Model year record

1999 Ford Explorer

9 recall campaigns on file for this model year. 1,737 owner complaints on file.

Recalls

Recall campaignNHTSA 09V399000

Vehicle speed control

Component
Vehicle speed control
Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected
4,500,000
Reported to NHTSA
2009-10-13
Owners notified
2009-10-27

Defect description

FORD IS RECALLING MODEL YEARS 1995-2003 WINDSTAR, 2000-2003 EXCURSION DIESEL, 1993-1997 AND 1999-2003 F-250 SD THROUGH F-550 SD DIESEL, 1992-2003 E-150 THROUGH E-550, 1995-2002 EXPLORER, 1997 AND 2002 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER, 1995-1997 AND 2001-2003 RANGER, AND 1994 F53 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE TEXAS INSTRUMENTS SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH (SCDS). THE SCDS MAY LEAK INTERNALLY AND THEN OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN.

Safety risk

A VEHICLE FIRE COULD OCCUR WITH OR WITHOUT THE ENGINE RUNNING.

Manufacturer remedy

FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS THAT DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUSED WIRING HARNESS IN LINE WITH THE SCDS. ON 1999-2003 WINDSTAR VEHICLES WITH A LEAKING SCDS, DEALERS WILL ALSO INSPECT THE ABS CONTROL MODULE CONNECTOR AND REPAIR AS NECESSARY. REPAIRS WILL BE COMPLETED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 27, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-888-222-2751.

Recall campaignNHTSA 07V336000

Vehicle speed control

Component
Vehicle speed control
Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected
3,600,000
Reported to NHTSA
2007-08-03
Owners notified
2007-08-13

Defect description

ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS, PASSENGER VEHICLES, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND MOTOR HOMES CHASSIS, THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH MAY, UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, LEAK INTERNALLY AND THEN OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN.

Safety risk

THIS COULD RESULT IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUSED WIRING HARNESS. OWNERS OF THE PASSENGER CARS INCLUDED IN THIS CAMPAIGN WILL BE INSTRUCTED TO RETURN THEIR VEHICLES TO THEIR DEALERS TO HAVE THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH DISCONNECTED AS AN INTERIM REPAIR. AS SOON AS REPAIR PARTS ARE AVAILABLE (EXPECTED OCTOBER 2007), OWNERS WILL BE INSTRUCTED TO RETURN TO THE DEALERS FOR INSTALLATION OF A FUSED WIRING HARNESS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 13, 2007, AND MAILING COMPLETED BY SEPTEMBER 19, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-888-222-2751.

Recall campaignNHTSA 03V281000

Seats: front assembly: recliner

Component
Seats: front assembly: recliner
Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected
1,552,880
Reported to NHTSA
2003-08-05
Owners notified
2003-08-29

Defect description

ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH HIGH BACK SEATS, THE UPPER BOLT ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE HIGH BACK SEAT, THAT ATTACHES THE SEAT RECLINER MECHANISM TO THE SEAT BACK FRAME, COULD FRACTURE. IF THE BOLT FRACTURES AND DOES NOT JAM IN THE SEAT BACK FRAME, THE SEAT BACK MAY RECLINE UNTIL IT MAKES CONTACT WITH AN OBJECT BEHIND THE SEAT, SUCH AS THE SECOND ROW SEAT CUSHION.

Safety risk

THE DRIVER COULD POTENTIALLY LOSE CONTACT WITH THE STEERING WHEEL OR FOOT PEDALS DURING SUCH AN EVENT, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE DRIVER SEAT UPPER BOLT WITH A METAL SPACER AND BOLT. IN ADDITION, SEATS WITH TUBULAR BACK FRAMES WILL HAVE THE FULLY THREADED LOWER RECLINER BOLT REPLACED WITH A PARTIALLY THREADED BOLT. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON AUGUST 29, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.

Recall campaignNHTSA 03V280000

Vehicle speed control: cables

Component
Vehicle speed control: cables
Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected
448,005
Reported to NHTSA
2003-08-05
Owners notified
2003-08-29

Defect description

ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH SPEED CONTROL AND 4.0L SOHC ENGINES, IF THE STRAND COVER ON THE SPEED CONTROL CABLE BECOMES FLARED AT THE END, THE SPEED CONTROL CABLE MAY BIND WHEN THE SPEED CONTROL IS ACTIVATED.

