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Research · Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD

1999 Ford F-150Recalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 18 safety recalls and 1,121 owner complaints for the 1999 Ford F-150. Most complaints involve engine and engine cooling (240) and fuel system, gasoline (115). The EPA rates it 13–17 mpg combined.

Check a VINAdd to my garage
Combined MPG
13–17mpg
EPA · 11 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
18campaigns
Latest Jul 2011
Owner complaints
1,121
Top: engine and engine cooling
Fuel cost / yr
$3,800est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

18 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Fuel system

Remedy pending

FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN 1997 THROUGH 2003 MODEL YEAR FORD F-150, 2004 MODEL YEAR FORD F-150 HERITAGE, 1997 THROUGH 1999 MODEL YEAR F-250 LESS THAN 8,500 LBS. GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT RATING (GVWR), AND 2002 AND 2003 LINCOLN BLACKWOOD VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 20, 1995, THROUGH AUGUST 4, 2004, ORIGINALLY SOLD, OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN, CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, KENTUCKY, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. PROLONGED EXPOSURE TO ROAD DEICING CHEMICALS MAY CAUSE SEVERE CORROSION OF THE FUEL TANK STRAPS WHICH SECURE THE TANK TO THE VEHICLE.

Fuel system, gasolineReported Jul 29, 2011NHTSA 11V385000

Exterior lighting: headlights

Free remedy

DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Exterior lightingReported May 11, 2009NHTSA 09E025000

Exterior lighting

Free remedy

SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Exterior lightingReported Apr 7, 2009NHTSA 09E012000
See all 18 recalls with remedies
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 6, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

1,121 complaints filed with NHTSA · Jan 1999 – Jul 2023
  1. Engine and engine cooling240
  2. Fuel system, gasoline115
  3. Structure99
  4. Service brakes, hydraulic97
  5. Electrical system92
  6. Visibility86
  7. Vehicle speed control83
  8. Power train79
  9. Air bags69

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each F-150 model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
1996360
19972,855
19981,418
19991,121
20001,206
20011,340
2002955
2003464
20042,036
20051,121
2006589
2007492
2008369
2009324
2010851
20112,137
20121,717
20132,796
20141,362
20151,425
20161,798
20171,148
20181,929
20191,021
2020562
20211,042
2022605
2023419
2024195
2025119
20260
Crashes reported
89
Fires reported
76
Injuries reported
84
Deaths reported
11
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 6, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Engine and engine cooling

240 reports11 fires
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD STARTED BREAKING AWAY FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A MECHANIC AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE BOLTS HOLDING THE MANIFOLD IN PLACE HAD RUSTED AND BROKEN OFF. THE CONTACT WAS ALSO INFORMED THAT THIS WAS A COMMON FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 291,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 18, 2012Engine and engine coolingODI 10455648

Fuel system, gasoline

115 reports3 fires
“I TOOK MY F-150 IN FOR A RECALL ON THE FUEL TANK STRAPS RUSTING, THE DEALERSHIP WAS NICK NICHOLAS FORD IN INVERNESS, FLORIDA. THEY TOLD ME MY FUEL TANK WAS LEAKING FROM RUST. I AM IN THE PROCESS OF FIXING IT. MY COMPLAINT IS IF THE STRAPS RUSTED AND CAUSED THE TANK TO RUST AND LEAK AT THE AREA WHERE THE STRAPS TOUCH THE TANK. WHY ISN'T THE TANK INCLUDED IN THE RECALL? THE RUSTED TANK LEAKING IS A CLEAR DANGER TO ME, THE ENVIRONMENT, AND OTHER DRIVERS. THE GAS NEVER DRIPPED ON THE GROUND SO I NEVER KNEW IT WAS LEAKING UNTIL I TOOK IT IN. *TR”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 27, 2013Fuel system, gasolineODI 10549669

