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1999 Ford F-150 Recalls, Problems & Maintenance

The 1999 Ford F-150 has no open NHTSA recalls. Owners report 5 recurring issue clusters, led by “Fuel tank strap corrosion and fuel tank detachment.” 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 F-150.

Reported to NHTSA

Fuel tank strap corrosion and fuel tank detachment

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

103 NHTSA complaints · 2011-01 → 2020-01

“TOP FRONT OF FUEL TANK RUSTED OUT AND FUEL LEAKS ESPECIALLY WHEN TANK IS FULL . OTHER AREAS ON TOP ARE ALSO VERY CLOSE TO RUSTING THRU . IRONICALLY THERE WAS A RECALL FEW YEARS AGO TO REPLACE THE 2 GAS TANK HOLDING STRAPS AND THE FORD DEALER SAID THE GAS TANK WAS FINE ?!?”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11051401
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD F-150. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS PULLING INTO HIS PLACE OF RESIDENCE AT 5 MPH, THE FUEL TANK STRAPS FRACTURED AND CAUSED THE FUEL TANK TO DROP FORCEFULLY. THE CONTACT WAS UNAWARE THAT THE FUEL STRAPS WERE LOOSE OR HAD ANY ABILITY TO BECOME FRACTURED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10918760
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL STRAPS WERE FRACTURED DUE TO CORROSION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE FUEL STRAPS FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10785539

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Frame and body structure corrosion

STRUCTURE

7 NHTSA complaints · 2012-08 → 2017-05

“THE FRAME IS COMPLETELY RUSTED. THE BOLTS ARE COMING THROUGH THE BED OF THE TRUCK. BUMPER IS RUSTED AWAY FROM FRAME. UNSAFE TO DRIVE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10983714
“UNDERFRAME IS ROTTEN AND RUSTED OUT. WAS HANGING ON BY A TWO INCH PIECE OF METAL. VEHICLE IS 1999 WITH ONLY 94,200 ORIGINAL MILES. SHOULD NOT HAVE RUSTED OUT. FORD WILL NOT ACCEPT ANY FAULT OR REPAIR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10468850
“MY REAR DOORS ON MY FORD, F-150 CREW CAB PICKUP STOPPED OPENING. THIS IS AN ENTRAPMENT ISSUE AND A VERY SERIOUS SAFETY PROBLEM. IF THERE WAS AN ACCIDENT, PASSENGERS IN THE REAR WOULD BE TRAPPED AND UNABLE TO ESCAPE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10748852

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Spark plug ejection from cylinder head

ENGINE

23 NHTSA complaints · 2011-03 → 2018-01

“BLOWED SPARK PLUG OUT OF CYL HEAD SITTING AT HIGHWAY INTERSECTION COULD HAVE CAUSE FIRE WITH FUEL PLUG AND COIL ON TOP OF ENGINE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11062300
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD F-150. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE SPARK PLUG CAME OUT OF THE CYLINDER OF THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE PLUG WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10925348
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD F-150. WHILE THE CONTACT'S DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE MADE A LOUD NOISE AND BEGAN SPUTTERING. THE DRIVER NOTICED FLAMES UNDER THE HOOD. A PASSERBY EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS NOT CONTACTED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11002143

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Brake system failure without warning

SERVICE BRAKES

18 NHTSA complaints · 2011-03 → 2016-03

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD F-150. WHILE DRIVING AT 15 MPH, THE BRAKES STOPPED FUNCTIONING WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE BRAKE LINES FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10734407
“WENT TO STOP AT LIGHT HAD NO BRAKES WITH NO WARNING. I HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME IN THE REAR THIS ALSO CAUSED A DELAYED RELEASE OF THE AIR BAGS. THIS APPEARS TO BE PROBLEM GOING BACK YEARS THAT FORD OR THE GOVERNMENT WONT DO ANYTHING ABOUT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10730602
“THIS WHOLE EPISODE HAPPENED WHEN I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY IN MY 1999 FORD F-150. I DID START TO NOTICE THAT WHEN I APPLIED THE BRAKES TO SLOW DOWN TO MATCH TRAFFIC SPEEDS, THE TRUCK WOULD VEER TO THE LEFT.THE BRAKES DID TAKE IN A FUNNY WAY AND THANK GOD THERE WAS NO COMPLETE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10840074

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Speed control deactivation switch fire

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

8 NHTSA complaints · 2012-01 → 2023-07

“The contact owned a 1999 Ford F-150. The contact stated that he had parked the vehicle and was standing outside of the vehicle, between the driver's side door and the vehicle; however, the vehicle reversed independently at 5-7 MPH onto the highway”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11534217
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD F-150. THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE WHILE PARKED AT THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. A POLICE AND A FIRE REPORT WERE FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10785265
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE UNDER THE HOOD. THE CONTACT OPENED THE HOOD AND DISCOVERED THAT THERE WAS A FIRE. THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED BY THE CONTACT. A POLICE/FIRE REPORT WAS NOT FILED AND NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10664596

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

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.

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)

2,051 crashes 1990–2024

How the 2,051 occupant deaths break down

1,552

driver deaths

497

passenger deaths

2

not recorded by seat

2,051

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.

88

complaints mentioning a crash

76

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 F-150 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.

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