1999 Ford F Super Duty Problems
- Complaints
- 93filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 110,000miles, 23 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 3campaigns 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 Super Duty (complaints, recalls, investigations). Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this model year most often write about brake problems — pulsating or warped front rotors, repeated rotor work, and occasional loss of brake pressure — along with tire tread separations and blowouts on the tires the trucks came with. Driveline and transmission complaints (harsh shifting, clutch release trouble, clunks) and spark plugs blowing out of the aluminum heads are the other recurring themes. Many reports come from trucks with well over 100,000 miles, though brake and tire reports often appear much earlier.
- Tires
Tire tread separation and blowouts
- 14 complaints (15%)
- median 148,245 mi at 10.9 yrs old (1 states mileage, few)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2000–2009
Owners describe a shake or handling change followed by tread separation, a loud bang, and in some cases a blowout while driving at highway speed. Some report sidewall cracking or chunks missing from the tread at low mileage on tires that came with the truck. Several say the tire maker declined coverage or pointed back to the dealer. Reported from around 5,000 miles on original tires through high-mileage trucks past 140,000 miles.
What to check: Check tire date codes and sidewalls for cracking or bulges, and confirm the truck is not still on original-era tires. Ask about the age and brand of the current tires.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I was experiencing a very bad shake to my truck. It was wandering on the road at speeds over 50 MPH. I inspected the tires and found a 14 inch crack down the center of the tread of one tire. The other tires tread were worn in an uneven pattern (cupping) . I contacted firestone dealer. Was informed that they were not part of the recall and their was nothing they could do for me. Due to saftey reasons I purchased new goodyear tires the same day. I have retained the old tires. …”
NHTSA complaint #736653, filed 2000-11“On april 17 I was driving north on I 75 in michigan when the right front exploded . I had been on the road for 8 hours and it was about 35 degrees . The next day I went to the dealer ship and they sent me to the firestone dealer . I was told the firestone did not make bad tires and told me it was Ford problem. Called Ford back told service manger what I was told . He said he would check in to it . Several day later Ford called back and said all they would cover was one tire . …”
NHTSA complaint #744993, filed 2001-05 - Brakes
Warped front rotors / brake pulsation
- 16 complaints (17%)
- typically at 2.1 yrs old
- filed 2000–2002
Complaints describe the front rotors going out of round within a short mileage span, producing a pulsating pedal and vibration under braking, sometimes followed by hard pulling or reduced braking feel. Several owners say rotors were turned or replaced repeatedly and that dealers attributed the condition to driving style or towing rather than a part problem. A few describe the anti-lock system kicking in at low speed or on bumps during normal stops. Reported from roughly 12,000 to 50,000 miles and again later in life, often after repeated rotor service.
What to check: Drive the truck and brake firmly from highway speed to feel for pedal pulsation or vibration. Ask for service records showing how often rotors were turned or replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“1) cannot steer and brake at same time. I cannot control truck if I have to apply brakes hard. Winter driving is very difficult. 2) the anti-lock brake system malfunctions when going over bumps and applying brakes. It feels like truck is sliding on ice even when there is no ice on road.”
NHTSA complaint #747192, filed 2001-06“The brakes have not yet failed to stop the truck. The rotors warp and cause the vehicle to vibrate and the rakes to fade. This has been a known problem on the early model superduty. Ford has not done a recall but they have published a technical service bulletin on the brakes. I have talked to forby Ford (I did not purchase the truck from them) and the admit there is a problem. I also contacted Ford customer service with no results. …”
NHTSA complaint #722673, filed 2000-05 - Transmission and drivetrain
Hard shifting, clutch and driveline clunk
- 10 complaints (11%)
- median 128,500 mi at 7.7 yrs old (2 state mileage, few)
- filed 2000–2010
Owners describe difficulty engaging low gears, grinding on shifts, a clutch pedal that stays down, and banging or clunking from the driveline when starting from a stop or decelerating. Some report transmission work under warranty followed by repeat failures, and torque converter noise at higher mileage. A service bulletin addresses a driveline clunk or bump when starting from a stop. Reported from very low mileage on some trucks through 130,000 miles and beyond on others.
What to check: Test cold and warm starts from a stop for clunks or harsh engagement, and check that the clutch pedal returns fully. Ask about prior transmission or clutch repairs.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Torque converter went out at 130,000 miles. It is a 1999 f-250 super duty xlt. Truck is louder with a rattle to it now. I took it to a mechanic and he confirmed it is the torque converter. I am currently waiting to get it repaired.”
