Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (fuel pump, injectors, fuel tank, hybrid and EV propulsion).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1999 Ford Explorer owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The electrical on my vehicle is bad. My radio lights flash, none of my doors open from te inside and only roll down windows from diver switcth; gas gayge only reads empry although I j ust put 30 dollars in the tank.
The biggest problem I have now is my transmission, on August 1st, my Explorer lost its reverse, it is now August 25, and I still do not have my car, they fixed it on aug 20, it broke that night, took it back aug 22, broke again and then took it back that night and now they still have it and dont know what is wrong with it. I told them all I want is a car, but they say they cannot give me one. Why? I dont have a car, I lease the one I have, cant drive it, still have to pay for it, and they wont give me a loaner.
Tl contact owns a 1999 Ford Explorer. While driving 50 MPH the vehicle stalled. There was a recall for the fuel system. However, the dealer stated that this vehicle was not included due to the VIN. Also, the hood on the vehicle will not open. The failure has not been diagnosed. The driver's door will not open with the key. The failure and current mileage was 190,000.
While driving down highway at approx 45mph switched lane to the right hand, and another vehicle came out from the consumer's right, swerved back over to another lane to avoid hitting consumer's vehicle. But, instead vehicle rear ended consumer's car. Neither airbag deployed. Also, inertia switch failed. Contacted dealer.
The rear windshield wiper does not clear the entire window, the left turn signal did not wait until the turn was made before going off. The consumer believes something May have come loose which caused a gas leak while driving. The dealer refused to repair the wiper and turn signal under warranty.
While driving 60 miles an hour during rush hour the gas pedal disappeared. The bracket that attaches to the firewall became separated and I lost all ability to accelerate. I was able somehow to get across 2 lanes of traffic and park on the shoulder of a major interstate.
Brake lights do not stay on when brakes are applied. Lights come on, but go back out while brakes are still being applied. Dealer has seen vehicle, and said that it is normal. Brake switch has been replaced 6 times and power booster has been replaced with no remedies, brake pedal makes a popping noise when released. Message center, miles per gallon, is inaccurate and has been replaced, however consumer states it still does not work. Rear suspension squeaks and groans over bumps, consumer states there is too much roll stiffness built into suspension, alignment checked and toe set due to vehicle wandering. Water leaks inside door frames. Automatic transmission is reluctant to downshift unless the accelerator is pressed flat to the floor. Inside rear view mirrow mounted too low. …
The fuel tank was loose and was causing the fuel sending unit to fail. Dealership was notified. The problem was repaired....the fuel tank wa snot loose. The baffle plate inside the fuel tank became unattached, sliding back and forth, which in turn also ruined the gas tank fuel sending unit. After inquiring of for dealership, they admitted that this could be a dangerous situation, especially if the sliding baffle plate severed the electrical wires to the fuel tank gauge sending unit. Consumer felt that this was a manufacturing defect and he shouldn't have to pay for a new tank/fuel pump, and sending unit.
While driving at approximately 35 miles per hour, my 1999 Ford Explorer lost all power. My foot was on the accelerator and I was traveling at a constant speed. It was very, very scary and I was lucky to steer the car into a turning lane prior to the vehicle losing all momentum and coming to a complete stop. I had the vehicle towed to the dealership where they told me that the problem might be the fuel pump, but they didn't seem too sure about it, which worried me to the point that I have decided not to have it repaired at this time. I am now afraid to drive my car in the event that this could happen again!
"check engine" light came, but car appeared to run/perform normally. When the light came on, I was low on fuel. Had dealer check, reported taht I needed new fuel pump, there were leaks at intake gaskets & cost to repair would be about $1,200. Second scan by another auto shop could not get the same computer "codes" as dealer. "check engine" light was reset. On 1/24/2002, when fuel tank was very low, "check engine" came on again. Not convinced what the problem is! I am certain that water in the fuel is part of the problem. I am not convinced that a new fuel pump is needed.
Fuel System complaints in other Explorer years
Frequently asked questions
How common are fuel system problems on the 1999 Ford Explorer?
NHTSA has 34 complaints about the fuel & propulsion system of the 1999 Ford Explorer, 3% of the model year's 1,348 complaints. The component named most often is fuel injection system (7 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1999 Ford Explorer fuel system problems?
No. NHTSA lists no fuel & propulsion system recall for the 1999 Ford Explorer, though it has 9 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 Explorer fuel system problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 160,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 1 fire and 0 injuries to fuel & propulsion system 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.