Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
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).
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while driving 45 MPH, the rear differential dropped and caused him to lose control of the vehicle. The vehicle swerved and then flipped over. The contact inspected the vehicle and discovered that the rear suspension was completely corroded. A police report was not filed and no injuries were reported. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was destroyed. The failure and current mileage was 225,000.
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.
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.
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. …
When the car is hot it automatically shifts into 4 wheel drive. Ford is aware of the problem and sent an advisory to dealership shops. They advised this is problem and must replace the 4 wheel drive motor which is at a cost of 525.00. Then and only then if that doesn't fix it you have to replace 2 other switches which then costs an additional 600-800.00. I would like to find out why this is not considered a recall by Ford since this is a very dangerous issue should the 4 wheel drive kick in while driving on the highway the wheels would lock up and all people in the car would be killed. I have file a complaint with Ford and they advised there is nothing they can do about it since the car is a 1999. According to our Ford dealership this can happen in 1999 through 2002 Ford expeditions, explorers and excursions as well as there f series trucks.
I have a 1999 Ford Expedition eddie bauer 4x4 that has all the symptoms of your investigation #ea05015. I took my vehicle in while it was still under warranty and I was denied a claim for them to fix it at my local dealer because they said that the cause was due to moisture and it was not covered by under warranty. This sounded to me to be a manufacturing defect and felt it should have been fixed by them. During that time I had to replace my transmission and transfer case which are controlled in some way by the gem module so I am told. I have not been able to fix the gem and fuse box to this date due to the high cost that was presented to me. I am not certain of the actual date this took place but it was identified while the vehicle was still under warranty.
I drove into the driveway, put the car in park and removed the keys from the ignition. My 2 year old child climbed into the front seat and put the car in neutral. The car rolled down the driveway and hit a van at the bottom. I jumped in as the car was rolling but could not stop the car in time. The car is equipped with a brake shift interlock in which you are not suppose to be able to remove the transmission from park without depressing the brake and having the keys in the ignition and neither happened. A fatality could have occured as children were playing outside as well as I could have been smashed as I jumped in just before my door was torn off. Please take note and follow up on this before someone is killed!!!!!
A "spacer" within the differential disintegrated, and caused the differential to shift which resulted in a rear wheel lock up while driving. The unit was completely sealed for no reason. There was noise coming from the rear end and the anti lock brakes activated. As the consumer immediately pulled over, the transmission locked up, and the vehicle started to shake. The carrier bearing was completely destroyed and caused the ring to move away from the pinion gear and destroyed all of the rear axle components.
1 engine blew-100 deductible 2 electrical,lights wont go off - 3 electrical,radio/windshield wipers inop-4 transmission leak-5 transmission going bad-6 alternator bad all within a year and 4 months, been walking more than riding, have not enjoyed truck yet, scared to drive past 200 miles out I got a real lemon that I still have to pay 535 for, I hate Ford, will never buy another if it was free, going to iraq, but ill be back 4 justice....
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that when the vehicle was parked, the gear indicated it was in reverse and when placed into drive, the gear indicated it was in park. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic who stated that the shift cable detached from the bracket. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 180,000.
Transmission complaints in other Expedition years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 1999 Ford Expedition?
NHTSA has 67 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 1999 Ford Expedition, 7% of the model year's 946 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (37 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1999 Ford Expedition transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain 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 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 82,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 4 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury to transmission & drivetrain 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.