1999 Ford Explorer Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 115about this part
- Share
- 9%of 1,348 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 87,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 115 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1999 Ford Explorer, 9% of the 1,348 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 87,000 miles. 5 of these say a crash was involved and 2 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“1999 Ford Explorer- reverse went out in transmission, then after spending 1500. To get that fixed , worked good for awhile, now the o/d light flashes and won't kick into overdrive, now I am told I need a new transmission. This vehicle only has 110,000 miles should not be on it's 3rd transmission fix.. Very disappointed !”
NHTSA complaint #10311945, filed 2010-02, 110,000 miles“1999 Ford Explorer transmission o/d light flashing. Transmission has not failed yet, but it won't be long. I am writing to add my voice to the ten's of thousands of unhappy Ford customers who have had the same problem for a decade of Ford transmissions that no one seems to want to hear about or help us with.”
NHTSA complaint #10218484, filed 2008-02, 150,000 miles“Went to back out of my driveway and nothing. I can go into drive but I am running at 3000-4000 RPM while doing 20-30mph. Seen the other thousands of Ford Explorer owners with the same issues.”
NHTSA complaint #10547831, filed 2013-10, 160,021 miles“There is a problem with the car shifting (it is a automatic) between 2000 and 3000 RPM's. It seems to be getting stuck and revving hard. I was told the valve body gaskets need to be replaced. The car only has 45, 000 miles. I was told that Ford has discovered the fabric filter wasn't working and there is a new metal shield.”
NHTSA complaint #10010282, filed 2003-03, 45,000 miles“While backing up on level ground, after hearing a loud bang, my Explorer lost reverse. Contacting a reputable transmission shop, they told me mine will be the 10th Explorer trans they will be rebuilding this week. They also say to never tow with this vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #10141883, filed 2005-11, 113,000 milesRelated recalls
- 00V395000Nov 28, 2000Vehicle 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…Covers: Ford Explorer 1999–2000
Related service bulletins
- 10017891Apr 1, 2005Front axle leaks fluid from vent tube - vehicles equipped with 4x4 or awd.
- 10014086Dec 13, 2004General (pcm) power train control module programming procedures.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 3 | 7% |
| 2025 | 16 | 15% |
| 2024 | 1 | 5% |
| 2023 | 12 | 11% |
| 2022 | 61 | 23% |
| 2021 | 127 | 28% |
| 2020 | 504 | 40% |
| 2019 | 35 | 12% |
| 2018 | 50 | 7% |
| 2017 | 125 | 7% |
| 2016 | 215 | 9% |
| 2015 | 86 | 5% |
| 2014 | 80 | 5% |
| 2013 | 119 | 5% |
| 2012 | 55 | 7% |
| 2011 | 64 | 5% |
| 2010 | 28 | 24% |
| 2009 | 3 | 9% |
| 2008 | 36 | 24% |
| 2007 | 57 | 27% |
| 2006 | 296 | 47% |
| 2005 | 99 | 20% |
| 2004 | 460 | 35% |
| 2003 | 335 | 30% |
| 2002 | 1,502 | 46% |
| 2001 | 42 | 11% |
| 2000 | 133 | 14% |
| 1999 | 115 | 9% |
| 1998 | 103 | 5% |
| 1997 | 104 | 6% |
| 1996 | 120 | 8% |
| 1995 | 119 | 14% |
| 1994 | 86 | 7% |
| 1993 | 72 | 8% |
| 1992 | 77 | 12% |
| 1991 | 69 | 11% |
| 1990 | 2 | 17% |
Other parts of the 1999 Ford Explorer
370 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
217 complaintsVehicle speed control
148 complaintsEngine cooling
100 complaintsAir bags
97 complaintsElectrical system
92 complaintsBrakes
69 complaintsSeats
68 complaintsSuspension
65 complaintsBody and structure
47 complaintsExterior lighting
46 complaintsSteering
38 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