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1999 Ford F-250 Recalls, Problems & Maintenance

The 1999 Ford F-250 has no open NHTSA recalls. Owners report 8 recurring issue clusters, led by “Fuel tank strap corrosion and 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-250.

Reported to NHTSA

Fuel tank strap corrosion and detachment

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

22 NHTSA complaints · 2011-05 → 2019-08

“FILLED THE GAS TANK FULL THE DROVE DOWN THE STREET AT 45 MPH. ABOUT 1 MILE INTO THE DRIVE THE REAR FUEL TANK STRAP BROKE IN HALF AND THE REAR END OF THE FUEL TANK FELL TO THE GROUND SPILLING MOST OF THE FUEL. THE STRAP LOOK CORRODED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11174795
“1999 FORD F250 SUPERDUTY PICKUP GAS TANK STRAPS RUST AND FAIL FORD HAS RECALLED OVER 1 MILLION TRUCKS BUT NOT MINE EVEN HERE IN VT WHERE MY DEALER SAYS THE TRUCK IS UNSAFE FORD WILL NOT FIX IT. *TR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10421298
“DIESEL FUEL TANK FELL DOWN BECAUSE OF RUSTED TANK STRAPS AND LEAKED 30 GALLONS OF FUEL ONTO ROADSIDE. 13 YARDS OF SOIL HAD TO BE ABATED FROM THE CONTAMINATED SITE. *TR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10631865

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Exhaust manifold bolt and stud failure

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

6 NHTSA complaints · 2006-06 → 2009-10

“THE CONTACT STATED BOLTS THAT HOLD THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD FRACTURED. THE FRACTURED BOLTS WERE DISCOVER BY THE SERVICE DEALER WHILE PERFORMING OTHER MAINTENANCE WORK. THE DEALER ALERTED THE CONTACT THAT THIS IS A REOCCURRING PROBLEM WITH THE YEAR, MAKE AND MODEL OF THE VEHICLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10160564
“EXHAUST LEAK FROM THE MANIFOLD OF A 1999 V10 F250 FORD PICK UP TRUCK. THIS TRUCK HAS 43,000+ MILES ON IT AND WENT IN FOR A ANNUAL SAFETY PENNA. SAFETY INSPECTION. IT FAILED BECAUSE OF THE EXHAUST LEAK”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10201263
“THE CONTACT DOES NOT OWN A 1999 FORD F-250 SUPERDUTY. WHEN TEST DRIVING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT HEARD A NOISE AND TOOK IT IN FOR A DIAGNOSIS. AN EXHAUST LEAK WAS DISCOVERED AT THE MANIFOLD AND THE STUDS WERE DETACHING NEAR THE MANIFOLD”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10248800

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Spark plug ejection from cylinder head

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

60 NHTSA complaints · 2006-06 → 2018-04

“BLOWS SPARK PLUGS OUT & BREAKS COIL PACKS FROM SITTING STILL AT INITIAL TAKE OFF. HAS HAPPENED 4 PREVIOUS TIMES”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11082708
“FORD 1999 F250 5.4L TRITON V-8 BLEW SPARK PLUG. LOST POWER, CREATED ROAD HAZARD AND SCARED THE CRAP OUTTA ME WHEN IT BLEW. MADE IT TO SIDE OF ROAD SAFELY AND GOT TOWED. WENT ONLINE TO FIND OUT THIS IS A HUGE PROBLEM WITH THIS ENGINE AS WELL AS OTHER TRITONS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10392266
“MY TRUCK WAS PARKED AT WORK. WHEN I GOT IN THE TRUCK TO LEAVE I WENT TO START IT AND I HAD HEARD A LOUD BANG FROM UNDER THE HOOD FOLLOWED BY A CLATTERING SOUND. I OPENED THE HOOD AND FOUND THAT I HAD BLOWN A PLUG. THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE FOR FORD 4.6L 5.4L 6.8L ENGINES”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10508369

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Camshaft position sensor (CPS) failure and stall

