1999 Ford F-550 SD Problems
- Complaints
- 61filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 65,000miles, 23 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 8campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1999 Ford F-550 SD (complaints, recalls, investigations). Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this model year most often describe clutch and transmission trouble — clutches that fail to disengage or fail outright, and hard shifting or lost gears — plus tire valve stem and sidewall failures, fuel tanks that rust internally on diesel trucks, and broken stabilizer bars. Complaints come at widely varying mileages, from a few thousand miles to well past 150,000, so a careful service history and a close look at the clutch, tires and fuel system matter more than mileage alone.
- Transmission and drivetrain
Clutch will not disengage or fails
- 13 complaints (21%)
- median 26,000 mi at 5.5 yrs old (1 states mileage, few)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 1999–2004
Owners describe the clutch not fully disengaging when stopping, gears that stick so the truck can only upshift, and clutches that fail outright while driving, sometimes leaving the vehicle stuck in gear until the engine is shut off. Several complaints say the clutch or pressure plate was replaced more than once, and that dealers replaced parts without resolving the problem. In some cases the dealer later attributed the trouble to the transmission itself. Reported across a wide mileage range, from trucks with only a few thousand miles to those near 100,000 miles.
What to check: Drive the truck at low speed and at a stop and feel for a clutch pedal that engages very low or drags; ask for receipts showing how many times the clutch assembly or slave cylinder has been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Slave cylinder needing to be replaced 4 times due to rod length not being long enough for clutch pedal travel on 1999 f550 truck with six speed transmission. Also flywheel springs breaking in flywheel causing undue wear on clutch disk and not being covered under warrenty. I have two trucks where I have these reaccuring problems and have paid each time to repair at an authorized Ford dealership”
NHTSA complaint #10000741, filed 2003-01“While driving clutch broke, causing the vehicle to remain in gear at 65 MPH. Please give any further details. Consumer states pressure plate in clutch shattered three times within 46,000 miles.”
NHTSA complaint #888091, filed 2001-05 - Tires
Tire valve stem and sidewall failures
Mentioned in 7 of 46 sampled complaints
Owners describe rubber valve stems cracking or deteriorating where they protrude from the rim, leading to sudden loss of pressure and, in several reports, tire blowouts or sidewall bulges, often while towing a trailer. Some complaints concern the recall remedy itself, saying not all stems were replaced or that an inflation device was not supplied. Complaints describe the affected tires as original equipment. Mostly reported on trucks at around 50,000 miles or on tires less than a year old in fleet use.
What to check: Inspect all valve stems for cracks or dryness and check sidewalls for bulges, especially on dual rear wheels; ask whether the valve stem recall work was performed and what parts were installed.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Tire blow outs and bulge in sidewall of tire. The consumer has experienced three different tire failures. Two failures were blowouts which occurred while pulling a travel trailer, the third was a bulge in the sidewall which was detected before the tire completely failed. The tire appeared to be in good physical condition with no visible cracks or defects.”
NHTSA complaint #10001283, filed 2002-12, 50,000 miles“Consumer stated rubber tire valve stems began deteriorating at the point where the stem protruded from the rim. This caused the stem to cut tire which resulted in the tires losing pressure. Ts two of the failures were blowouts. The third was a bulge that was detected before complete failure. Tires are general/continental lmt 460.”
NHTSA complaint #8023599, filed 2002-12, 50,000 miles - Transmission and drivetrain
Transmission and transfer case shifting problems
Mentioned in 5 of 46 sampled complaints
Complaints describe automatic transmissions that stopped shifting and were replaced, transfer cases that failed or would not engage, and hard shifting into reverse or low gear. Some owners report a burning smell or fluid fire traced to a transmission fluid leak, and others describe shift forks in the transfer case wearing so the vehicle rolled when parked. Dealers reportedly replaced the transmission or transfer case, in some cases more than once. One automatic transmission failure was reported at about 9,400 miles; other reports span up to roughly 120,000 miles.
What to check: Shift through all gears including reverse and low range and check that four-wheel drive engages; look for transmission fluid leaks or a burnt smell after a test drive.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“While driving, the transmission stop shifting gears. The vehicle was towed to a dealership and the transmission was replaced. The vehicle also had major oil leaks through the fuel system.”
NHTSA complaint #10083472, filed 2004-07, 9,420 miles“While driving down the road at aproximately 25mph 4-wheel drive ( transfer case) failed. Driver pulled over to the shoulder while leaning over the steering wheel and airbag deployed. Had a new transmission clutch put within the last 3 months.”
