Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1999 Ford Expedition owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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.
On the 5/21/01 accident I was making a left turn off of my cul a sac st and just as I turned the wheel to go left vehicle locked up to the right and I cound not get in to unlock which caused me to hit a parked car, I bounced off the car 3 times before my truck rolloed back and stopped.the police officer tried to turn the wheels with the truck on and was unable to do so, all fluids released from the truck. I was injured in my back/neck/spine, and burn marks on my rt hand from trying to turn the wheel to avoid hitting the car. This accident happened within 15 ft.on the police report it states that the power steering locked up but due to no witnesses he can't prove this. Bodyshop said the gear box and all the gears are destroyed and because of it locking up to the right when I was making a left it looks like the power steering locked up also. …
I was traveling south at approximately 30 MPH through an intersection when a driver ran a red light and collided with the right rear quarter panel at bumper level. The impact of the collision caused my vehicle to spin around facing north and the vehicle flipped over on its roof. My concern is that the damage at the point of impact was not so severe that my vehicle should have flipped onto its roof. The vehicle was deemed a total loss by the insurance company. However, I will note that my 2 year old daughter was in a child safety seat in the rear driver's side and I was also wearing a seat belt. My daughter did not sustain any injuries and I sustained some neck and back sprain. I am concerned about the rollover since the vehicle which collided with my Expedition was a small 1989 Dodge (omni ?) hatchback. …
In June I purchased my Expedition and noticed that there was a rumbling noise and pulling to one side at a speed of 55 about two weeks later. I had taken it back to the dealer he said they checked it out can not find anything wrong. While turning in to a parking lot in sept. I heard a crack and my steering was not good. I thought nothing serious ,well when I went to leave I could not back up my front wheel was dragging results was a broken tie rod. Very lucky to not be driving down the road with my 3 children. The front end is still making the noise in which dealer said front wheel bearings now that my warranty is expired ! Is there a recall ?
Pe00 020; consumer was traveling about 50mph on highway while raining, he switched into another lane, and vehicle went out of control. Vehicle had skidded into a enbankment and rolled twice or more. There were injuries and vehicle was totalled. After looking at pictures taken of the vehicle after accident it was noted that driver's side front tire was damaged. It is uncertain if this could have caused the vehicle to lose control or was the result of the accident. The tires in question was a replacement tire a b.f. Goodrich, replaced June 3, 2000 because the original Firestone tires had developed a defect.
I have a 1999 Ford Expedition eddie bauer, on Monday, December 13,2004 I was having brakes and rotors replaced on my truck. The mechanic notified me that there was a major problem with the tie rod end. He said that the bolts were broken on one side and missing on the other. He also stated that he was surprised that the vehicle was still upright and that I had not been in an accident. My vehicle has now been in the shop for 3 days due to this problem. The mechanic who is fixing the problem stated that I needed to find out if there are any recalls on this vehicle for the tie rod end.
I received an unusual safety bulletin from Ford with a discription of how mechanics should inspect ball joints (steering linkage). I said to myself then, when I have this inspection performed, the car will have defective parts that will have to be replaced. I was right. $594.45 for ball joint replacements at 47,271 miles! Ball joints should last 100,000 miles or more. I believe Ford should replace for free since they installed defective parts on new vehicles. Defective steering linkage is a critical safety issue. I would suggest they do a recall. Thank you.
Fax fm edgar rangel (tx) re Ford/Firestone, he was injured & his friend angel navarrete was killed when their 1999 Ford Expedition w/Firestone tires rolled over due to defective steering & tires. This was a serious rollover incident in which the steering wheel did not respond properly. The consumer believed the steering played a significant role in the accident. Two weeks prior to the incident, the vehicle was serviced and it was noted there was a defect with the power steering, but was explained as a normal source of the vehicle.
I was involved in an accident on July 11 2000 in which we rolled over couple off times. We had taken the Expedition to the dealership two weeks before the accident our complaint was that the steering was too soft and at the dealership told us that there was no problem with the steering couple of months after the accident I learned that the dealers were installing another gear box for the steering make the steeering harder and firmer also the 2000 had a new gear box. Please mail me a complaint form. Thanks. (tiresize: 16)
When turning into parking lot entrance after complete stop, the steering suddenly became loose and I felt a vibration and heard a skidding noise from one tire. The steering was loose but responsive while I turned into a parking spot. After that, the right front wheel would not turn with the steering wheel. The ball joint on the passenger side tie rod had separated. I had the car towed to a local Ford dealership where the tie rod was replaced. The dealer discarded the old parts.
Steering complaints in other Expedition years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 1999 Ford Expedition?
NHTSA has 32 complaints about the steering of the 1999 Ford Expedition, 3% of the model year's 946 complaints. The component named most often is linkages › tie rod assembly (11 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1999 Ford Expedition steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for the 1999 Ford Expedition, though it has 5 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 Expedition steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 81,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 9 crashes, 0 fires and 10 injuries and 3 deaths to steering 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.