NHTSA complaint #10363038, filed 2010-10, 130,000 miles“This vehicle exhibits a problem with the drivetrain. Upon decelerating rapidly in first or second gear something in the drivetrain begins to bang back and forth. Sometimes it is so violent that the vehical is difficult to control. This is especially noticable on rough roads. I think that in certain situations it could result in a crash. I have tried to address this problem with Ford. They claim it is an inherent condition with this model of vehical and have chosen to do nothing. …”
NHTSA complaint #752728, filed 2001-09 - Engine cooling
Spark plug blows out of cylinder head
- 5 complaints (5%)
- median 110,064 mi at 8.9 yrs old (4 state mileage, few)
- filed 2002–2012
Complaints describe a plug ejecting from the aluminum head with a loud noise, followed by a rough-running engine and fuel or exhaust fumes in the cab. Owners report tow and repair bills per hole, and some note the repair was needed more than once on different cylinders. A service bulletin describes a spark plug thread repair procedure for these engines. Mostly reported between about 50,000 and 165,000 miles, sometimes shortly after a plug change.
What to check: Ask whether any cylinders have had thread repair or insert work, and whether plugs were replaced recently. Listen for a ticking exhaust leak at the heads.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I bought the truck new in 1999, and never had a problem until 2005 when the first spark plug blow. It cost me $520.00 to have it towed and repaired. The second time the plug blow (2007), it cost me $620.00 to have it towed and repaired. Yesterday (06/02/2012), it cost me $740.00 to have it towed and repaired. Since I have owned the truck I have been extremely happy with the performance, I have only replaced the alternator, which is great for most car & trucks. But! …”
NHTSA complaint #10460398, filed 2012-06, 165,000 miles“5.4l Ford triton engine spark plugs were changed at 84,000, at 110,128 spark plug on #7 cylinder came loose and blew out. Fuel air mixture comes out the spark plug hole which is dangerous(has been known to start engine fires). There is a design defect in the aluminum heads not having enough threads to keep the spark plug tight. This is an expensive repair that Ford is not paying for when it is a poor design with the potential of it continuing to happen again on another cylinder.”
NHTSA complaint #10402630, filed 2011-05, 110,128 miles - Electrical system
Engine stalls or shuts off while driving
- 6 complaints (6%)
- median 147,500 mi at 6.5 yrs old (4 state mileage, few)
- filed 2000–2011
Complaints describe the engine quitting without warning at speed or at idle, leaving reduced power steering and brakes, and in diesel trucks the camshaft position sensor is often the part replaced. Some owners report the same shutdown repeating after repair. A related report describes a fuse panel the dealer recommended replacing over fire risk. Reported from about 55,000 miles up past 250,000 miles, with several trucks over 100,000.
What to check: Ask whether the camshaft position sensor has been replaced and whether there are stored codes. Check for prior fuse panel or wiring repairs.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“At about 55,000 mile the engine began to randomly stop. It would start right back up. This usually happened when accelerating from a stop. After a while it began to happen more often and not restart right away. After having the truck looked at, I replaced the camshaft position sensor (cps). I am unsure if the old part is still available.”
NHTSA complaint #10188735, filed 2007-04, 55,000 miles“While driving on the highway, crossing an intersection, or idle in traffic, the diesel engine in my1999 Ford f250 dies, leaving me stranded in dangerous situations. I have replaced 2 in the last 6 mos. At my cost.”
NHTSA complaint #10378547, filed 2011-01, 232,000 miles
Buying note. Have a shop inspect the brakes and rotor history, the tires' age and condition, and the spark plug threads before buying, and ask for records of any transmission, clutch, or sensor work. These are older high-mileage trucks, so documented maintenance matters more than a clean exterior.
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 93 consumer complaints for the 1999 Ford F Super Duty. 23 of the complaints include a mileage, and 9% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 110,000 miles. Of all complaints, 6 involved a crash, 2 a fire, 4 an injury, 1 a death, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 3 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.
- Brakes25 27%
- Tires17 18%
- Engine cooling12 13%
- Electrical system7 7.5%
- Fuel system7 7.5%
- Exterior lighting4 4.3%
- Vehicle speed control4 4.3%
- Steering3 3.2%
- Body and structure2 2.1%
Also reported: Suspension (2), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (2), Air bags (1), Engine (1), Equipment (1), Interior lighting (1), Seat belts (1), Wheels (1).
Example complaints
Brakes: “Ford motor company refuses to acknowledge a recall of my truck (1999 Ford f-250) that is listed on your website. The recall is for a faulty parking brake, and mine has broken as noted in the recall. What if any recorurse do I have through your agency to force Ford to repair this vehicle? The information I have been able to get indicates that the recall numbers are as follows: NHTSA 02v068 Ford recall number 02s34”
NHTSA complaint #10047103, filed 2003-11, 102,000 milesTires: “While driving the vehicle I noticed a difference in the ride and handling characteristics which was not there on the previous day. It felt like an unresponsive steering and a vibration. When I arrived at my destination 50 miles from where I started and looked at all of my tires. Visually there was no apparent deformities or anything out of normal character. Later when I got in the vehicle and was driving home the same effects were present. About 10 miles later it suddenly got worse just before a bang and a sudden pull to the left as what happens when a tire blows out. …”
NHTSA complaint #10282781, filed 2009-09, 148,245 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “The clutch throwout bearing was made in plastic which cause the clutch to go out fast and damage the clutch finger,it may cause a fatal if it happen in traffic,more ever it gets expensive esp. When you have to do it twice in a year but the most important is life.”
