1999 Ford Explorer Sport Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 6%of 93 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 112,343miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the steering of the 1999 Ford Explorer Sport, 6% of the 93 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 112,343 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Son was driving to school. Maneuvered to avoid contact with a deer and he lost control. Tire burst and front end collapsed. He didn't make contact with any object. Called triple a to have vehicle towed. Tow driver immediately noticed after placing vehicle on his truck that part of the inner operations of the intermediate steering control arm on one side had corroded and broke. He stated that this is why our son was not able to control the vehicle. …”
NHTSA complaint #10327354, filed 2010-04, 164,886 miles“While driving, smoke started coming from the steering column inside vehicle. Contacted Ford to see if part of recall to speed sensor switch. Ford motor co. States vehicle not part of recall, did not recommend anything. No response to steering column smoking or smelling of burning electrical wires.”
NHTSA complaint #10158262, filed 2006-05, 201,000 miles“While driving, passange side spindle at the point of steering connection to it, broke causing vehicle to pool and push all over the road out of control. Dealer saw no prior damage to it or other part (tire, rim, ext.) and still refuse to cover under bumper-to-bumper coverage.”
NHTSA complaint #10040961, filed 2003-09, 59,800 miles“Engine check light stays on all the time, and the steering wheel locks, making driving impossible. Vehicle had several recall repairs done, but the problem persists. Dealer and the manufacturer had been informed of the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10040810, filed 2003-09, 57,000 miles“Smoke coming from steering column while driving on freeway,also when signal is activated . This is the fourth time. Have not seen any recalls of this matter.”
NHTSA complaint #10281207, filed 2009-08Steering: other model years
Other parts of the 1999 Ford Explorer Sport
14 complaintsSeats
14 complaintsVehicle speed control
11 complaintsEngine cooling
10 complaintsAir bags
9 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
9 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
8 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
7 complaintsBody and structure
7 complaintsTires
5 complaintsBrakes
4 complaintsExterior lighting
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1999 Ford Explorer Sport
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology