The 1999 Ford Expedition has no open NHTSA recalls. Owners report 6 recurring issue clusters, led by “Spark plug ejection from cylinder head.” Ford uses the Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor (IOLM) to determine when oil changes are due based on actual driving load — not just mileage. Ford's published cap is 10,000 miles or 1 year, whichever comes first. The schedule below reflects Ford's Normal service intervals; F-Series trucks and Super Duty have additional towing-specific items.
No open recalls on file. NHTSA lists no unrepaired safety recalls for this year, make and model. A recall can be issued at any time, and a specific car can still have one open — check yours by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 1999 Ford Expedition.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
75 NHTSA complaints · 2006-12 → 2018-07
“#8 CYLINDER BLEW THE SPARK PLUG OUT OF THE HOLE WHEN THE CAR WAS STARTED”
“WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD MAINTAIN STEADY SPEED ON LEVEL ROAD NUMBER 3 SPARKPLUG BLEW OUT BREAKING COIL AND DROPPING SPARKPLUG ON THE ROAD. ORIGINAL SPARKPLUGS HAD NEVER BEEN CHANGED”
“SPARK PLUG LAUNCHED OUT OF ALUMINUM CYLINDER HEAD IN 1999 FORD EXPEDITION 5.4L EDDIE BAUER 4X4 AND IS A KNOWN ISSUE!”
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
4 NHTSA complaints · 2007-02 → 2013-12
“THE VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN IN NORMAL OPERATION WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR AND THE BRAKE SYSTEM BECAME INEFFECTIVE. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A BRAKE SHOP WHERE THE BRAKE LINE ON THE FRAME ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE NEAR THE DOOR WAS FOUND TO BE CORRODED THROUGH AND LEAKING”
“I HAVE A 1999 EXPEDITION WITH 90,000 MILES. IN EARLY DECEMBER OF 2006, IN HEAVY EVENING TRAFFIC, A CAR SUDDENLY PULLED IN FRONT OF ME AND CAME TO A QUICK STOP. I APPLIED THE BRAKES VERY HARD AND THE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR”
“FAILURE OF REAR BRAKE SUPPLY LINE RUBBING AGAINST STEERING COUPLER, CAUSING REPLACEMENT OF BRAKE LINE”
WHEELS
5 NHTSA complaints · 2008-04 → 2016-01
“SPARE TIRE FELL OFF. THE TINY (1/8") STEEL CABLE THAT HELD SPARE IN PLACE UNDER THE TRUCK BODY FAILED ALLOWING HUGE SPARE TIRE TO DROP TO ROAD”
“WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH ON A RURAL ROAD THE SPARE TIRE FELL OUT FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE, ONTO THE ROAD. I DISCOVERED THE CABLE THAT HOLDS THE SPARE TIRE IN PLACE UNDER THE VEHICLE HAD BROKEN”
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD EXPEDITION. WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE JUMPED IN THE AIR AS THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE TIRE DETACHED SIMULTANEOUSLY”
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
14 NHTSA complaints · 2007-01 → 2016-09
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1999 FORD EXPEDITION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 05V388000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. AFTER THE REPAIR, WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, IT CAUGHT FIRE UNDERNEATH THE HOOD”
“MY 1999 FORD EXPEDITION CAUGHT FIRE WHILE BEING PARK AND OFF ON MY DRIVE WAY CAUSING DAMAGES TO MY HOME AND PERSONAL INJURIES TO MY 9 MONTH PREGNANT WIFE”
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD EXPEDITION. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN SITTING IDLE FOR TWO HOURS WHEN SHE NOTICED BLACK SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE”
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
15 NHTSA complaints · 2007-02 → 2018-01
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD EXPEDITION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE FUSE BOX AND GEM MODULE MULTI-FUNCTION FAILED DUE TO A WATER LEAK FROM THE WINDSHIELD”
“WATER LEAKS IN THE WINDSHIELD CAUSING BLOWER MOTOR TO STAY ON AFTER IGNITION IS ON, RANDOMLY TRIES TO START WHEN KEY IS NOT EVEN IN IGNITION, LIGHTS BLINK, COULD CAUSE FIRE”
“WINDSHIELD LEAKED INTO FUSE BOX AND GEM MODULE, GROWING A FUNGUS AND NEEDING REPLACEMENT, CREATING ELECTRICAL FUNCTIONS TO TURN ON AND OFF AT WILL WITH THE POTENTIAL OF CAUSING A FIRE”
SUSPENSION
10 NHTSA complaints · 2009-09 → 2013-12
“MY LOWER REAR CONTROL ARMS THAT ATTACH TO THE REAR AXLE FRAME RUSTED AND FAILED ON BOTH SIDES, CAUSING ME TO LOSE CONTROL OF VEHICLE. NO INJURIES. IT WAS A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE”
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD EXPEDITION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS "LIMPING" AND THE REAR END DROPPED DOWN. THE CONTACT INSPECTED IT AND NOTICED THAT THE FRAME WAS COVERED WITH RUST”
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD EXPEDITION. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH OVER SMALL BUMPS IN THE ROAD HE HEARD A RATTLE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE HE WAS INFORMED THE REAR CONTROLS ARMS AND TRACKING BAR WERE RUSTED THROUGH”
Issues on other model years
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 20, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 20, 2026.