NHTSA complaint #10375315, filed 2011-01, 365,000 milesEngine cooling: “At low speed, spark plug blew out of engine, causing loud exhaust noise and gasoline fumes were immediately smelled inside passenger compartment. If this were to happen at high speed with engine under load when immediate engine shutdown was not safe or possible, this condition would cause large amounts gasoline/air mixture to be exposed to hot exhaust components, causing fire hazard. If this occurred when power was critical (passing or turning in front of traffic), the loss of power could also cause an accident. …”
NHTSA complaint #10052535, filed 2004-01, 51,707 milesMileage when problems were reported
9% of the 23 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 71,000 and 140,000 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
- 99V265000Sep 20, 1999Vehicle speed controlCovers: Ford F Super Duty 1999–2000
Vehicle description: super duty trucks and chassis-cabs equipped with 5.4l manual transmission powertrains. The accelerator cable core wire can wear the cable conduit end fitting due to a fifteen degree angle it makes with the conduit at the throttle body…
- 98V304000Dec 2, 1998Vehicle speed controlCovers: Ford F Super Duty 1999
Vehicle description: motor home chassis. The accelerator cable is susceptible to freezing. Water can accumulate in the end fitting and can freeze at temperatures of 32 degrees fahrenheit and below. The ice could prevent the accelerator from returning to idle.
- 98V070000Apr 1, 1998Vehicle speed control › CablesCovers: Ford F Super Duty 1999
Vehicle description: motor home chassis. The accelerator cable is susceptible to freezing. Water can accumulate in the end fitting and at temperatures of 32 degrees fahrenheit and below, can freeze. The ice could prevent the accelerator from return to idle.
Recall details for the 1999 Ford F Super Duty → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
- SQ00018Steering sector shaft fractureClosed · Nov 14, 2000
- SQ00005Power assist for steering and brakingClosed · Feb 9, 2000
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.
- 10027988Oct 13, 2008Engine cooling, Transmission and drivetrain. Ford/lincoln/mercury: program of affected vehicles registered in ca (8500 gvwr), ma (6000 gvwr), or vt (6000 gvwr) and who previously paid to have repairs performed that are now covered under…
- 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…
- 10019075Jan 1, 2006Fuel system, Other or unknown. Fuel conditioner. Low power, poor fuel economy, fuel gelling in cold weather, excessive white smoke on cold start, hard start, or coking of components exposed to exhaust.
- 10018745Nov 14, 2005Engine cooling. Wds cop kit diagnostic tip - coil on plug (cop) ignition systems - engine misfire or rough running.
- 10014685Mar 21, 2005Engine cooling. Use of stainless steel exhaust studs in service for 5.4l 2v engine.
- 10014666Mar 7, 2005Engine cooling. Intermittent rough idle - non-commanded egr (exhaust gas recirculation valve) flow.
- 10014275Jan 1, 2005Transmission and drivetrain. A driveline clunk or bump when starting from a stop.
- 10013409Nov 29, 2004Body and structure. Water leak - roof flange area - water accumulation in headliner and/or leak at the cab floor pan area.
- 10011168Aug 23, 2004Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). Vacum pump inoperative or runs continuosly - climate control default to defrost.
- 10011162Aug 23, 2004Engine cooling. Engine misfire or running - coil on plug (cop) ignition systems - wds cop kit diagnostic tips. To include various 2005 models. * ar this article 04161 supersedes tsb 03-14-04.
Other model years of the Ford F Super Duty
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 31 | 72,000 | 0 | — | — | Not compared (fewer than 3 comparable model years) | Stable |
| 2005 | 27 | 80,000 | 0 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2004 | 14 | 60,844 | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2003 | 27 | 96,000 | 0 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2002 | 34 | 82,000 | 0 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2001 | 32 | 83,000 | 1 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2000 | 63 | 85,000 | 3 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1999 | 93 | 110,000 | 3 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1998 | 14 | — | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 1997 | 24 | 37,000 | 3 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 1996 | 8 | 4,999 | 2 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 1995 | 12 | 231,000 | 1 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 1994 | 20 | 73,750 | 2 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 1992 | 8 | — | 1 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
All Ford F Super Duty model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 1999 Ford F Super Duty?
Owners of this model year most often write about brake problems — pulsating or warped front rotors, repeated rotor work, and occasional loss of brake pressure — along with tire tread separations and blowouts on the tires the trucks came with. The issues reported most often: Tire tread separation and blowouts; Warped front rotors / brake pulsation; Hard shifting, clutch and driveline clunk.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1999 Ford F Super Duty have?
NHTSA recorded 93 consumer complaints for the 1999 Ford F Super Duty as of Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1999 Ford F Super Duty is reported most often?
Brakes is named most often, in 25 complaints (27% of the total), followed by tires with 17.
Has the 1999 Ford F Super Duty been recalled?
NHTSA lists 3 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 Super Duty reported?
Among the 23 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 110,000 miles and the middle half falls between 71,000 and 140,000 miles; 9% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 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.