Model year record

1999 Ford Expedition recalls & problems

The 1999 Ford Expedition has 8 safety recalls and 946 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is engine and engine cooling (253 complaints).

Recalls8safety recalls

Complaints946filed by owners

Crashes · fires52 · 77reported in complaints

Injuries · deaths62 · 5reported in complaints

1999 Ford Expedition in an NHTSA crash test — NHTSA crash test

Safety recalls

Exterior lightingAug 1, 2006

Headlights

Recall 06E06700019,413 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (OVSC)

Problem: CERTAIN MAXZONE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLIES, DEPO BRAND, P/NOS. 331-1129L-ASN AND 331-1129R-ASN, SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE PHOTOMETRIC REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Fix: MAXZONE WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER REIMBURSEMENT FOR ANY NONCOMPLIANT HEADLIGHTS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MAXZONE AT 909-822-3288.

Exterior lightingJun 29, 2006

Exterior lighting

Recall 06E06000087,745 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (OVSC)

Problem: CERTAIN AAI MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LIST PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
Risk: LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH
Fix: AAI MOTORSPORTS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AAI MOTORSPORTS AT 909-923-9188.

Fuel system, gasolineJun 13, 2006

Fuel system, gasoline

Recall 06E05600058,640 vehicles

Problem: CERTAIN AFTERMARKET FUEL FILTERS SOLD UNDER THE PUROLATOR BRAND NAME, P/N F65277, SHIPPED FROM JANUARY 16 THROUGH JUNE 2, 2006, FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. DUE TO INCORRECT DESIGN, THE QUICK CONNECTORS MAY NOT FULLY SEAT WITH THE TUBE INTERFACE, EVEN THOUGH THE PERSON MAKING THE CONNECTION MAY BELIEVE THAT THE QUICK CONNECTOR IS FULLY ATTACHED.
Risk: FAILURE OF THIS CONNECTION COULD LEAD TO FUEL SPILLAGE AND, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
Fix: UFI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 4, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT UFI FILTERS USA AT 800-230-5876.

Vehicle speed controlSep 7, 2005

Vehicle speed control

Recall 05V3880004,500,000 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH SPEED CONTROL, THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH MAY OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN.
Risk: A FIRE AT THE SWITCH COULD OCCUR.
Fix: BY LETTER DATED SEPTEMBER 12, 2005, OWNERS WERE INSTRUCTED TO RETURN THEIR VEHICLES TO THEIR DEALERS TO HAVE THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH DISCONNECTED. OWNERS WHO HAVE HAD THEIR SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATED ARE BEING NOTIFIED THAT PARTS WILL BE AVAILABLE AND ADVISED TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TO RECONNECT THE SPEED CONTROL BEGINNING IN FEBRUARY 2006. OWNERS WHO DID NOT HAVE THEIR SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATED ARE BEING NOTIFIED TO HAVE THEIR SYSTEM REMEDIED BEGINNING IN FEBRUARY 2006. OWNERS ARE URGED TO AVAIL THEMSELVES OF THE FREE DISCONNECT SERVICE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE BECAUSE OF THE SIGNIFICANT RISK OF FIRE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673. (NOTE: ALSO SEE RECALLS 05V017 AND 06V286)

Trailer hitchesMar 7, 2000

Trailer hitches

Recall 00V073000565,800 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MULTI-PURPOSE VEHICLES. THE TRAILER HITCH ASSEMBLY TO THE FRAME ATTACHING BOLTS COULD LOSE THE CLAMP LOAD.
Risk: THE TRAILER HITCH COULD THEN SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TRAILER HITCH MOUNTING BOLTS AND NUT PLATES.

WheelsApr 29, 1999

Lugs/nuts/bolts/studs

Recall 99V09900053,784 vehicles

Problem: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH FOUR-WHEEL-DRIVE (4X4), 17" CHROME STEEL WHEELS. THE CLAMP LOAD CAN BE LOST ON THE WHEEL LUGS DUE TO INSUFFICIENT WHEEL CONTACT AREA WITH THE HUB. IN SOME CASES, THE CONTACT AREA CAN DEFORM, RESULTING IN A LOSS OF LUG NUT TORQUE.
Risk: LOSS OF LUG NUT TORQUE CAN CAUSE VIBRATION OR SEPARATION OF A WHEEL AND TIRE FROM THE VEHICLE.
Fix: DEALERS WILL RE-TORQUE THE WHEEL LUGS TO PROPER SPECIFICATIONS AND ALSO INSTALL A LABEL THAT SPECIFIES THAT THE WHEEL LUGS BE TORQUED TO 110 LB-FT ANY TIME THE WHEEL IS REMOVED.

