1999 Ford F-250 Problems
- Complaints
- 581filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 99,000miles, 109 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 14campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 14 mpgcombined, 4.6L 8-cyl RWD · 12 city / 17 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1999 Ford F-250 (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of the 1999 Ford F-250 most often report spark plugs ejecting from the cylinder head on 5.4L and 6.8L V8 engines, along with fuel tank straps that rust through and let the tank drop. Brake complaints cluster around pedal-to-floor fluid leaks and vibration or rotor wear, and tire and steering complaints round out the frequent reports. Many of these appear at higher mileage, though the spark plug failures and brake vibration are described at much lower odometer readings.
- Engine cooling
Spark plug blown out of cylinder head
Mentioned in 13 of 60 sampled complaints
Owners describe a loud pop or bang from under the hood, followed by a bad miss, loss of power, and sometimes a gasoline or exhaust smell. Complaints say the spark plug threads in the aluminum head strip and the plug is ejected, frequently on the 5.4L Triton V8, and that shops stock insert kits for the repair. Several owners report the dealer acknowledged the pattern but did not cover the repair, and one complaint notes a ticking sound for a few days beforehand while others describe no warning at all. Reported from roughly 40,000 to 165,000 miles, often while driving at highway speed or when starting the engine.
What to check: Ask whether any spark plugs or cylinder heads have been repaired with thread inserts, and listen for a ticking noise at the engine top. A service bulletin describes a spark plug thread repair procedure for these engines.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I simply pulled out of the driveway heard a loud pop the truck started missing very bad. Looked under the hood to find the #4 plug had blown out. If it had hit the fuel rail very hard my mechanic said it could had ruptured and caused a fire. After looking online I found this a flaw in motor head design by Ford may truck is now in the shop. This is my second time this has happened in 8 weeks.”
NHTSA complaint #10160585, filed 2006-06, 135,000 miles“My truck was parked at work. When I got in the truck to leave I went to start it and I had heard a loud bang from under the hood followed by a clattering sound. I opened the hood and found that I had blown a plug. This is a known issue for Ford 4.6l 5.4l 6.8l engines. I know this is not the first time someone has reported this issue and I think its about time a recall is issued for this problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10508369, filed 2013-04, 156,000 miles - Fuel system
Fuel tank straps rust and tank drops
Mentioned in 8 of 60 sampled complaints
Complaints describe the straps holding the fuel tank fracturing, often described as rusted or corroded, so the tank drops and drags while the vehicle is moving. In some cases the brake lines were damaged and both fuel and brake fluid leaked. Owners report dealers told them there was no recall covering their truck, and several note the failure resembles a fuel tank strap recall that applied to other 1999 Ford trucks. Reported mostly between about 81,000 and 250,000 miles, often in vehicles with visible underbody corrosion.
Recall 11V385000Recall 99V311000Recall 99V219000Recall 99V093002Recall 99V093001
What to check: Inspect the two fuel tank straps for rust, flaking metal, or prior replacement, and check the tank mounting bolts. Recall 11V385000 addressed tank strap mounting on certain 1997-1999 F-250 trucks under 8,500 lbs GVWR; confirm by VIN whether the truck was included.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Rear fuel tank strap failed, causing fuel tank to drag on ground while vehicle was in motion. See safety recall 11s21 which recalled fuel tank straps on other 1999 Ford trucks including f-150 and F-250 light duty but not F-250 super duty. Recall should be extended to 1999 F-250 super duty.”
NHTSA complaint #10862708, filed 2016-05, 120,000 miles“Filled the gas tank full the drove down the street at 45 MPH. About 1 mile into the drive the rear fuel tank strap broke in half and the rear end of the fuel tank fell to the ground spilling most of the fuel. The strap look corroded.”
NHTSA complaint #11174795, filed 2019-02, 1 miles - Brakes
Brake pedal sinks to floor (fluid leaks, corrosion)
- 67 complaints (12%)
- median 79,075 mi at 7.3 yrs old (18 state mileage)
- 4 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 1998–2016
Owners report the brake pedal going to the floorboard with little or no stopping power, sometimes with brake fluid visible under the vehicle. Complaints describe corroded brake lines as the diagnosed cause, and in one case a rusted-out fuel tank strap failure damaged a brake line. Others describe heavy vibration and shaking when braking at moderate speed, with repeated rotor and pad replacement that did not resolve it. Leak-related complaints appear from about 69,000 to 180,000 miles; vibration complaints appear as low as 4,000 to 25,000 miles.
What to check: Have the steel brake lines inspected for rust along the frame and above the rear axle, and check the pedal for a firm feel with the engine running. Ask whether the parking brake holds on a slope, since a recall addressed the front parking brake cable on manual-transmission trucks.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Total brake failure on our 1999 F-250 super duty Ford diesel at 69,600 miles with no warning that there was anything wrong. Had this happened on the day before when we were towing our 22' 5000lb boat at turnpike speed there would have been a bad crash.”
