MYRModel Year Report

1999 Ford Explorer

◆ Worse than typical
1999 Ford Explorer
BUILT 2026-10-10

This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than 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
1,348
Recalls
15

Campaigns on file for 1999

Investigations
6

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Tires

27% of complaints

Complaints per year

1984: 1 complaint 1984 1985: 1 complaint 1986: 3 complaints 1987: 3 complaints 1988: 4 complaints 1989: 1 complaint 1990: 12 complaints 1990 1991: 616 complaints 1992: 640 complaints 1993: 944 complaints 1994: 1,231 complaints 1995: 843 complaints 1996: 1,450 complaints 1997: 1,731 complaints 1998: 1,959 complaints 1999: 1,348 complaints 1999 1,348 2000: 952 complaints 2001: 375 complaints 2002: 3,295 complaints 2003: 1,131 complaints 2004: 1,304 complaints 2005: 497 complaints 2006: 630 complaints 2007: 208 complaints 2008: 148 complaints 2008 2009: 33 complaints 2010: 115 complaints 2011: 1,197 complaints 2012: 826 complaints 2013: 2,233 complaints 2014: 1,679 complaints 2014 2015: 1,786 complaints 2016: 2,455 complaints 2017: 1,690 complaints 2018: 727 complaints 2019: 296 complaints 2020: 1,224 complaints 2020 2021: 432 complaints 2022: 267 complaints 2023: 110 complaints 2024: 21 complaints 2025: 100 complaints 2026: 39 complaints 2026 2027: 0 complaints
1984: 1 complaint 1984 1985: 1 complaint 1986: 3 complaints 1987: 3 complaints 1987 1988: 4 complaints 1989: 1 complaint 1990: 12 complaints 1990 1991: 616 complaints 1992: 640 complaints 1993: 944 complaints 1993 1994: 1,231 complaints 1995: 843 complaints 1996: 1,450 complaints 1996 1997: 1,731 complaints 1998: 1,959 complaints 1999: 1,348 complaints 1999 1,348 2000: 952 complaints 2001: 375 complaints 2002: 3,295 complaints 2002 2003: 1,131 complaints 2004: 1,304 complaints 2005: 497 complaints 2005 2006: 630 complaints 2007: 208 complaints 2008: 148 complaints 2008 2009: 33 complaints 2010: 115 complaints 2011: 1,197 complaints 2011 2012: 826 complaints 2013: 2,233 complaints 2014: 1,679 complaints 2014 2015: 1,786 complaints 2016: 2,455 complaints 2017: 1,690 complaints 2017 2018: 727 complaints 2019: 296 complaints 2020: 1,224 complaints 2020 2021: 432 complaints 2022: 267 complaints 2023: 110 complaints 2023 2024: 21 complaints 2025: 100 complaints 2026: 39 complaints 2026 2027: 0 complaints
1984: 1 complaint 1984 1985: 1 complaint 1986: 3 complaints 1986 1987: 3 complaints 1988: 4 complaints 1988 1989: 1 complaint 1990: 12 complaints 1990 1991: 616 complaints 1992: 640 complaints 1992 1993: 944 complaints 1994: 1,231 complaints 1994 1995: 843 complaints 1996: 1,450 complaints 1996 1997: 1,731 complaints 1998: 1,959 complaints 1999: 1,348 complaints 1999 1,348 2000: 952 complaints 2001: 375 complaints 2002: 3,295 complaints 2002 2003: 1,131 complaints 2004: 1,304 complaints 2004 2005: 497 complaints 2006: 630 complaints 2006 2007: 208 complaints 2008: 148 complaints 2008 2009: 33 complaints 2010: 115 complaints 2010 2011: 1,197 complaints 2012: 826 complaints 2012 2013: 2,233 complaints 2014: 1,679 complaints 2014 2015: 1,786 complaints 2016: 2,455 complaints 2016 2017: 1,690 complaints 2018: 727 complaints 2018 2019: 296 complaints 2020: 1,224 complaints 2020 2021: 432 complaints 2022: 267 complaints 2022 2023: 110 complaints 2024: 21 complaints 2024 2025: 100 complaints 2026: 39 complaints 2026 2027: 0 complaints

