford Explorer Sport have?
No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.