MYRModel Year Report

1999 Ford Explorer Sport

● Typical for this model
1999 Ford Explorer Sport
RENDERED 2026-11-01T13:58:53.348Z

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
93
Recalls
0

None on file

Investigations
1

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Seats

16% of complaints

Complaints per year

1993: 5 complaints 1993 1997: 37 complaints 1998: 121 complaints 1999: 93 complaints 1999 93 2000: 71 complaints 2001: 188 complaints 2002: 133 complaints 2002 2003: 65 complaints 2004: 18 complaints 2004 2005: 5 complaints
1993: 5 complaints 1993 1997: 37 complaints 1997 1998: 121 complaints 1998 1999: 93 complaints 1999 93 2000: 71 complaints 2000 2001: 188 complaints 2001 2002: 133 complaints 2002 2003: 65 complaints 2003 2004: 18 complaints 2004 2005: 5 complaints 2005
1993: 5 complaints 1993 1997: 37 complaints 1997 1998: 121 complaints 1998 1999: 93 complaints 1999 93 2000: 71 complaints 2000 2001: 188 complaints 2001 2002: 133 complaints 2002 2003: 65 complaints 2003 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% · 15 reports

Most commonly citing recliner.

CRASHINJURY
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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-09-25

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2013-06-26

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, 2013-06-07

Electrical system

15% · 14 reports

Most commonly citing fuses and circuit breakers and wiring.

Vehicle speed control

12% · 11 reports

Most commonly citing cruise control and linkages.

FIREINJURYDEATH

Air bags

11% · 10 reports

Most commonly citing side/window and sensor/control module.

CRASHINJURY
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, 2003-02-20

Engine and engine cooling

11% · 10 reports

Most commonly citing gasoline and engine.

Show complaint excerpts

Consumer states vehicle stalls.

NHTSA ODI report, 2001-05-30

Safety timeline

No recalls on file for this model year.

0 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. I
    2005-09-22Defect petitionClosed 2006-01-04 Spark plug ejection from cylinder head

Buy-smart checklist

1999 Ford Explorer Sport — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Seats: 15 reports on file for this year.
  • Electrical system: 14 reports on file for this year.
  • Vehicle speed control: 11 reports on file for this year.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 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, 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 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.