Safety risk

THE THROTTLE RETURN SPRING FORCE MAY NOT BE SUFFICIENT TO OVERCOME THE BINDING CONDITION WHEN THE SPEED CONTROL IS DISENGAGED. BRAKING FUNCTION WOULD BE MAINTAINED THOUGH STOPPING DISTANCES MAY BE INCREASED.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE SPEED CONTROL CABLE AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE IT. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 29, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.

Recall campaignNHTSA 00V395000

Power train: automatic transmission: control module (TCM/PCM/TECM)

Component
Power train: automatic transmission: control module (TCM/PCM/TECM)
Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected
100,500
Reported to NHTSA
2000-11-28
Owners notified
2001-01-23

Defect description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE 3.27 OR 3.55 AXLE RATION. THE SUBJECT VEHICLES HAVE A POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE THAT COULD ALLOW THE VEHICLE TO EXCEED THE DESIGN INTENT TOP SPEED. AT THESE EXTREME SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE COULD BE CAPABLE OF EXCEEDING THE SPEED RATING OF THE TIRE.

Safety risk

OPERATING THE VEHICLE ABOVE THE MAXIMUM SPEED RATING COULD LEAD TO A TIRE FAILURE WHICH AT THESE SPEEDS COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE.

Recall campaignNHTSA 00V072000

Electrical system: wiring: fuses and circuit breakers

Component
Electrical system: wiring: fuses and circuit breakers
Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected
208,903
Reported to NHTSA
2000-03-07
Owners notified
2000-04-15

Defect description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MULTI-PURPOSE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 4.0L ENGINES AND ALL-TIME 4-WHEEL DRIVE (A4WD) POWERTRAINS. THE GENERIC ELECTRONIC MODULE (GEM) COULD EXPERIENCE A CONDITION REFERRED TO AS "LOCK-UP" IN WHICH THE GEM CONTROLLED ELECTRONIC FUNCTIONS (E.G., FRONT WINDSHIELD WIPERS, INTERIOR LIGHTS, 4X4 SYSTEM, ETC.) COULD NOT BE TURNED ON OR, IN SOME CASES IF THE FUNCTION IS ON, COULD NOT BE TURNED OFF.

Safety risk

AN INOPERATIVE WINDSHIELD WIPER SYSTEM COULD AFFECT DRIVER VISIBILITY, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A RESISTOR IN THE GEM CIRCUIT.

Recall campaignNHTSA 99V164000

Latches/locks/linkages: hood: latch

Component
Latches/locks/linkages: hood: latch
Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected
854,288
Reported to NHTSA
1999-06-29
Owners notified
1999-07-14

Defect description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. THE SECONDARY HOOD LATCH MAY CORRODE AT THE LATCH PIVOT AND STICK IN THE OPEN POSITION.

Safety risk

IF THIS OCCURS AND THE PRIMARY HOOD LATCH IS EITHER NOT ENGAGED OR IS RELEASED, A HOOD FLY-UP COULD OCCUR.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A SECONDARY HOOD LATCH WITH COMPONENTS THAT ARE COATED PRIOR TO ASSEMBLY FOR IMPROVED LATCH PIVOT CORROSION PROTECTION.

Recall campaignNHTSA 99V123000

Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings

Component
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected
15,681
Reported to NHTSA
1999-05-18
Owners notified
1999-05-17

Defect description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. THE RIGHT FRONT BRAKE LINE TO THE HYDRAULIC CONTROL UNIT (HCU) CONNECTION COULD SEPARATE CAUSING THE LINE TO LEAK WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS APPLIED.

Safety risk

THIS COULD RESULT IN A LOSS OF BRAKE PRESSURE TO THE FRONT WHEELS, INCREASING THE STOPPING DISTANCE.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FLARE NUT ON THE BRAKE LINE.

Recall campaignNHTSA 99V062001

Vehicle speed control

Component
Vehicle speed control
Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected
898,739
Reported to NHTSA
1999-03-30
Owners notified
1999-03-27