1999: 1,348 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19841
19851
19863
19873
19884
19891
199012
1991616
1992640
1993944
19941,231
1995843
19961,450
19971,731
19981,959
19991,348
2000952
2001375
20023,295
20031,131
20041,304
2005497
2006630
2007208
2008148
200933
2010115
20111,197
2012826
20132,233
20141,679
20151,786
20162,455
20171,690
2018727
2019296
20201,224
2021432
2022267
2023110
202421
2025100
202639
20270

Known problem areas

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

Tires

27% · 370 reports

Most commonly citing tread/belt and sidewall.

CRASHFIREINJURYDEATH
Show complaint excerpts

1999 Ford Explorer. Consumer writes in regards to firestone tires (Pr.15.75) recall on vehicle. *smd the would like a list of all the firestone tires that were recalled.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-11-20

Visibility

16% · 221 reports

Most commonly citing windshield wiper/washer and motor.

CRASHFIREINJURY

Vehicle speed control

11% · 151 reports

Most commonly citing accelerator pedal and cruise control.

CRASHFIREINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Acceleration ( Gas stuck open and caused the vehicle to not to be controlled and the car jumped the curb and hit a car in opposite side of the roadway). 1999 Ford Explorer…

NHTSA ODI report, 2019-11-16

Gas pedal bracket fell off the firewall of the vehicle.jamming up under the brake pedal almost caused and accident.

NHTSA ODI report, 2023-11-03

Power train

9% · 120 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission and transfer case (4-wheel drive).

CRASHFIREINJURY

Engine and engine cooling

8% · 105 reports

Most commonly citing gasoline and engine.

CRASHFIRE
Show complaint excerpts

Consumer was making a 3PT turn. When truck was placed in drive gear then engine suddenly accelerated causing vehicle to crash into house. Ph

NHTSA ODI report, 2002-12-02

Safety timeline

15 recalls · 6 investigations · oldest first

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

  1. ▮
    1999Complaint volume 1,348 complaints filed for this model year.
  2. R
    1999-03-27Vehicle speed control99V062001 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…

    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…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  3. R
    1999-05-17Service brakes, hydraulic99V123000 Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles. The right front brake line to the hydraulic control unit (Hcu) connection could separate causing the line to leak when the brake pedal is applied.

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the flare nut on the brake line.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  4. I
    1999-06-09SQClosed 2000-02-22 Vehicle hesitation/stalling
  5. R
    1999-07-14Latches/locks/linkages99V164000 Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles. The secondary hood latch may corrode at the latch pivot and stick in the open position.

    Remedy: Dealers will install a secondary hood latch with components that are coated prior to assembly for improved latch pivot corrosion protection.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  6. I
    1999-07-28Preliminary evaluationClosed 2000-04-24 Windshield wiper malfunction
  7. I
    1999-11-19SQClosed 2000-05-23 Airbag system's light dysfunctional
  8. R
    2000-04-15Electrical system00V072000 Vehicle description: multi-purpose vehicles equipped with 4.0L engines and all-time 4-wheel drive (A4wd) powertrains. The generic electronic module (Gem) could experience a condition referred to…

    Remedy: Dealers will install a resistor in the gem circuit.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  9. R
    2000-08-26Tires00T005000 Tire description: firestone wilderness at, size P235/75R15, produced at the decatur, Illinois tire plant and all firestone radial atx and radial atx ii tires, size P235/75R15. Operation of these…

    Remedy: The replacement/reimbursement program for this campaign expired on August 29, 2001. However, customers should contact firestone customer service at 1-800-465-1904 for possible assistance.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  10. R
    2001-01-23Power train00V395000 Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles equipped with the 3.27 or 3.55 axle ration. The subject vehicles have a powertrain control module that could allow the vehicle to exceed the design…

    Remedy: Dealers will reprogram the powertrain control module.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  11. I
    2001-02-26Engineering analysisClosed 2002-04-25 Seat belt webbing
  12. R
    2001-06-04Tires01X001000 This is not a safety recall in accordance with the safety act. However, it is deemed a safety improvement campaign by the agency. Equipment description: Ford is replacing all firestone…