Structure

99 reports2 fires
“AROUND 1:30AM ON THURSDAY NOV. 24TH, I RECEIVED A CALL FROM MY NEIGHBOR SAYING MY TRUCK WAS ON FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT SAID IT LOOKED LIKE IT WAS AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM. THAT IT LOOKED LIKE IT STARTED UNDER THE HOOD. THE TRUCK HAD BEEN DRIVEN TO THE STORE THE MORNING BEFORE THE FIRE, AND WAS PARKED AT THE TIME OF THE FIRE.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 24, 2016Electrical system, Structure, EngineFire reportedODI 10927774
All 1999 F-150 problemsSend a problem to a mechanic on findmechanic.ai
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 6, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

11 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD, Standard Pickup Trucks 4WD
Engines
4.2L 6-cyl · 4.6L 8-cyl · 5.4L 8-cyl
Transmissions
Manual 5-spd · Automatic 4-spd
Drive
Rear-Wheel Drive · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · 2-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline · Premium Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 6, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
F150 Pickup 2WD
Man 5-spd, 6 cyl, 4.2 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
152017$3,800523
F150 Pickup 2WD
Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 4.2 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
141816$4,000555
F150 Pickup 2WD
Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 4.6 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
131815$4,300592
F150 Pickup 4WD
Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 4.2 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
131615$4,300592
F150 Pickup 4WD
Man 5-spd, 6 cyl, 4.2 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
131715$4,300592
F150 Pickup 2WD
Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 5.4 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
121614$4,600635
F150 Pickup 2WD
Man 5-spd, 8 cyl, 4.6 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
131714$4,600635
F150 Pickup 4WD
Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 4.6 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
121614$4,600635
F150 Pickup 4WD
Man 5-spd, 8 cyl, 4.6 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
121614$4,600635
F150 Pickup 2WD
Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 5.4 L, 5.4E-R FFS MPFI · 2-Wheel Drive
121513$6,150684
F150 Pickup 4WD
Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 5.4 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
111513$4,950684
  • F150 Pickup 2WD
    Man 5-spd, 6 cyl, 4.2 L
    15 city · 20 hwy · $3,800/yr
    17
    mpg comb.
  • F150 Pickup 2WD
    Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 4.2 L
    14 city · 18 hwy · $4,000/yr
    16
    mpg comb.
  • F150 Pickup 2WD
    Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 4.6 L
    13 city · 18 hwy · $4,300/yr
    15
    mpg comb.
  • F150 Pickup 4WD
    Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 4.2 L
    13 city · 16 hwy · $4,300/yr
    15
    mpg comb.
  • F150 Pickup 4WD
    Man 5-spd, 6 cyl, 4.2 L
    13 city · 17 hwy · $4,300/yr
    15
    mpg comb.
  • F150 Pickup 2WD
    Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 5.4 L
    12 city · 16 hwy · $4,600/yr
    14
    mpg comb.
  • F150 Pickup 2WD
    Man 5-spd, 8 cyl, 4.6 L
    13 city · 17 hwy · $4,600/yr
    14
    mpg comb.
  • F150 Pickup 4WD
    Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 4.6 L
    12 city · 16 hwy · $4,600/yr
    14
    mpg comb.
  • F150 Pickup 4WD
    Man 5-spd, 8 cyl, 4.6 L
    12 city · 16 hwy · $4,600/yr
    14
    mpg comb.
  • F150 Pickup 2WD
    Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 5.4 L, 5.4E-R FFS MPFI
    12 city · 15 hwy · $6,150/yr
    13
    mpg comb.
  • F150 Pickup 4WD
    Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 5.4 L
    11 city · 15 hwy · $4,950/yr
    13
    mpg comb.
Estimate your fuel costCost of ownership
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 6, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

1 tested variant
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 1999 Ford F-150 as of Nov 6, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 6, 2026Vehicle 4029
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

1999 F-150 questions

How many recalls does the 1999 Ford F-150 have?

18 safety recalls as of Nov 6, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 1999 Ford F-150 problems?

Owners filed 1,121 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine and engine cooling (240), fuel system, gasoline (115), structure (99). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 1999 Ford F-150 get?

The EPA rates the 1999 Ford F-150 at 13–17 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (11 versions rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 6, 2026