1999 Ford Explorer Fuel system Problems
- Complaints
- 34about this part
- Share
- 3%of 1,348 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 160,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 34 complaints about the fuel system of the 1999 Ford Explorer, 3% of the 1,348 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 160,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“While driving 60 miles an hour during rush hour the gas pedal disappeared. The bracket that attaches to the firewall became separated and I lost all ability to accelerate. I was able somehow to get across 2 lanes of traffic and park on the shoulder of a major interstate.”
NHTSA complaint #10661588, filed 2014-12, 160,000 miles“The electrical on my vehicle is bad. My radio lights flash, none of my doors open from te inside and only roll down windows from diver switcth; gas gayge only reads empry although I j ust put 30 dollars in the tank.”
NHTSA complaint #10870925, filed 2016-05, 280,000 miles“The biggest problem I have now is my transmission, on august 1st, my Explorer lost its reverse, it is now august 25, and I still do not have my car, they fixed it on aug 20, it broke that night, took it back aug 22, broke again and then took it back that night and now they still have it and dont know what is wrong with it. I told them all I want is a car, but they say they cannot give me one. Why? I dont have a car, I lease the one I have, cant drive it, still have to pay for it, and they wont give me a loaner.”
NHTSA complaint #10070715, filed 2004-01, 38,000 miles“The rear windshield wiper does not clear the entire window, the left turn signal did not wait until the turn was made before going off. The consumer believes something may have come loose which caused a gas leak while driving. The dealer refused to repair the wiper and turn signal under warranty.”
NHTSA complaint #10089275, filed 2004-08, 83,000 miles“I dont understand why the 1999 Ford explorers do not have a shield protecting the gas tank. The 1997 and 1998 have a shield. If I did not have a full tank of gas I could have burned to death. Something flew up from the road and struck my gas tank. I was sick for 4 hours from the gas fumes. Please see what can be done about this. It gives me a false sense of security knowing that my fuel tank is exposed the way it is.”
NHTSA complaint #706844, filed 1999-05Fuel system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 3 | 7% |
| 2025 | 3 | 3% |
| 2023 | 3 | 3% |
| 2022 | 37 | 14% |
| 2021 | 28 | 6% |
| 2020 | 42 | 3% |
| 2019 | 17 | 6% |
| 2018 | 23 | 3% |
| 2017 | 49 | 3% |
| 2016 | 112 | 5% |
| 2015 | 94 | 5% |
| 2014 | 72 | 4% |
| 2013 | 153 | 7% |
| 2012 | 34 | 4% |
| 2011 | 40 | 3% |
| 2010 | 9 | 8% |
| 2009 | 2 | 6% |
| 2008 | 2 | 1% |
| 2007 | 4 | 2% |
| 2006 | 27 | 4% |
| 2005 | 66 | 13% |
| 2004 | 33 | 3% |
| 2003 | 11 | 1% |
| 2002 | 72 | 2% |
| 2001 | 11 | 3% |
| 2000 | 19 | 2% |
| 1999 | 34 | 3% |
| 1998 | 63 | 3% |
| 1997 | 56 | 3% |
| 1996 | 23 | 2% |
| 1995 | 16 | 2% |
| 1994 | 33 | 3% |
| 1993 | 12 | 1% |
| 1992 | 18 | 3% |
| 1991 | 26 | 4% |
| 1990 | 2 | 17% |
Other parts of the 1999 Ford Explorer
370 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
217 complaintsVehicle speed control
148 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
115 complaintsEngine cooling
100 complaintsAir bags
97 complaintsElectrical system
92 complaintsBrakes
69 complaintsSeats
68 complaintsSuspension
65 complaintsBody and structure
47 complaintsExterior lighting
46 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1999 Ford Explorer
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 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