NHTSA complaint #10081018, filed 2004-07, 69,600 miles“When applying brakes at 35mph there was heavy vibration , like falling apart. Dealer changed on several occasion rotors and pads until guarantee was over. Recently midas performed a job on the rotors and pads.however, problem still reoccurring. Please provide further information.”
NHTSA complaint #10006129, filed 2003-01, 4,000 miles - Tires
Tire blowouts and tread separation
- 76 complaints (13%)
- median 58,135 mi at 5.8 yrs old (10 state mileage)
- 6 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 1998–2022
Owners report sudden sidewall blowouts and tread detachment at highway speed, in several cases on the front tire, with the truck swerving across lanes. Complaints name Goodyear Wrangler and Michelin/Uniroyal tires in various sizes. Owners describe contacting the tire maker and being told there was no recall, and in one case a spare tire detached and went under a trailer. Reported from about 25,000 to 221,000 miles, most often at highway speeds around 60-65 mph.
What to check: Check tire date codes and sidewalls for cracking or bulging regardless of tread depth, and confirm the spare tire and its mount are secure. Ask for the tire brand and age records before buying.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Tl the contact owns a 1999 Ford F-250 equipped trailered to 2019 forest river east to west travel trailer equipped with tbc brand llc tires, tire line: trailer king, tire size: st225/75r15, DOT number: 1adb4hft1). The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH, the passenger's side front tire experienced a blowout. The contact pulled over to the side of the roadway and placed the spare onto the vehicle. …”
NHTSA complaint #11339023, filed 2020-07, 221,000 miles“The contact owns a 1999 Ford F-250. While driving approximately 55 MPH, the spare tire detached and went under the trailer that was being hauled. The contact lost control of the vehicle and crashed into the median. A police report was not filed. The contact went to the hospital, but there were no injuries. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was being repaired. The VIN was unknown. The approximate failure mileage was 165,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10873221, filed 2016-06, 165,000 miles - Steering
Steering loss and tie rod or sector shaft failure
- 38 complaints (7%)
- median 73,000 mi at 5.8 yrs old (7 state mileage, few)
- 5 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 1998–2023
Complaints describe a slipping or wandering feeling in the steering, and in some cases the tie rod end separating from the steering rod or the steering sector shaft breaking, leaving the wheel unable to direct the truck. One owner reported the front wheels pointing in different directions after a parking-lot turn. Others describe the truck pulling left and right and front-end wobble at speed. Reported from about 4,700 to 189,000 miles, with several cases in the 57,000 to 69,000 mile range.
What to check: Have a shop check tie rod ends, drag link, and steering gear play before purchase, and confirm the lower steering shaft flex coupling rivets are intact if the truck is a chassis-cab or medium-duty model.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I turned right into a paint store parking lot after leaving a major highway (m-32) with my 1999 Ford f250 (69000 miles) and noticed a slipping feeling in my steering. When I tried to back up to leave the paint store my right front wheel was pointed to the far right and my left wheel was straight. I looked under the right wheel area and saw the tie rod end was separated from the steering rod. I had the truck transported on a flat bed to a repair shop. I had all the tie rod ends replaced. …”
NHTSA complaint #10082344, filed 2004-07, 69,000 miles“While reversing , vehicle lost steering power. The steering wheel will turn, but the vehicle will not go in the direction that it's being turned. The vehicle's steering sector shaft had broke.”
NHTSA complaint #10007095, filed 2003-02, 57,000 miles
Buying note. Look closely at the engine for evidence of spark plug thread repairs, at the fuel tank straps for rust, and at brake lines and steering joints for corrosion or play before buying. Because many of these reports involve high-mileage trucks with underbody corrosion, a pre-purchase inspection on a lift is the most useful step.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 581 consumer complaints for the 1999 Ford F-250. 109 of the complaints include a mileage, and 16% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 99,000 miles. Of all complaints, 55 involved a crash, 13 a fire, 38 an injury, 2 a death, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 14 recall campaigns and 11 technical service bulletins for this model year.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Brakes108 19%
- Tires107 18%
- Engine cooling66 11%
- Steering49 8.4%
- Fuel system41 7.1%
- Air bags40 6.9%
- Vehicle speed control32 5.5%
- Suspension28 4.8%
- Electrical system25 4.3%
Also reported: Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (22), Engine (16), Body and structure (16), Interior lighting (12), Other or unknown (11), Equipment (8), Wheels (8), Exterior lighting (7), Seat belts (5), Seats (5), Latches, locks and linkages (3), Electronic stability control (1).
