Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (headlights, tail lights, turn signals, interior lights).
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).
Tl contact owns a 1999 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the vehicle began to smoke when the turn signals were utilized. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the multi-function switch was replaced; however, the failure recurred. The contact received a recall notice for NHTSA campaign id number 00V072000 and was able to have the multi-function switch replaced again at the manufacturer's expense. The failure recurred a third time, but the manufacturer refused to assume liability since the vehicle was previously repaired. The current and failure mileages were less than 93,113.
I need to know what causes the electric to go haywire. The overhead lamp clicks on and off the driver door lock doesn't work completely. The driver window does not work correctly. Some of my gauges will decide not to work sometimes and then other times we'll be fine. My radio clock does not work. All happens the same whether I'm driving or not whether I'm parked with the engine running or not. I can't figure out anything it's causing this
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.
Consumer stated there have been numerous problems with the drive train, consumer began hearing an odd n oise in August 2000, and in April 2001, at that time dealer could not duplicate the problem, the dealership however did replace the driveshaft assembly, and the joint assembly spindle-arm, several months later the outer tie-rod ends were replaced, lower steering shaft which was leaking power steering fluid, the power steering pump and the rack and pinion, also parking brake does not release, and the cruise control cable was replaced, the check engine light illuminated.
When signaling to make a left turn, the indicator light turns on solid (not flashing) and smoke begins to rise from a small opening in the top of the steering column. Returning the switch to the nuetral position stops the smoke. This has happened several times in the last month. Some 1999 explorers are covered under TSB numbers 00s04 & 00b40 but for some reason my VIN does not fall with in the recall. I believe the recall should be expanded to include explorers manufactured around the time of my VIN or that use multifunction switches similar to the one in my vehicle.
After sitting in a turn lane for 2-3 minutes with turn signal on, wisps of smoke began coming from steering column. Upon repeating the scenario in driveway same wisps of smoke were observed, and orange glow could be seen inside steering column when looking through cracks around hazard warning flasher button. In both instances, turn signals being turned off stopped the smoke before any damage could be done. Vehicle was taken to dealer, and turn signal module was replaced. Old part was not returned to me. Dealer service manager stated the module had shorted out.
While stopped in traffic, turned on left turn signal, the signal blinked 3 times then smoke came from the emergency blinker switch on the steering column and the turn signal became a steady light. I placed the turn signal switch in the off position and turned it back on, same thing happened. However, if I turn on the turn signal while the car is moving, this does not happen. This situation happened 3 times this day and has not repeated. My husband checked the car later in the day and was not able to get this to repeat.
While waiting to make a left turn, the flasher turned on solid (no longer flashing) and smoke came out of the top of the steering column at the emergency flasher button. Smoke stopped when I returned the switch to the neutral position. Right turn position not affected. I replaced the switch on my own - part cost approximately $60.00 and now I understand that some of these were subject to a recall for the same reason (short/electrical fire) that I experienced. I never received a recall notice.
Turned on left turn signal, blinker flashed 3 times then went steady, upon going steady smoke began coming out of the emergency flasher switch on the steering column. Car was stopped in traffic when this happened. Upon turning signal switch to off position smoke stops. This only happens when the vehicle is stopped and does not happen when left turn signal is activated while the vehicle is moving. Is my vehicle going to catch on fire? Was there a recall we were not notified of?
Tl contact owns a 1999 Ford Explorer. While idling at a traffic light, the left turn signal blinked four times and then became stuck in the on position. The contact noticed fumes coming from the hazard light button. The dealer stated that the multi-function switch failed. The vehicle has not been repaired. The current mileage was 87,475 and failure mileage was 87,455.
Headlight complaints in other Explorer years
Frequently asked questions
How common are headlight problems on the 1999 Ford Explorer?
NHTSA has 49 complaints about the lights of the 1999 Ford Explorer, 4% of the model year's 1,348 complaints. The component named most often is turn signal › switch (24 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1999 Ford Explorer headlight problems?
No. NHTSA lists no lights 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 headlight problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 99,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 5 fires and 0 injuries to lights 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.