1999 Ford Explorer Recalls, Problems & Maintenance

The 1999 Ford Explorer has no open NHTSA recalls. Owners report 7 recurring issue clusters, led by “Accelerator pedal bracket separation from firewall.” 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.

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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.

Known issues & problems for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 1999 Ford Explorer.

Reported to NHTSA

Accelerator pedal bracket separation from firewall

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

6 NHTSA complaints · 2010-03 → 2023-11

“Gas pedal bracket fell off the firewall of the vehicle.jamming up under the brake pedal almost caused and accident. I got the vehicle stopped by using the Emergency brake did a temporary repair to get my vehicle to a shop to see about having repair done”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11553341
“ACCELERATOR PEDAL BRACKET FALLS RIGHT OFF OF FIREWALL WHICH THEN THE VEHICLE LOOSES ALL ACCELERATION CAPABILITIES. ONLY THREE SPOT WELDS HOLD THIS BRACKET ONTO THE FIREWALL. THE SPOT WELDS SEEM INSUFFICIENT TO HOLD THE BRACKET ONTO THE FIREWALL”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10400894
“WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY, THE GAS PEDAL FELL OFF THE FIREWALL . THE SPOTWELD ON THE BRACKET CAME APART, AND LEFT THE GAS PEDAL HANGING ON IT'S SIDE. *TR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10316644

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Transmission slipping or unexpected loss of gears

POWER TRAIN

31 NHTSA complaints · 2007-09 → 2022-03

“I ALMOST TURNED ON A ONE WAY STREET AND NEEDED TO BACK UP SO I PUT IT IN REVERSE AND SOMETHING GAVE AND MY SON AND I WERE STUCK WITH CARS COMING AT US . WE HAD TO PUSH THE CAR BACK IN HEAVY TRAFFIC . SO WHEN I GOT HOME AND TROUBLESHOOT THE PROBLEM I SEE ALOT OF THE SAME PROBLEM”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10643968
“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. *TR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10547831
“The transmission stopped going in reverse for no apparent reason. All other gears work fine. There’s no lagging when driving and no other signs. I went to put it in reverse to back out of my driveway and when I pushed the gas it just reved the engine up and floated backwards”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11458793

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Door locks and latches failing to open

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

18 NHTSA complaints · 2007-05 → 2018-11

“THE PASSENGER DOOR WILL NOT UNLOCK, YOU HEAR THE CLICKING AS THE OTHER DOORS UNLOCK, BUT IT WILL NOT UNLOCK. AS WITH THE OTHER COMPLAINTS I HAVE SEEN REGARDING THIS ISSUE, I TOO AM CONCERNED IF THERE WAS AN ACCIDENT AND THE PERSON IN THE PASSENGER SIDE IS UNABLE TO GET OUT OF”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10453124
“THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR LOCK HAS STOPPED WORKING. THE DOOR WILL NOT LOCK AT ALL AT THIS POINT. I HOPE TO GOD THAT NO ONE STEALS MY CAR! ONE OCCASION IT DECIDED TO WORK AND IF I DIDN'T HAVE KEYLESS ENTRY, MY KIDS WOULD HAVE BEEN LOCKED IN THE CAR WITH THE CAR RUNNING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10229152
“THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER DOORS WILL NOT OPEN. WHEN THE FAILURE BEGAN, SHE WAS ABLE TO OPEN THE DOOR FROM THE INSIDE OR FROM THE OUTSIDE BY ROLLING DOWN THE WINDOW. THE DEALER HAS NOT DIAGNOSED THE FAILURE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10201507

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Speed control switch fire and recall repair delays

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

41 NHTSA complaints · 2007-03 → 2021-01

“WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SMOKE. THE ENGINE TURNED COMPLETELY OFF AND THE VEHICLE BURST INTO FLAMES. THE FIRE STARTED UNDER THE HOOD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE REPAIR SHOP. AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT HE WAS DRIVING TO THE DEALER TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10200210
“THE CONTACT STATED THE HE WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE WHEN THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS INVESTIGATED THROUGH THE CONTACT'S INSURANCE COMPANY AND IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE FIRE ORIGINATED FROM THE CRUISE CONTROL WIRING. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10346784
“FAILURE TO PERFORM RECALL 05S28 (FUSE HARNESS FOR SPEED CONTROL FIRE PREVENTION) AS PER ORIGINAL RECALL LETTER TO CUSTOMERS. DEALER CLAIMS LACKS OF PARTS. ORIGINAL PART AVAILABILITY WAS TO BE NOV2007, THEN JAN2008, NOT IT IS MAY2008. FORD MOTOR HAS REQUESTED CUSTOMERS TO DISABLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10217936