Fuel system, gasolineDec 7, 1998

Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings

Recall 98V312000305 vehicles

Problem: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. THE FUEL LINE ASSEMBLIES MAY HAVE BEEN DAMAGED BY THE SUPPLIER DURING MANUFACTURING, ALLOWING LEAKAGE.
Risk: FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE CAN RESULT IN A FIRE.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THESE VEHICLES AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE FRONT AND REAR FUEL LINE ASSEMBLIES.

Service brakes, hydraulicNov 17, 1998

Pedals and linkages

Recall 98V2960004,000 vehicles

Problem: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE A MISSING OR PARTIALLY INSTALLED RETAINER CLIP THAT HOLDS THE MASTER CYLINDER PUSH ROD TO THE BRAKE PEDAL ARM.
Risk: INCREASED BRAKE STOPPING DISTANCE CAN OCCUR, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THESE VEHICLES TO SEE IF THE RETAINER CLIP WAS INSTALLED, AND REPAIR, IF NECESSARY.

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Crash test ratings

1999 Ford Expedition 4-DR. 4x2

OverallNot Rated

Frontal crash	Not Rated
Side crash	Not Rated
Rollover	Not Rated

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.

Fuel economy

Expedition 2WD

14mpg combined

City / highway	12 / 17 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

4.6 L · 8 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $4,800/year to fuel

Expedition 2WD

13mpg combined

City / highway	11 / 16 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

5.4 L · 8 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $5,150/year to fuel

Expedition 4WD

13mpg combined

City / highway	11 / 15 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

4.6 L · 8 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $5,150/year to fuel

Expedition 4WD

12mpg combined

City / highway	11 / 15 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

5.4 L · 8 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $5,600/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem area	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Injuries	Typical mileage*
Engine and engine coolingEngine; Engine › Gasoline	253	0	16	1	99,078 mi
TiresTread/belt; Sidewall	205	9	0	15	77,950 mi
VisibilityRearview mirrors/devices › Exterior; Windshield wiper/washer	129	0	2	0	58,950 mi
Electrical systemIgnition; Wiring › Front underhood	119	1	27	3	104,321 mi
Power trainAutomatic transmission; Automatic transmission › Lever and linkage › Column shift	71	4	0	1	66,000 mi
Vehicle speed controlCruise control; Accelerator pedal	59	10	27	16	116,500 mi
SuspensionRear; Front › Stabilizer bar	52	4	1	2	99,950 mi
SteeringLinkages › Tie rod assembly; Linkages	34	9	0	10	79,500 mi
Service brakes, hydraulicAntilock/traction control/electronic limited slip; Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings	34	3	1	0	98,875 mi
Engine	26	1	7	2	174,715 mi
StructureBody › Door; Body › Hatchback/liftgate › Hinge and attachments	22	1	2	4	102,000 mi
Air bagsFrontal; Frontal › Sensor/control module	19	13	1	17	125,418 mi

