1999 Ford Explorer Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 38about this part
- Share
- 3%of 1,348 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 86,500miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 38 complaints about the steering of the 1999 Ford Explorer, 3% of the 1,348 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 86,500 miles. 6 of these say a crash was involved and 3 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The steering ratio is much too quick on my 1999 Ford Explorer. Other owners of this vehicle have voiced the same concern to me. Ie: on the the hiway just a very slight movement in the steering wheel translates into a lurch of the vehicle in that direction. Very dangerous!”
NHTSA complaint #10202867, filed 2007-09, 1 miles“The gearshift on the column is loose and does not line up properly with the gear indicator. When its in park it still drifts forward unless the gear shift is pushed up pass park. This is a safety hazard which I was told this problem has existed for some time in these year Ford explorers.”
NHTSA complaint #11047804, filed 2017-11, 130,000 miles“While driving at 65 MPH vehicle lost power steering. The steering wheel tightened, and consumer lost control to the vehicle, and it crashed into a cement wall, rolling over several times before stopping. Upon impact, air bags failed to deploy. Driver sustained third degree road rash burn on the left side of their body which started from their shoulder to the thigh area.”
NHTSA complaint #10095076, filed 2004-10, 59,000 miles“Dt: consumer states that the steering wheel began smoking while driving, and she kept on driving and it stopped. It happened nc ebefore about a month ago. Consumer was worried that the vehicle will explode on her.”
NHTSA complaint #10124626, filed 2005-06, 12,000 miles“When the consumer made a left turn, smoke started to come from the steering wheel. The consumer continued to drive to her destination. Ford recalled two components in the steering column.”
NHTSA complaint #10040754, filed 2003-11, 86,500 milesSteering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 2% |
| 2025 | 9 | 8% |
| 2024 | 2 | 10% |
| 2023 | 12 | 11% |
| 2022 | 9 | 3% |
| 2021 | 6 | 1% |
| 2020 | 28 | 2% |
| 2019 | 9 | 3% |
| 2018 | 21 | 3% |
| 2017 | 76 | 4% |
| 2016 | 532 | 22% |
| 2015 | 348 | 19% |
| 2014 | 500 | 30% |
| 2013 | 836 | 37% |
| 2012 | 360 | 43% |
| 2011 | 742 | 62% |
| 2010 | 4 | 3% |
| 2009 | 1 | 3% |
| 2008 | 13 | 9% |
| 2007 | 10 | 5% |
| 2006 | 9 | 1% |
| 2005 | 12 | 2% |
| 2004 | 41 | 3% |
| 2003 | 27 | 2% |
| 2002 | 155 | 5% |
| 2001 | 21 | 6% |
| 2000 | 40 | 4% |
| 1999 | 38 | 3% |
| 1998 | 70 | 4% |
| 1997 | 33 | 2% |
| 1996 | 47 | 3% |
| 1995 | 52 | 6% |
| 1994 | 24 | 2% |
| 1993 | 19 | 2% |
| 1992 | 25 | 4% |
| 1991 | 10 | 2% |
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 28, 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