We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.
Critical for safety and preventing major damage
Replace synthetic-blend or full-synthetic Motorcraft oil per the IOLM, or every 7,500-10,000 miles. EcoBoost engines require full synthetic; Coyote 5.0L V8 specifies SAE 5W-30.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$120–$160
Shop
~$85–$115
DIY
~$25–$55
Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.
Rotate tires every 10,000 miles, or with every other oil change. F-150 4x4 owners should rotate every 5,000-7,500 miles to even out drivetrain bias wear.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$85
Shop
~$60
DIY
Free
Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.
Inspect brake pads, rotors, and brake fluid level every 10,000 miles. Front pads on F-150 and Explorer typically last 40,000-60,000 miles.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$85
Shop
~$60
DIY
Free
Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.
Ford specifies brake fluid replacement on an inspection basis, but moisture testing every 3 years is recommended. Replace if reading exceeds 3% water content.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$180–$200
Shop
~$125–$140
DIY
~$10–$25
DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.
Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently
Replace the engine air filter every 30,000 miles. EcoBoost turbocharged engines are sensitive to airflow restriction — don't extend.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$60–$95
Shop
~$45–$70
DIY
~$15–$40
5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.
Ford 6R80, 10R80, and 8F transmissions use Mercon LV fluid rated 150,000 miles under normal service. Severe service (towing, plowing) drops this to 60,000 miles.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$330–$500
Shop
~$235–$355
DIY
~$60–$180
Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.
On 4x4 models, replace transfer case fluid every 60,000 miles. Use Motorcraft XL-12 — do not substitute generic transfer case fluid.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$105–$140
Shop
~$75–$100
DIY
~$15–$40
AWD/4WD vehicles only. Easy drain-and-fill on most platforms.
F-Series and Expedition: replace rear axle fluid every 100,000 miles, or 50,000 miles if towing. Limited-slip rear ends require friction-modifier additive.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$150–$195
Shop
~$105–$135
DIY
~$20–$50
Drain plug + fill plug — straightforward DIY. AWD vehicles have two; budget for both.
Iridium spark plugs on Coyote 5.0L, EcoBoost 2.7L/3.5L, and 2.3L are rated 100,000 miles. EcoBoost engines: never exceed the interval — gap erosion causes coil failure.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$285–$390
Shop
~$200–$275
DIY
~$25–$100
Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.
Motorcraft Orange (Dex-Cool compatible) coolant: first change at 100,000 miles, then every 50,000. Older trucks with Yellow Motorcraft coolant: 50,000 miles throughout.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$285–$330
Shop
~$200–$235
DIY
~$25–$60
Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.
Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort
Replace the cabin air filter every 20,000 miles. On F-150, located behind the glove box; on Escape and Explorer, accessed from the passenger footwell.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$60–$95
Shop
~$45–$70
DIY
~$15–$40
Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.
Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)
473 crashes 1990–2024
How the 473 occupant deaths break down
268
driver deaths
203
passenger deaths
2
not recorded by seat
473
occupant deaths
Crash years covered: 1990–2024 This model year first appears in 1998 crashes. Older models have had more years on the road to appear in these crashes, so a higher count here does not by itself mean a vehicle is less safe.
FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number
FARS 2024 data is an annual report file. NHTSA revises these records when the final file is published, so this count can change.
Every vehicle has exactly one driver seat, so driver deaths line up fairly when you compare one model to another. Occupant deaths include passengers, so a three row SUV can show a higher number than a two seat car simply because it carries more people.
Both figures are plain counts, not rates. A rate would need to know how many of each vehicle are on the road, and that registration data is not public, so we do not publish rates or scores of any kind.
IIHS publishes driver death rates using this same driver only idea, paired with a registered vehicle years denominator we do not have. Their rates and these counts answer different questions, so do not read either number here as a safety rating.
Owner-reported problem signals
Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.
54
complaints mentioning a crash
81
complaints mentioning a fire
Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.
How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.
This maintenance schedule for the 1999 Ford Expedition reflects Ford's published service intervals and the Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.