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Air bags failing to deploy in a crash

AIR BAGS

16 NHTSA complaints · 2007-08 → 2017-12

“WHILE DRIVING ALONG A MAIN STREET I WAS STRUCK BY ANOTHER VEHICLE IN THE FRONT RIGHT PORTION OF THE VEHICLE I WAS DRIVING. MY AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY UPON IMPACT THEREFORE, MY FACE HIT THE STEERING WHEEL AND AS A RESULT MY FACE HIT THE STEERING WHEEL WHICH CAUSE A BROKEN JAW AND”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10972368
“WHILE DRIVING 7 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO NECK, THE BACK, AND HEAD. THE PASSENGER SUSTAINED BACK INJURIES. THE CONTACT AND PASSENGER REQUIRED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10654782
“I WAS IN A REALLY HAD CAR ACCIDENT N,MY AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY N”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11055595

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Seat back reclining or unlatching unexpectedly

SEATS

14 NHTSA complaints · 2007-08 → 2018-07

“1999 FORD EXPLORER SPORT DRIVERS SEAT BACK UNLATCHED ITSELF WHILE DRIVING. LUCKILY ONLY 20 MPH! REAR PASSENGER DRIVERS SIDE SEAT IS FOLDED DOWN FORWARD TO HOLD DRIVERS SEAT IN PLACE, UNTIL I CAN FIND ANOTHER USED SEAT. *TR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10521854
“THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVERS SIDE SEAT PREMATURELY DETERIORATED AND THAT THERE WAS AN INTERNAL FRACTURE CAUSING THE SEAT TO BE STRUCTURALLY UNSTABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 03V281000 (SEATS)”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10817050
“BECAME IMMEDIATELY AWARE THAT HEADRESTS OF FRONT SEATS PROVIDED ABSOLUTELY NO (REPEAT NO) INJURY (E,G. WHIPLASH) PROTECTION. WHEN SITTING IN FRONT SEATS THE HEADRESTS CANNOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES BE POSITIONED CLOSE TO THE HEAD OF THE OCCUPANT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11109902

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Electrical malfunctions affecting lights, gauges and locks

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

23 NHTSA complaints · 2007-05 → 2020-12

“I NEED TO KNOW WHAT CAUSES THE ELECTRIC TO GO HAYWIRE. THE OVERHEAD LAMP CLICKS ON AND OFF THE DRIVER DOOR LOCK DOESN'T WORK COMPLETELY. THE DRIVER WINDOW DOES NOT WORK CORRECTLY. SOME OF MY GAUGES WILL DECIDE NOT TO WORK SOMETIMES AND THEN OTHER TIMES WE'LL BE FINE. MY RADIO”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11385724
“STARTED DRIVING DOWN THE STREET AND NOTICED HEAVY SMOKE COMING FROM HAZORD SWITCH, STOPPED TO CHECK ONCE TRUCK WAS TURNED OFF SMOKE STOPPED STARTED TRUCK UP AGAIN AND WENT ON MY WAY SEVREL MILES FROM HOME SMOKE STARTED AGAIN, COULD NOT LOSE ANY MORE TIME SO I KEPT ON GOING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10777956
“THE ELECTRICAL ON MY VEHICLE IS BAD. MY RADIO LIGHTS FLASH, NONE OF MY DOORS OPEN FROM TE INSIDE AND ONLY ROLL DOWN WINDOWS FROM DIVER SWITCTH; GAS GAYGE ONLY READS EMPRY ALTHOUGH I J UST PUT 30 DOLLARS IN THE TANK”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10870925

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

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.

Raw data + downloads for this vehicle →

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter

Every 7,500 mi

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.

Tire Rotation

Every 10,000 mi

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.

Brake Inspection

Every 10,000 mi

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.

Brake Fluid

Every 45,000 mi

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.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Engine Air Filter

Every 30,000 mi

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.

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 150,000 mi

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.

Transfer Case Fluid (4WD models)

Every 60,000 mi

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.

Rear Differential Fluid

Every 100,000 mi

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.

Spark Plugs

Every 100,000 mi

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.

Engine Coolant

Every 50,000 mi

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.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 20,000 mi

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.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

1,293 crashes 1990–2024

How the 1,293 occupant deaths break down

878

driver deaths

414

passenger deaths

1

not recorded by seat

1,293

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.

Why we show driver deaths too

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.

123

complaints mentioning a crash

53

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle

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 Explorer 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.