Defect description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN 1997-1999 RHD EXPLORER EQUIPPED WITH 4.0L OHV/SOHC ENGINES AND CRUISE CONTROL BUILT FROM MAY 29, 1996 THROUGH MARCH 4, 1999; 1998-1999 EXPLORER/MOUNTAINEERS EQUIPPED WITH 4.0L OHV/SOHC OR 5.0L ENGINES OR 1998-1999 RANGERS EQUIPPED WITH 2.5L, 3.0L FFV/EFI OR 4.0L ENGINES AND CRUISE CONTROL BUILT FROM JANUARY 5, 1998 THROUGH MARCH 4, 1999; 1998-1999 MUSTANGS EQUIPPED WITH 3.8L, 4.6L 2-VALVE OR 4-VALVE ENGINES AND CRUISE CONTROL BUILT FROM MARCH 2, 1998 THROUGH MARCH 4, 1999; 1999 F250/F350/F450/F550 (OVER 8,500 LBS.) TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH 5.4L OR 6.8L ENGINES AND CRUISE CONTROL BUILT FROM MARCH 2, 1998 THROUGH MARCH 4, 1999; AND 1999 F-53 STRIPPED CHASSIS EQUIPPED WITH 5.4L OR 6.8L ENGINES AND CRUISE CONTROL BUILT FROM MARCH 2, 1998 THROUGH MARCH 4, 1999. A CRUISE CONTROL CABLE CAN INTERFERE WITH THE SPEED CONTROL SERVO PULLEY AND NOT ALLOW THE THROTTLE TO RETURN TO IDLE WHEN DISENGAGING THE CRUISE CONTROL.

Safety risk

IF THE CRUISE CONTROL IS USED AND THIS CONDITION IS PRESENT, A STUCK THROTTLE COULD RESULT, WHICH COULD POTENTIALLY RESULT IN A CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CRUISE CONTROL CABLES. AT THE PRESENT TIME, THE REPLACEMENT CABLES ARE NOT AVAILABLE. CUSTOMERS ARE BEING ADVISED NOT TO USE THE CRUISE CONTROL SYSTEM UNTIL A REPLACEMENT CAN BE MADE.

Owner complaints

A complaint is one person's report to a federal agency. It is not a finding.