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Power train
After I put it in park and turned the engine off the truck started to roll back and it didn't stop until it hit the curb across the street.
Sep 24, 2022
Electrical system
MY CAR HAS BEEN OVER HEATING AND HAVING PROBLEMS SINCE I FIRST BOUGHT IT. I COULD NOT UNDERSTAND WHY I HAVE TO CONTINUE TO KEEP FIXING IT AFTER I JUST BOUGHT IT. SOMEONE TOLD ME TO CHECK IF IT HAD A RECALL AND SURE ENOUGH IT DOES! I CHECKED ON THE DMV WEBSITE TODAY.
Oct 5, 2019
Power train
THE SHIFT LINKAGE FROM THE STEERING COLUMN TO THE TRANSMISSION WILL NOT WORK DUE TO SEVERAL KINKS IN THE CABLE. I CANT GET THE KEYS OUT OF THE IGNITION DUE TO THIS NOR CAN I EVEN DRIVE MY VEHICLES BECAUSE IT WONT HO INTO GEAR. I WAS ON MY WAY HOME STOPPING AT A STORE WHEN THIS OCCURRED. HAD TO LEAVE MY TRUCK IN THE PARKING LOT WITH THE KEYS ATUUCK IN OT.
Apr 24, 2019 · 220,200 miles
Engine
SPARK PLUGS BLOWING OUT OF THE ENGINE REPEATEDLY WHILE DRIVING
Jul 21, 2018 · 150,000 miles
Electrical system
BOUGHT A 99 FORD EXPEDITION 5.4 4X4 ABOUT 4 MONTHS AGO. TODAY 1/30/18 WAS DRIVING AND STARTED TO HEAR CLICKING NOISE UNDER DASH THE WINDSHIELD FLUID LIGHT AND 4X4 LIGHT STARTED TO FLASH AS THE SAME TIME AS IT FLASHED I HARD THE CLICKING NOISE THE RADIO THEN TURNED OFF AND THE PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW STOPPED WORKING ALSO FAN BLOWER WILL WORK WITH THE TRUCK IS SHUT OFF. LAST WEEK I HAD SHUT MY FORD EXPO OFF I WENT TO RESTART IT ABOUT A HALF HOUR LATER AND WOULD NOT START BACK UP. THE TRUCK FINILY STARTED ABOUT A HOUR LATER.
Jan 30, 2018 · 145,386 miles
EngineFire
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. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000.
Jan 10, 2016 · 200,000 miles
Electrical systemFire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD EXPEDITION. AFTER PARKING THE VEHICLE NEAR THE CONTACT'S GARAGE, A FIRE ERUPTED UNDER THE HOOD. THE CONTACT WAS ALERTED TO THE FAILURE DUE TO THE ALARM SOUNDING. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FLAMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED AND REMAINED PARKED AT THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 06E056000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) AND 98V312000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VIN AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE NOT AVAILABLE.
Aug 29, 2016
EngineFire1 injury
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1999 FORD EXPEDITION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE WHILE PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY. THE POLICE BELIEVED THAT THE FIRE ORIGINATED ON THE DRIVER SIDE UNDER THE HOOD. A POLICE AND A FIRE REPORT WERE FILED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE WITH TWO FIRE EXTINGUISHERS AND A HOSE BEFORE THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED. A PASSENGER WHO WAS SEATED IN AN UNKNOWN LOCATION SUSTAINED A FRACTURED RIGHT KNEE, WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 199,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Aug 4, 2016 · 199,000 miles

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.