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

23 NHTSA complaints · 2006-07 → 2021-12

“CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR DIED WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY DOING 55 MPH. THERE WAS NO WARNING OR ANYTHING, JUST CRUISING ALONG AT 55 THEN A DEAD TRUCK WITH NO POWER TO THE BRAKES OR STEERING WHATSOEVER. PULLED OFF THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND HAD TO DIAGNOSE AND FIX PROBLEM MYSELF ON THE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10188861
“THE CAM POSITION SENSOR ON FORD'S POWER STROKE DIESEL TRUCKS ARE KNOWN TO GO BAD. EVERYONE I KNOW THAT HAS ONE ... HAS HAD TO REPLACE IT. SOMETIMES MORE THAN ONCE. MINE HAPPENED TO GO OUT WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AT 70 MILES PER HOUR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10161237
“AT HIGHWAY SPEED, 1999 FORD F250 4WD 7.3 DIESEL STALLED ON TWO OCCASIONS. I AM TOLD THAT THIS IS MOST LIKELY CAUSED BY A FAULTY CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR AND IS A VERY COMMON FAILURE WITH THIS ENGINE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10160714

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Tire tread separation and blowout

TIRES

18 NHTSA complaints · 2006-08 → 2015-01

“TREAD SEPARATION EXPERIENCED WHILE VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN ON HIGHWAY. *TR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10641563
“I HAVE HAD 3 OF 4 TIRE BELTS SEPARATE ON MY UNIROYAL LT265/75R16/8LAREDO AWP OWL. I REPLACED THE 4TH TIRE BEFORE THE BELT BROKE. THESE TIRES WERE PURCHASED IN FEB 2002. DOT BFW8FO74501. ONE OF THESE BLOWOUTS ALMOST CAUSED A WRECK. THESES TIRES ARE A SAFETY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10202750
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD F250 SUPER DUTY. THE VEHICLE HAS CONTINENTAL CONTITRAC SUV, SIZE P265\70\R16 TIRES. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE TIRE TREAD COMPLETELY SEPARATED FROM THE TIRE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10221836

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Brake line corrosion and rupture

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

9 NHTSA complaints · 2007-03 → 2015-09

“THE MAIN FORE-AFT BRAKE LINE RUSTED THROUGH WHERE IT FOLLOWS THE FRAME RAILS ON MY 1999 FORD SUPERDUTY PICKUP. AS A RESULT, THE LINE FAILED, AND I LOST ALL BRAKING CAPABILITIES. LUCKILY, THIS HAPPENED AT HOME, AND NO INJURY OR CRASH OCCURED. *JB”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10186317
“APPROACHING INTERSECTION APPLIED BRAKES AND BRAKE PRESSURE FAILED. REAR IMPACTED ANOTHER VEHICLE AND PUSHED THEM INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. UPON INSPECTION AFTER ACCIDENT PASSENGER SIDE BRAKE LINE WAS HANGING AND LEAKING FLUID”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10216453
“MY WIFE WAS DRIVING OUR VEHICLE, SHE WAS STOPPING AT INTERSECTION (4 WAY) AND WHEN SHE APPLIED THE BRAKE PEDAL TO STOP AT THIS INTERSECTION, THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR CAUSING TO HER TO RUN THE STOP SIGN ALMOST CAUSING AN ACCIDENT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10199387

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Cruise control deactivation switch fire

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

6 NHTSA complaints · 2006-07 → 2011-04

“(1) CRUISE CONTROL INOPERATIVE ON 1999 F250 SUPER DUTY SINCE DATE OF PURCHASE ON 5/12/06. (2) NOTIFIED THAT BRAKE LIGHTS INOPERATIVE. (3) FOUND 20 AMP FUSE BLOWN IN FUSE SPACE #13 AND REPLACED IT IN FRONT OF AUTO PARTS STORE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10163148
“TRUCK CAUGHT FIRE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT WHILE PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10258159
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD F250 SD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH WAS LEAKING BRAKE FLUID AND AS A RESULT, THE CRUISE CONTROL FAILED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10394291

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Parking brake cable and lever failure

PARKING BRAKE

5 NHTSA complaints · 2007-10 → 2016-03

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD F-250. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE EMERGENCY BRAKE FAILED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10850404
“HE STATED THAT HE WAS HAVING ISSUES WITH THE PARKING BRAKE. WITH THE ENGINE STARTED AND IN THE PARK POSITION THE VEHICLE ROLLED OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY WHILE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS ENGAGED. THIS OCCURRED TWICE WITHIN TWO MONTHS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10299053
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD F250 SUPER DUTY. WHEN THE CONTACT APPLIED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE, THE COIL UNRAVELED AND FELL OUT OF THE BRAKE. HE STATED THAT THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WOULD NOT ENGAGE IF THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED ON AN INCLINE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10206958

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.

70

complaints mentioning a crash

26

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-250 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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