Example complaints
Brakes: “Approximately every 6,000 miles, my brakes start vibrating when coming to a stop. I believe the disc is warping but to date, nothing concrete has been done to fix the problem. So far, the rotors have been turned twice and the disk replaced twice. The problem is reoccuring and I will be taking the car in again. This is a safety hazard as the car doesn't stop properly and the vibrating steering wheel may cause a loss of control. I see several other complaints of the same nature and most seem to be from alaska. Is the cold weather somehow responsible? …”
NHTSA complaint #10074674, filed 2004-06, 6,000 milesTires: “I have a Ford f250 truck. Both front tires(firestone) had a tred separation within 15hrs of each other. The first occurred 7/11/03 at approx. 1700hrs. It was the right front tire, the second occurred 7/12/03 at 0720hrs. The left front tire.no-one was hurt, but my veh. Did have a lot of danage.”
NHTSA complaint #10025969, filed 2003-07, 53,000 milesEngine cooling: “I own a 1999 Ford F-250 pickup truck with a 5.4 liter triton v8. My truck has 103k miles on it. I had just replaced all the spark plugs less than a year ago. Last week on my way to work, I heard a pop and the engine started making a bunch of noise, lost power and quit. Luckily, I was able to pull over into a parking lot and call a tow truck. Once getting it home, I noticed that a spark plug had blown out of the engine. My #3 spark plug on the passenger side blew straight out of the head and destroyed the ignition coil pack. …”
NHTSA complaint #10205382, filed 2007-10, 103,964 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “The second gear has gone out of the transmission. The consumer took the vehicle to the dealer. The lights at the bottom of the door were inoperative. The steering wheel was out of alignment.”
NHTSA complaint #10099104, filed 2004-11, 73,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
16% of the 109 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 63,271 and 155,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 1999 Ford F-250 version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| F250 Pickup 2WD | 4.6L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 12 | 17 | 14 | $4,800 |
| F250 Pickup 2WD | 4.6L 8-cyl | 5-speed manual | 13 | 17 | 14 | $4,800 |
| F250 Pickup 2WD | 5.4L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 12 | 16 | 14 | $4,800 |
| F250 Pickup 2WD CNG | 5.4L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 10 | 14 | 12 | $3,850 |
| F250 Pickup 4WD | 4.6L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 12 | 15 | 13 | $5,150 |
| F250 Pickup 4WD | 4.6L 8-cyl | 5-speed manual | 12 | 16 | 13 | $5,150 |
| F250 Pickup 4WD | 5.4L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 11 | 14 | 12 | $5,600 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 11V385000Jul 29, 2011Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly › MountingCovers: Ford F-250 1997–1999, F-150 1997–2004, Lincoln Blackwood 2002–2003
Ford is recalling certain 1997 through 2003 model year ford f-150, 2004 model year ford f-150 heritage, 1997 through 1999 model year f-250 less than 8,500 lbs. Gross vehicle weight rating (gvwr), and 2002 and 2003 lincoln blackwood vehicles manufactured from…
- 06V286000Aug 1, 2006Vehicle speed controlCovers: Ford F-250 1994–2002, F-350 1994–2002, F-450 SD 1994–2002 +10 more
On certain trucks equipped with speed control, gasoline or natural gas engines, the speed control deactivation switch may overheat.
- 05V388000Sep 7, 2005Vehicle speed controlCovers: Ford F-250 1994–1999, F-150 1994–2002, Expedition 1997–2002 +3 more
On certain pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles equipped with speed control, the speed control deactivation switch may overheat, smoke, or burn.
- 02V068000Mar 11, 2002Parking brake › Conventional › Mechanical › Linkage and cableCovers: Ford F-250 1999, F-350 1999, F-450 SD 1999 +1 more
On certain pickup trucks equipped with manual transmissions, failure of the front parking brake cable input button could result in failure of the parking brake system to hold the vehicle stationary.