NHTSA complaint #848997, filed 1999-09 - Suspension
Broken front stabilizer bar
Mentioned in 4 of 46 sampled complaints
Complaints describe the stabilizer bar breaking repeatedly, in some cases several times, with owners saying the remedy offered was simply to replace the bar again. Some also mention driveline noise and a broken front sway bar noted alongside other repairs. Mileage is not stated in most of these reports; one related complaint came in at about 26,000 miles.
What to check: Look at the stabilizer bar ends and bushings for cracks or fresh replacement hardware, and listen for clunks over bumps during a test drive.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“As the consumer attempted to stop the vehicle, the pedal went to the floor and stayed. The master cylinder and slave cylinder had excess were on the pressure plate fingers. The transmission was hard to shift into reverse and low gear. The hard clutch made noise. The clutch company was well aware of Ford's problem and had re-engineered and designed a new package to remedy the problem. There was fuel leaking at the fuel filter, the sway bar was broken, the door ajar light stayed on, engine oil leak, and the gas cap was broken.”
NHTSA complaint #10072259, filed 2004-06, 26,000 miles“Stabilizer bar has broken 8 times . Ford has mentioned there was an engineering problem, but was not offering to do anything for consumer. They were just replacing part. They had not tried to find a permenant solution. The drive shaft makes noise while driving.”
NHTSA complaint #880030, filed 2001-02
Buying note. Give a used example a thorough test drive that covers low-speed clutch use, all gears and four-wheel drive, and inspect tires, valve stems and the fuel filter for signs of the problems owners describe. Ask for service records covering clutch, transmission and fuel tank work, since several complaints involve repeat repairs.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 46 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 61 consumer complaints for the 1999 Ford F-550 SD. 23 of the complaints include a mileage, and 26% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 65,000 miles. Of all complaints, 3 a fire, 2 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 8 recall campaigns and 9 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.
- Wheels11 18%
- Engine cooling10 16%
- Tires8 13%
- Brakes6 9.8%
- Fuel system5 8.2%
- Suspension5 8.2%
- Air bags3 4.9%
- Electrical system3 4.9%
- Steering3 4.9%
Also reported: Body and structure (3), Interior lighting (2), Vehicle speed control (2), Equipment (1).
Example complaints
Transmission and drivetrain: “We purchased our f550 from fact. On 2/7/99, in dec 1999 the 4 speed auto transmission went out with 9470 miles on the vehicle. Three weeks before replacing with a remanufactured transmission, we were told that the remanufactured are better as they are completly gone through; apparently the new ones are not. Also had to repair a major oil leak by replacing several hoses, o rings and the right cylinder head high pressure oil line and fitting. May 4 of 2000 repair to the switches in the door latch along with misc inside elec repairs. …”
NHTSA complaint #10037570, filed 2003-09, 9,470 milesWheels: “Wheel studs sheared off, causing right rear dual wheels to fall of truck, causing loss of vehicle control. Contacted dealer. Please provide any further information.”
NHTSA complaint #8002028, filed 2002-01Engine cooling: “Dt: the contact stated while driving the vehicle misfired. The mechanic determined that the spark plug wires were crossed, which send the spark to the wrong area. This was causing air pollution. The wires needed to be replaced. The vehicle has not been repaired. Updated 1/5/2006 -”
NHTSA complaint #10144702, filed 2005-12, 35,000 milesTires: “Consumer stated since 10/02, vehicle had experienced 2 tire blowouts while towing a travel trailer. Consumer detected a bubble in a 3rd tire, but removed it before a blowout could occur. All affected tires were original. 1st blowout was the outside left rear dual. 2nd blowout was the right inside dual. Ts jg tire info: general continental lmt-460 225/70r19.5 original DOT no- **plz provide**”
NHTSA complaint #8023596, filed 2002-12, 50,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
26% of the 23 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 50,000 and 99,600 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Recalls and investigations
- 09V399000Oct 13, 2009Vehicle speed controlCovers: Ford F-550 SD 1993–1997, 1999–2003, E-150 1992–2003, E-350 1992–2003 +12 more
Ford is recalling model years 1995-2003 windstar, 2000-2003 excursion diesel, 1993-1997 and 1999-2003 f-250 sd through f-550 sd diesel, 1992-2003 e-150 through e-550, 1995-2002 explorer, 1997 and 2002 mercury mountaineer, 1995-1997 and 2001-2003 ranger, and…
- 07V553000Dec 5, 2007Engine and engine cooling › Engine › DieselCovers: Ford F-550 SD 1997–2003, F-450 SD 1997–2003, E Series 1997–2003 +3 more
On certain heavy duty trucks equipped with 7.3l diesel engines, the camshaft position sensor located on the engine of the vehicle may function intermittently, possibly resulting in an engine stall.
