1999 Ford Explorer Sport Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 8about this part
- Share
- 9%of 93 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 50,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1999 Ford Explorer Sport, 9% of the 93 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 50,000 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.
“My transmission is slipping especially on the highway o/d light flashes on and off. There are many many complaints on google with people who have had the same problem. Some have had the transmission stick leading to crashes. Ford should have a recall and be make to fix these before they kill someone, if they haven't already. Ford is very aware of this issue, and NHTSA needs to hold them accountable and get our vehicles repaired!!!”
NHTSA complaint #10257206, filed 2009-02, 156,000 miles“1999 Ford Explorer Sport -shift lever was hard to select gear-then went smooth,but does not align properly with correct gear. Was told that cable and rod in shift column were broke/damaged, that this very common with make/model/year. Was told that this could totally malfunction wile driving-advised not to drive. Have not had money to fix at present.”
NHTSA complaint #10203155, filed 2007-09, 15,000 miles“Poor performance/durability of the vehicle. Includes 5 recalls (to date) and the need to replace the transmission in the vehicle after only 72,000 miles of operation. Other parts not properly functioning at this time are the radio, cruise control, and brake lights.”
NHTSA complaint #10067674, filed 2004-04, 71,900 miles“Complained of lous rattling noise in engine on 7/07/03, and again on 09/29/04 at a different Ford dealer. There are major mechinical problems with this vehicle in concern to the engine cam guides, rear differential and lower basll joints worn, why wasn't my Ford Explorer Sport recalled for these problems or given the same TSB as the 1999 Ford explorer?”
NHTSA complaint #10129939, filed 2005-07“Consumer had the bolt to the cv boot break on the way to the service station causing the steering knuckle to give away which aided in consumer losing control of vehicle. Consumer trade vehicle in for a newer model.”
NHTSA complaint #566132, filed 2002-06Related service bulletins
- 10013369Nov 1, 2004General power train control module (pcm) programming procedures.
Transmission and drivetrain: 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 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
7 complaintsBody and structure
7 complaintsSteering
6 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 Nov 1, 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