NHTSA defect investigations

WINDSHIELD LEAK CAUSES ELECTRIC FAILURESClosed
CONSUMERS ALLEGED THAT WHEN IT RAINED OR SNOWED, WATER LEAKED INTO THE VEHICLE AROUND THE WINDSHIELD.MOISTURE FLOWING THROUGH THE SEAL THAT SURROUNDS THE FRONT WINDSHIELD FOLLOWS A PATH THROUGH THE SEAL INTO THE GENERIC ELECTRONIC MODULE (GEM) AND FUSE BOX, AND MAY CAUSE THE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS IN THE VEHICLE TO MALFUNCTION.OVERALL, THE NUMBER OF REPORTS ALLEGING WIPER FAILURES AND LIGHTING FAILURES IS RELATIVELY SMALL.IN REVIEWING A LARGE SAMPLE OF THE 1503 COMPLAINTS FOR WINDSHIELD LEAKS, ODI'S ANALYSIS REVEALS THAT 0.04% OF THE TOTAL VEHICLE POPULATION REPORTED IMPROPER WINDSHIELD WIPER OPERATION AND 0.01% OF THE TOTAL VEHICLE POPULATIONREPORTED LIGHTING FAILURES.THE WARRANTY CLAIMS REVEAL THAT APPROXIMATELY 0.10% OF THE POPULATION HAS BEEN SERVICED FOR WIPER MALFUNCTIONS AND 0.08% FOR LIGHTING MALFUNCTIONS AS A RESULT OF WINDSHIELD LEAKING. ODI'S ANALYSIS OF THE FIELD PERFORMANCE…
EA05015 · opened Oct 13, 2005 · closed Dec 6, 2006
SPARK PLUG EJECTION FROM CYLINDER HEADClosed
ON SEPTEMBER 6, 2005, ODI RECEIVED A PETITION REQUESTING THAT THE AGENCY INVESTIGATE ALLEGATIONS OF ENGINE SPARK PLUG EJECTION IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 1997 THROUGH 2004 FORD VEHICLES WITH TRITON V-8 AND V-10 ENGINES.ODI RECEIVED A TOTAL OF 474 NON-DUPLICATIVE COMPLAINTS ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES WHERE THE COMPLAINANT, OR THE DEALER REPAIRING THE VEHICLE, REPORTED THAT A SPARK PLUG DETACHED FROM THE CYLINDER AND/OR EJECTED FROM THE ENGINE.AS OF DECEMBER 8, 2005, ODI IS NOT AWARE OF ANY ALLEGATIONS WHERE THE ALLEGED DEFECT RESULTED IN A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, A CRASH, AN INJURY, OR A FATALITY IN ANY OF THE 10,319,810 SUBJECT VEHICLES.IN ADDITION, ODI IS AWARE OF ONLY TWO INCIDENTS WHERE THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT RESTART.INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THE ODI CONSUMER COMPLAINTS AND OBTAINED FROM 72 TELEPHONE INTERVIEWS WITH COMPLAINANTS SHOWED THE FOLLOWING:(1) 99% OF THE COMPLAINTS WERE ON MY…
DP05005 · opened Sep 22, 2005 · closed Jan 4, 2006
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILUREClosed
ODI HAS RECEIVED 39 REPORTS ALLEGING THAT WATER LEAKS AROUND THE WINDSHIELD CAUSING ELECTRICAL FAILURES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS AND THE HEADLAMPS.FORD REPORTS THAT WATER ENTERING THE VEHICLE CAN WET THE POWER DISTRIBUTION BOX (PDB) AND THE GENERIC ELECTRONIC MODULE (GEM).THESE COMPONENTS CONTROL VARIOUS ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS IN THE VEHICLE.THIS INVESTIGATION HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS, EA05015, TO ALLOW FURTHER INVESTIGATION OF THE ISSUE AND TO ASSESS THE NATURE OF THE POTENTIAL SAFETY CONSEQUENCE.
PE05033 · opened Jun 15, 2005 · closed Oct 13, 2005
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRESClosedLed to recall 05V388000
EA05-005 IS CLOSED WITH FORD?S ACTIONS IN RECALLS 05V-017, 05V-388, AND 06V-286, RECALLING APPROXIMATELY 6.7 MILLION VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH TEXAS INSTRUMENTS SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCHES (SCDS).THE BRAKE SYSTEMS IN THESE RECALLED VEHICLES GENERATE A VACUUM THAT CAN POTENTIALLY CAUSE THE SCDS TO FAIL AND, IN CERTAIN SWITCH INSTALLATION ORIENTATIONS, CATCH FIRE.FORD IS ALSO INCLUDING THE ENTIRE POPULATION OF 1998 EXPLORERS.FORD HAS INFORMED ODI THAT TESTING TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF FAILURES IN THE 1998 EXPLORERS WILL CONTINUE AFTER THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.ODI BELIEVES THAT THE VEHICLES EXHIBITING THE FACTORS CAUSING SCDS FAILURE DESCRIBED IN THIS REPORT CORRELATE WELL WITH THE OBSERVED FAILURE RATES ON THESE VEHICLES BY MODEL AND MODEL YEAR.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST IN THE NON-RECALLED…
EA05005 · opened Mar 22, 2005 · closed Aug 2, 2006
FACTORY INSTALLED TOWING HITCH SEPARATIOClosedLed to recall 00V073000
THIS INVESTIGATION WAS OPENED ON SEPTEMBER 27, 1999 BASED ON FIVE CONSUMER REPORTS ALLEGING THAT SOME OF THE EIGHT HITCH MOUNTING BOLTS EITHER BECAME LOOSE OR CAME COMPLETELY OUT OF ITS RETAINING PLATE.ONE OF THE COMPLAINTS INDICATED THAT WHILE TOWIG A TRAILER THE HITCH ACTUALLY SEPARATED FROM THE FRAME ON THE PASSENGER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE WHEN THE FOUR MOUNTING BOLTS ON THAT SIDE CAME COMPLETELY OUT. THIS ALLOWED THE HITCH AND TRAILER TO CONTACT THE ROAD SURFACE.IN ITS RESPONSE TO THE AGENCY, FORD PROVIDED INFORMATION REGARDING NINE ADDITIONAL REPORTS OF LOOSE OR MISSING BOLTS, TWO OF THOSE ALLEGING SEPARATION OF THE HITCH ON ONE SIDE.THERE WERE NO REPORTS OF VEHICLE CRSHES, INJURIES, OR A COMPLETE SEPARATION OF A HITCH ASSEMBLY.SCOPE:1997 THROURGH 2000 MODEL YEAR EXPEDITIONS AND 1998 THROUGH 2000 MODEL YEAR NAVIGATORS BUILT AT MICHIGAN TRUCH ASSEMBLLY PLANT FROM JULY 22,1 996…
PE99060 · opened Sep 27, 1999 · closed Mar 8, 2000