- 06V286000Aug 1, 2006Vehicle speed controlCovers: Ford F-550 SD 1994–2002, F-250 1994–2002, F-350 1994–2002 +10 more
On certain trucks equipped with speed control, gasoline or natural gas engines, the speed control deactivation switch may overheat.
- 02V068000Mar 11, 2002Parking brake › Conventional › Mechanical › Linkage and cableCovers: Ford F-550 SD 1999, F-250 1999, F-350 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.
- 01V046000Feb 14, 2001Tires › ValveCovers: Ford F-550 SD 1999–2001, F-450 SD 1999–2001
Vehicle description: trucks equipped with commercial truck tires that have steel cords in the tire sidewall. The valve stems may have been torn or damaged during assembly and could leak causing sidewall damage.
- 99V062001Mar 30, 1999Vehicle speed controlCovers: Ford F-550 SD 1999, Explorer 1997–1999, Ranger 1998–1999 +6 more
Vehicle description: certain 1997-1999 rhd explorer equipped with 4.0l ohv/sohc engines and cruise control built from may 29, 1996 through march 4, 1999; 1998-1999 explorer/mountaineers equipped with 4.0l ohv/sohc or 5.0l engines or 1998-1999 rangers…
See all 8 recalls for the 1999 Ford F-550 SD → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
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. 9 on record; the latest 9 are shown.
- 10171326Jan 13, 2020Equipment. This SKU is a Spare Tire Hoist. Test results identified that the pull force parameter was not within specification, as a precautionary measure unsold inventory was requested to be returned for…
- 10171325Jan 13, 2020Equipment. This SKU is a Spare Tire Hoist. Test results identified that the pull force parameter was not within specification, as a precautionary measure unsold inventory was requested to be returned for…
- 10023653Nov 1, 2007Transmission and drivetrain. 1999-2008 f250-f550 super duty 4x4 with electronic shift transfer case not engaging 4x4.
- 10018067Oct 7, 2005Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). Vacuum pump inoperative or runs continuously - climate control defaults to defrost mode.
- 10013402Oct 7, 2005Transmission and drivetrain. Drive away shudder or vibration.
- 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.
- 10013110Jan 1, 2004Transmission and drivetrain. Front hubs not engaging, not staying engaged and/or unlocking.
Other model years of the Ford F-550 SD
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 9 | 85,000 | 12 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2021 | 13 | 148,000 | 9 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2015 | 11 | 22,350 | 3 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2014 | 9 | 33,006 | 6 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2012 | 6 | 40,500 | 10 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2008 | 26 | 33,000 | 4 | — | — | Not compared (fewer than 3 comparable model years) | Falling |
| 2007 | 23 | 32,500 | 1 | — | — | — | Falling |
| 2006 | 44 | 43,982 | 1 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 32 | 47,500 | 4 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2004 | 49 | 36,000 | 2 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2003 | 33 | 60,000 | 5 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2002 | 22 | 59,000 | 4 | — | — | — | Falling |
| 2001 | 29 | 130,000 | 6 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2000 | 72 | 51,500 | 5 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1999 | 61 | 65,000 | 8 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
All Ford F-550 SD model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 1999 Ford F-550 SD?
Owners of this model year most often describe clutch and transmission trouble — clutches that fail to disengage or fail outright, and hard shifting or lost gears — plus tire valve stem and sidewall failures, fuel tanks that rust internally on diesel trucks, and broken stabilizer bars. The issues reported most often: Clutch will not disengage or fails; Tire valve stem and sidewall failures; Transmission and transfer case shifting problems.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1999 Ford F-550 SD have?
NHTSA recorded 61 consumer complaints for the 1999 Ford F-550 SD as of Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1999 Ford F-550 SD is reported most often?
Transmission and drivetrain is named most often, in 23 complaints (38% of the total), followed by wheels with 11.
Has the 1999 Ford F-550 SD been recalled?
NHTSA lists 8 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
At what mileage are problems with the 1999 Ford F-550 SD reported?
Among the 23 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 65,000 miles and the middle half falls between 50,000 and 99,600 miles; 26% 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.
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.