1999 Ford F-250 SD problems & reliability
249 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1999 Ford F-250 SD, alongside 2 safety recall campaigns. Last verified Aug 7, 2026. Complaints are unverified reports submitted by owners to the federal Office of Defects Investigation.
Each complaint is counted once (by NHTSA case number), even when it names several vehicles.
9 complaints report injuries (10 injured).
Most reported problems
| Component | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 95 | 38% |
| Electrical System | 34 | 14% |
| Tires | 29 | 12% |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 24 | 10% |
| Power Train | 23 | 9% |
| Steering | 14 | 6% |
| Parking Brake | 10 | 4% |
| Suspension | 10 | 4% |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 8 | 3% |
| Air Bags | 7 | 3% |
Component groups as classified by NHTSA. A complaint can name more than one component, so shares may sum to more than 100%.
Common symptoms owners describe
Keyword analysis of complaint narratives; one complaint can describe several symptoms.
Mileage when problems occurred
Half of the failures with a reported odometer reading occurred by 99,000 miles (middle 50% between 67,890 and 146,617 miles), based on 196 complaints that included mileage.
Complaints by incident year
What owners report
“Tl* the contact owns a 1999 ford f-250 sd. While driving 55 mph, the cable snapped in the rear of the vehicle, damaged the rear axle, and caused the trailer to fracture. The manufacturer was notified and suggested that the vehicle be taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not repaired. The vin was…”
Suspension · filed Apr 22, 2016
“Tl* the contact owns a 1999 ford f-250 sd. The contact stated that the straps for the fuel tank were rusted all the way through. The contact was made aware of nhtsa campaign number: 11v385000 (fuel system). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. However, the refused to provide any assistance since the vehicle…”
Fuel/propulsion System · filed Apr 21, 2015
“Tl* the contact owns a 1999 ford f-250 sd. The contact stated that while driving at 65-70 mph, there was an abnormal noise coming from the front driver's side wheel. The contact discovered that the front driver's side tire had blown out. As a result, the abs warning light illuminated. The tire was replaced with a…”
Tires · filed Jan 20, 2015
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Federal defect investigations
- ENGINE STALLING
Engineering Analysis EA06012 · opened Jun 22, 2006 · closed Dec 7, 2007 · led to recall 07V553000
- ENGINE STALLING
Preliminary Evaluation PE06011 · opened Feb 27, 2006 · closed Jun 23, 2006
- SPARK PLUG EJECTION FROM CYLINDER HEAD
Defect Petition DP05005 · opened Sep 22, 2005 · closed Jan 4, 2006
- ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES
Engineering Analysis EA05005 · opened Mar 22, 2005 · closed Aug 2, 2006 · led to recall 08V025000
- SECTOR SHAFT FRACTURES
Engineering Analysis EA01009 · opened Mar 2, 2001 · closed Aug 19, 2003
Technical service bulletins
106 manufacturer communications (TSBs, service campaigns, warranty extensions) are on file with NHTSA for the 1999 Ford F-250 SD. The 10 most recent:
This SKU is a Spare Tire Hoist. Test results identified that the pull force parameter was not within specification, as a precautionary measure unsold inventory was requested to be returned for testing and containment…
DOR-U2J7Y-02 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jan 13, 2020
This SKU is a Spare Tire Hoist. Test results identified that the pull force parameter was not within specification, as a precautionary measure unsold inventory was requested to be returned for testing and containment…
DOR-C2C6H-02 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jan 13, 2020
1999-2008 7.3l/6.0l/6.4l/4.5l diesel f-super duty - clean the charge air cooler (cac) system after certain turbo or engine failures - service tip. *nj
20228 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Apr 1, 2008
1999-2008 f250-f550 super duty 4x4 with electronic shift transfer case not engaging 4x4. *nj
20052 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Nov 1, 2007
Lack of power due to low fuel pressure - fuel tank liner seperation. *kb
19728 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Apr 1, 2007
Lack of power due to low fuel pressure, fuel tank liner seperation. *kb
19621 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Feb 1, 2007
Vacuum pump inoperative or runs continuously - climate control defaults to defrost mode. *tt
05174 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Oct 7, 2005
Drive away shudder or vibration. *eh
04227 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Oct 7, 2005
General (pcm) power train control module programming procedures. *tt
042107 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Dec 13, 2004
Low power, poor fuel economy, fuel gelling cold, excessive white smoke cold, or hard start. *mj this oasis updates previous oasis dated 12/01/03. *tt
17406 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Sep 1, 2004
TSBs are repair guidance manufacturers send to dealers — they are not recalls and repairs are not automatically free. Full documents are available on NHTSA’s site.
Safety recalls
The 1999 Ford F-250 SD has 2 NHTSA recall campaigns — recall repairs are free at franchised dealers regardless of the vehicle’s age.
Check whether your specific vehicle is affected
Recall campaigns often cover only certain VIN ranges. Enter your VIN on the official NHTSA site to confirm whether your vehicle is included and whether the repair is still open.
Check VIN on NHTSA →Buying a used 1999 Ford F-250 SD?
- · Decode the seller’s VIN with our free VIN decoder to confirm the exact year, engine and trim.
- · Check for unrepaired recalls by VIN on NHTSA’s official lookup — recall repairs are free.
- · Owners most often reported problems around 99,000 miles — budget accordingly if the car is approaching that mileage.