- 00V284000Sep 21, 2000Equipment › Other › LabelsCovers: Ford F-250 1998–2000, F-150 1998–2000, E-350 1998–2000 +2 more
Vehicle description: bi-fuel cng pickup trucks and bi-fuel cng vans, modified by cfi control systems, inc., fail to conform to the requirements of fmvss no. 303, "fuel system integrity of compressed natural gas vehicles." the label affixed to the fuel filler…
- 99V311000Nov 4, 1999Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assemblyCovers: Ford F-250 1999–2000, F-350 1999–2000
Vehicle description: pickup trucks equipped with gasoline engines and 8 foot boxes, may not fully satisfy the requirements of fmvss no. 301, "fuel system integrity." in a 30 mph frontal barrier crash test, a fuel tank vapor recovery valve separated…
See all 14 recalls for the 1999 Ford F-250 → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
- EA05005Engine compartment firesClosed · Mar 22, 2005
- RQ00010Parking brake failureClosed · Mar 13, 2000
- PE98061Steering shaft fractureClosed · Nov 18, 1998
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 11 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 10205038Apr 21, 2016Fuel system. Safety recall 11S21 - Fuel tank strap fracture - requests for recall service action
- 10183774Apr 21, 2016Fuel system. For 1997-2003 F-150, 2004 F-150 Heritage, 1997-1999 F-250 Light Duty, or 2002-2003 Blackwood vehicles Safety Recall 11S21 has been issued for vehicles that are operated in high corrosion areas for…
- 10058101Sep 9, 2014Equipment, Fuel system. Ford/lincoln: safety recall regarding high corrosion areas for operating, for an extended time, vehicles where both or one strap of fuel tank can fracture, after contacting ground. Model 1997-99…
- 10056624Aug 11, 2014Fuel system. Ford/lincoln: safety recall issued due to one or both fuel tank straps fracturing due to being in high corrosion areas for an extended period and dislodging fuel tank. Model 1997-99 f250, 1997-03…
- 10023943Oct 1, 2007Engine cooling. Some 1997-2008 vehicles equipped with a 4.6l 2v, 5.4l 2v, or 6.8l 2v engine--spark plug thread repair procedure--not covered under new vehicle limited warranty. *nj this includes f-53 motorhome…
- 10014666Mar 7, 2005Engine cooling. Intermittent rough idle - non-commanded egr (exhaust gas recirculation valve) flow.
- 10012965Feb 1, 2005Body and structure. Service tips before arc welding on the frame or body of a unit.
- 10013316Jan 1, 2005Transmission and drivetrain. A cold weather reverse engagement stall.
- 10014086Dec 13, 2004Transmission and drivetrain. General (pcm) power train control module programming procedures.
- 10013413Nov 29, 2004Suspension. Vehicle lean sag when observed from rear of vehicle.
Other model years of the Ford F-250
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 142 | 81,000 | 0 | 4 | — | 43 · Typical | Falling |
| 2013 | 95 | 77,000 | 0 | 4 | — | 50 · Typical | Falling |
| 2012 | 266 | 78,750 | 1 | 4 | — | 100 · More | Falling |
| 2011 | 248 | 70,000 | 2 | — | — | 100 · More | Falling |
| 2010 | 73 | 75,666 | 0 | — | — | 29 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2009 | 54 | 67,703 | 0 | — | — | 28 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2008 | 197 | 70,000 | 7 | — | — | 100 · More | Stable |
| 2007 | 60 | 42,000 | 4 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 221 | 60,000 | 4 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 144 | 65,000 | 3 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 154 | 39,000 | 2 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2003 | 116 | 75,000 | 2 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 156 | 89,000 | 2 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2001 | 220 | 65,000 | 4 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2000 | 326 | 75,768 | 5 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1999 | 581 | 99,000 | 14 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1998 | 56 | 115,738 | 6 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1997 | 304 | 115,604 | 10 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1996 | 176 | 125,940 | 4 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1995 | 184 | 129,000 | 3 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1994 | 123 | 103,000 | 8 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1993 | 130 | 160,000 | 6 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1992 | 119 | 91,000 | 4 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1991 | 107 | 102,000 | 5 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1990 | 111 | 119,052 | 6 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1989 | 112 | 98,000 | 6 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1988 | 62 | 144,000 | 3 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1987 | 38 | 135,000 | 2 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1986 | 38 | 377,089 | 2 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1985 | 21 | — | 2 | — | 13 | — | Stable |
| 1984 | 10 | 208,000 | 3 | — | 13 | — | Not enough data |
All Ford F-250 model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 1999 Ford F-250?
Owners of the 1999 Ford F-250 most often report spark plugs ejecting from the cylinder head on 5.4L and 6.8L V8 engines, along with fuel tank straps that rust through and let the tank drop. The issues reported most often: Spark plug blown out of cylinder head; Fuel tank straps rust and tank drops; Brake pedal sinks to floor (fluid leaks, corrosion).
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1999 Ford F-250 have?
NHTSA recorded 581 consumer complaints for the 1999 Ford F-250 as of Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1999 Ford F-250 is reported most often?
Brakes is named most often, in 108 complaints (19% of the total), followed by tires with 107.
Has the 1999 Ford F-250 been recalled?
NHTSA lists 14 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 1999 Ford F-250 get?
The EPA rates the 1999 Ford F-250 (F250 Pickup 2WD, 4.6L 8-cyl) at 14 mpg combined, 12 city and 17 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,800 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 1999 Ford F-250 reported?
Among the 109 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 99,000 miles and the middle half falls between 63,271 and 155,000 miles; 16% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.