MYRModel Year Report

1999 Ford Explorer Sport

● Typical for this model
1999 Ford Explorer Sport
RENDERED 2026-09-16T03:03:41.459Z

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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Ford Explorer Sport Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1999 highlighted. 1993: 5 complaints 1993 1997: 37 complaints 1998: 121 complaints 1998 1999: 93 complaints 1999 2000: 71 complaints 2000 2001: 188 complaints 2002: 133 complaints 2002 2003: 65 complaints 2004: 18 complaints 2004 2005: 5 complaints 2005
1999: 93 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19935
199737
1998121
199993
200071
2001188
2002133
200365
200418
20055

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.

SEATS 16%

16% of complaints: seats — 15 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing recliner.

CRASH INJURY
Show 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

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

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 15%

15% of complaints: electrical system — 14 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing fuses and circuit breakers and wiring.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 12%

12% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 11 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing cruise control and linkages.

FIRE INJURY DEATH
AIR BAGS 11%

11% of complaints: air bags — 10 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing side/window and sensor/control module.

CRASH INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

I WAS IN A SINGLE CAR ACCIDENT AND MY CAR ALMOST ROLLED OVER. I HIT THE HIGHWAY RAILING AND MY CAR WAS DAMAGED PRETTY BADLY IN THE FRONT AND SIDE. THE CAR WAS NOT IN DRIVABLE CONDITION HOWEVER, NO AIRBAG CAME OUT.

NHTSA ODI report, 20030220

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 11%

11% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 10 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing gasoline and engine.

Show complaint excerpts

CONSUMER STATES VEHICLE STALLS. *JB

NHTSA ODI report, 20010530

SAFETY TIMELINE

No recalls on file for this model year.

I 20050922 — DP (closed 20060104)

SPARK PLUG EJECTION FROM CYLINDER HEAD

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1999 Ford Explorer Sport — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for seats issues (15 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (14 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (11 reports on file for this year).
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 1997 ▲ 2003 ▲ 2000

WORST YEARS

■ 2001 ◆ 2002 ◆ 1998

See all years ranked →

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, accounting for 16% 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 2026-09-15 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.