ComponentComplaintsMedian mileage
Tires212106,000 mi
Tires: tread/belt16663,000 mi
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer10637,000 mi
Vehicle speed control92120,000 mi
Air bags6375,000 mi
Power train: automatic transmission61104,510 mi
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer: motor5531,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline43
Electrical system3780,000 mi
Seats: front assembly: recliner3768,000 mi
Vehicle speed control: accelerator pedal3766,183 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip33115,889 mi
Suspension32113,850 mi
Seats2970,000 mi
Unknown or other2560,000 mi
Air bags: frontal2483,000 mi
Exterior lighting: turn signal: switch2483,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: engine2370,231 mi
Suspension: front22
Engine and engine cooling1667,000 mi
Tires: sidewall16
Vehicle speed control: cruise control1650,000 mi
Steering1586,500 mi
Power train1467,000 mi
Electrical system: wiring: fuses and circuit breakers1341,000 mi
Electrical system: wiring: interior/under dash1368,500 mi
Latches/locks/linkages: doors: latch13141,000 mi
Structure: body: door13
Electrical system: ignition1020,520 mi
Equipment: electrical: radio/tape deck/CD etc.1068,000 mi
Latches/locks/linkages: hood: latch10100,000 mi
Air bags: frontal: sensor/control module952,518 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: rotor962,792 mi
Structure9135,000 mi
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer: switch/wiring9212,694 mi
Latches/locks/linkages8109,000 mi
Seat belts: front: buckle assembly8
Service brakes, hydraulic845,000 mi
Visibility: glass, side/rear8111,726 mi
Visibility: windshield877,600 mi
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system750,000 mi
Equipment: appliance: air conditioner7
Fuel system, gasoline738,000 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system7
Seat belts758,000 mi
Structure: body7100,000 mi
Suspension: front: control arm: lower ball joint778,000 mi
Visibility: power window devices and controls772,586 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump6
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components6
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc6
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: pads665,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings655,000 mi
Vehicle speed control: linkages6
Visibility6135,000 mi
Visibility: rearview mirrors/devices: exterior6
Electrical system: wiring: front underhood513,000 mi
Equipment565,000 mi
Parking brake565,000 mi
Power train: automatic transmission: control module (TCM/PCM/TECM)5
Power train: axle assembly545,000 mi
Power train: transfer case (4-wheel drive)5102,310 mi
Steering: steering wheel/handle bar5
Structure: body: bumpers5
Structure: body: hood: hinge and attachments551,000 mi
Visibility: rear window wiper/washer565,000 mi
Electrical system: wiring452,518 mi
Engine490,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control41 mi
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe450,000 mi
Exterior lighting4210,000 mi
Exterior lighting: brake lights: switch4
Exterior lighting: hazard flashing warning lights: switch469,725 mi
Exterior lighting: turn signal: flasher unit4
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly483,000 mi
Interior lighting4
Power train: axle assembly: axle shaft: seal48,500 mi
Power train: manual transmission460,000 mi
Steering: rack and pinion435,780 mi
Structure: body: hatchback/liftgate4
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system488,800 mi
Wheels4
Air bags: on-off switch assembly3
Electrical system: ignition: switch3
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system347,200 mi
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control: gas recirculation valve (EGR valve)3
Equipment: electrical338,000 mi
Exterior lighting: brake lights3
Exterior lighting: headlights3110,493 mi
Exterior lighting: turn signal399,300 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings3
Power train: automatic transmission: gear position indication (PRNDL)367,000 mi
Power train: automatic transmission: lever and linkage: column shift3
Power train: automatic transmission: park/neutral start interlock switch3
Power train: driveline3137,124 mi
Power train: driveline: differential unit375,000 mi
Seat belts: front: retractor341,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: caliper345,000 mi
Steering: column3124,776 mi
Steering: hydraulic power assist system3
Structure: body: hood3190,000 mi
Structure: frame and members350,000 mi
Tires: temporary/emergency spare tire354,000 mi
Visibility: rear window wiper/washer: motor368,000 mi
Air bags: side/window2
Electrical system: 12V/24V/48V battery2
Electrical system: starter assembly2
Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline: belts and associated pulleys261,000 mi
Equipment: other: labels2
Equipment: recreational vehicle/trailer235,780 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system: injectors2
Fuel/propulsion system2160,000 mi
Power train: automatic transmission: torque converter2
Power train: axle hubs243,000 mi
Seats: front assembly: power adjust2135,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: master cylinder2100,000 mi
Steering: hydraulic power assist: power steering fluid259,000 mi
Steering: linkages2
Steering: linkages: knuckle: spindle: arm2
Suspension: front: control arm: upper ball joint253,200 mi
Suspension: rear2
Vehicle speed control: cables2
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system: heater core299,000 mi
Visibility: rearview mirrors/devices2
Wheels: rim2
Child seat: tether: strap/webbing1
Electrical system: alternator/generator/regulator1
Electrical system: horn1
Electrical system: ignition: module1
Electrical system: starter assembly: solenoid180,016 mi
Electronic stability control (ESC)197,000 mi
Electronic stability control: automatic (ASC)1
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system: hoses/lines/piping/fittings1
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control: catalytic convertor172,586 mi
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control: crankcase (PCV)1
Exterior lighting: hazard flashing warning lights199,300 mi
Exterior lighting: headlights: high/low beam dimmer switch1
Fuel system, gasoline: carburetor system1
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly: filler pipe and cap1
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly: mounting1
Fuel system, other1
Latches/locks/linkages: hatchback/liftgate: lock153,359 mi
Latches/locks/linkages: tailgate: latch1
Parking brake: indicator light172,586 mi
Power train: automatic transmission: cooling unit and lines1
Power train: driveline: constant velocity joint1
Power train: driveline: driveshaft1
Seat belts: front: anchorage1
Seat belts: front: webbing1
Seat belts: integrated child seat1
Seat belts: rear/other168,906 mi
Seats: mid/rear assembly1
Service brakes1
Service brakes, air: antilock: wheel speed sensor1
Service brakes, hydraulic: pedals and linkages1
Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist: vacuum1
Steering: column locking: anti-theft device1
Steering: gear box (other than rack and pinion)1
Steering: gear box: shaft sector135,780 mi
Steering: linkages: tie rod assembly1
Steering: rack and pinion: pinion shaft1
Steering: rack and pinion: rack1
Structure: body: door: hinge and attachments1110,000 mi
Structure: body: hatchback/liftgate: hinge and attachments125,000 mi
Structure: body: hatchback/liftgate: support device/strut162,186 mi
Structure: body: tailgate1
Structure: body: tailgate: hinge and attachments1
Structure: frame and members: underbody shields1
Suspension: front: control arm1
Suspension: front: control arm: upper arm1
Suspension: front: hub1160,000 mi
Suspension: front: shock absorber1
Suspension: front: wheel bearing1
Suspension: rear: springs: leaf spring assembly1
Trailer hitches1
Unknown174,975 mi
Visibility/wiper1130,000 mi
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system: rear window1
Visibility: rearview mirrors/devices: interior1
Visibility: sun/moon roof assembly1

The 1998 model has about half as many complaints as this one. The 2000 model has about 1.5 times as many complaints as this one. These figures reflect raw complaint counts, not failure rates. Higher-selling model years naturally receive more complaints.

Safety recall repairs are provided free of charge by franchised dealers, regardless of vehicle age or mileage. This page displays aggregated data for the model year. To check recall status for a specific vehicle, search its VIN at nhtsa.gov.