    Remedy: The replacement/reimbursement program for this campaign expired on March 31, 2002. However, customers can contact Ford at 1-877-917-3673 or go on-line to www.Ford.com for possible assistance.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  13. I
    2003-05-21Preliminary evaluationClosed 2003-09-05 Front seat back recliner attachment
  14. R
    2003-08-29Vehicle speed control03V280000 On certain sport utility vehicles equipped with speed control and 4.0L sohc engines, if the strand cover on the speed control cable becomes flared at the end, the speed control cable may bind when…

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect the speed control cable and, if necessary, replace it. Owner notification began August 29, 2003. Owners should contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  15. R
    2003-08-29Seats03V281000 On certain sport utility vehicles equipped with high back seats, the upper bolt on the driver's side high back seat, that attaches the seat recliner mechanism to the seat back frame, could fracture.

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the driver seat upper bolt with a metal spacer and bolt. In addition, seats with tubular back frames will have the fully threaded lower recliner bolt replaced with a partially…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  16. I
    2005-09-22Defect petitionClosed 2006-01-04 Spark plug ejection from cylinder head
  17. R
    2006-04-03Exterior lighting06E026000 Certain pro-a motors corner lamps, turn signals, and headlights sold as replacement lamps for use on certain passenger vehicles listed above. Some combination lamps that are not equipped with amber…

    Remedy: Pro-a motors will notify owners and offer to repurchase the lamps. The recall began on April 3, 2006. Owners may contact pro-a motors at 323-838-2988.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  18. R
    2006-08-04Fuel system, gasoline06E056000 Certain aftermarket fuel filters sold under the purolator brand name, p/n F65277, shipped from January 16 through June 2, 2006, for use on the above listed passenger vehicles. Due to incorrect…

    Remedy: Ufi will notify owners and replace the filters free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2006. Owners may contact ufi filters USA at 800-230-5876.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  19. R
    2007-08-13Vehicle speed control07V336000 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…

    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…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  20. R
    2009-05-11Exterior lighting09E012000 Sabersport is recalling 16,270 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. These headlamps fail to…

    Remedy: Sabersport will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on May 11, 2009. Owners may contact sabersport at 1-909-598-7589.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  21. R
    2009-07-28Exterior lighting09E025000 Dope, inc. Is recalling 42,540 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. These headlamps fail to…

    Remedy: Dope, inc. Will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on July 28, 2009. Owners may contact dope, inc. At 1-626-272-1798.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  22. R
    2009-10-27Vehicle speed control09V399000 Ford is recalling model years 1995-2003 Windstar, 2000-2003 Excursion diesel, 1993-1997 and 1999-2003 F-250 SD through f-550 sd diesel, 1992-2003 E-150 through e-550, 1995-2002 Explorer, 1997 and…

    Remedy: Ford will notify owners that dealers will install a fused wiring harness in line with the scds. On 1999-2003 Windstar vehicles with a leaking scds, dealers will also inspect the ABS control module…

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1999 Ford Explorer — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Tires: 370 reports on file for this year.
  • Visibility: 221 reports on file for this year.
  • Vehicle speed control: 151 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 99V062001 · Vehicle speed control
  • Recall 99V123000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
  • Recall 99V164000 · Latches/locks/linkages
  • Recall 00V072000 · Electrical system
  • Recall 00T005000 · Tires
  • Recall 00V395000 · Power train
  • Recall 01X001000 · Tires
  • Recall 03V280000 · Vehicle speed control
  • Recall 03V281000 · Seats
  • Recall 06E026000 · Exterior lighting
  • Recall 06E056000 · Fuel system, gasoline
  • Recall 07V336000 · Vehicle speed control
  • Recall 09E012000 · Exterior lighting
  • Recall 09E025000 · Exterior lighting
  • Recall 09V399000 · Vehicle speed control
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 1999 Ford Explorer reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1999 Ford Explorer is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1999 Ford Explorer?
The most-reported component is tires, accounting for 27% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1999 Ford Explorer have?
15 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.