Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (wheels, lug nuts, original-equipment tires, TPMS).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1999 Ford E-450 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Problems with tires on 1999 big foot model motor home. As the consumer made a turn, a loud explosive noise was heard. The consumer saw in the rear view mirror, large chunks of rubber and big pieces of tread flying from under the vehicle. The right rear tire exploded and what was left was 2 inch rings mounted on the rim, also the other tire looked as if it was partially deflated. This problem repeated, but this time the inner tire well and the exhaust system was damaged as a result.
My rv suffered a tire blowout and complete tred separation on the road on vacation. Damage was sustained to the under side of my rv by the tred wipping the rv as it separated. The tire had only 16,000 miles on it, was properly inflated and was going only about 55 MPH on normal dry pavement. The tire is a Firestone steeltex radial r4s lt225/75 r16 load range e dot vd1l 1xd 259 other numbers on tire 25439 ur bd99805-6 da180p d06l 06029.
Loud noise from motorhome while driving. Rear right tire (Firestone steeltex r4s) had bulged and the tread had seperated from the tire, leaving the steel showing. It ripped the mud flap off and damaged the rear wheelwell. After replacing it, and less than 10 miles later, we heard a loud noise again. The rear left tire had a large bulge and the tread had seperated from it. A third tire also has a bulge.
Firestone r4s blow out on right front tire of 1999 Ford f-450sd with coachman motor home mounted on frame. Unit not over loaded and proper air pressure maintained.checking I have found other tires with hair line cracks around where thread meets sidewall. I am replacing tires and will hold Firestone tires while waiting for tires to be recalled .
Second disintegration of a Firestone 225/75/r16e. Caused extensive damage to the compartment housing water pump, water service line, 120v electrical, 3/8" propane copper tubing to stove, water heater, furnace, etc. Motorhome is jayco, class c, new in 1999. Damage to outside paneling as well.
This was the third steeltex tire to fail on this vehicle. This vehicle was manufactured overweight. The secondary manufacturer has offered to exchange it for a new motorhome. I have serious reservations that the new unit is safe. (tiresize: 225 75 16e)( dot number: tire size: 225 75 16e )
While driving 60 - 63 MPH, I started to feel a vibration. I thought it was because of the road, but a short time later, I heard a loud bang and felt something hit underneath the motorhome. I immediately slowed down and pulled over to the shoulder. I found the rear, inside, passenger side tire was swelled up. The rubber tread was gone. Only the cords were there. I slowly drove a short distance to the exit and into a parking lot, where I jacked up the motorhome, released the pressure from the tire, and proceeded to change the tire. I reported the incident to Ford and they told me to contact Firestone directly. I called Firestone and was told that series tire was not on recall, and to contact a dealer for prorated replacement. After numerous calls to several dealers, I finally found one that would replace the tire. …
This tire had the exact same problem as what is being reported in the news for firestones on Ford suvs - the sidewalls completely separated from the tread. The problem was reported to Firestone shortly after the incident - reference number 018525. The tire was sent back to Firestone for evaluation, after which they refused to compensate us or admit fault based on their statement the problem was cause by low tire-pressure. After additional requests, Firestone paid for our tire and related damage to the vehicle in the amount of $685.27 with check number 231704, dated 11-300-1999. I called their hotline tonight to note the similarities between my problem and those in the news - Ford vehicle, tread seperating, dot #s starting with vd. I was told they could not help me (I requested replacement of all tires) and was referred to the local service center. …
Firestone denies that the tires were faulty, they claim that I drove the vehicle with underinflated tires. Before I drive this vehicle on the highway I always check the tire pressures and fluids. I replaced all of the Firestone tires before one blew out on the front and caused a crash. In 26 years of driving numerous vehicles with various tires I have never experienced anything like these tires that have failed prematurely. I kept the remaining 5 of the tires from this set and am having them tested by someone other than Firestone. I find firestones explanation of underinflation impossible to believe since I am the one who has properly maintained this vehicle. Nlm
Both of these tires were produced at the decauter il plant, where the majority of the previously recalled tires were produced. These tires failed at highway speed, fortunately they were of the rear duals and I did not loose control. I know of other people who have experienced this same failure with this exact same tire. All firestorne tires produced at this plant should be closely examined for defects in manufacturing. In 26 years of driving various sizes of vehicles and various tire manufacturers I have never had a single tire fail like these two tires failed. These tires are completely detreaded .
NHTSA investigations
Rapid tire deflation
This investigation was opened on certain Ford pickup trucks and vans to evaluate the effects of a valve stem ejection (with rapid air loss) and a slow leaking valve stem on vehicle handing.during the investigation, odi evaluated over 1,100 complaints and warranty claims, conducted vehicle dynamic testing on a subject vehicle with the failure mode replicated, interviewed owners, and examined complaint vehicles in the…
Wheel & Tire complaints in other E-450 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are wheel & tire problems on the 1999 Ford E-450?
NHTSA has 41 complaints about the wheels & tires of the 1999 Ford E-450, 56% of the model year's 73 complaints. The component named most often is tread/belt (19 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1999 Ford E-450 wheel & tire problems?
No. NHTSA lists no wheels & tires recall for the 1999 Ford E-450, though it has 2 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1999 Ford E-450 wheel & tire problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 30,000 miles, and 50% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 1 injury to wheels & tires problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.