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 Explorer owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl contact owns a 1999 Ford Explorer. While driving 35 MPH, the steering column fumed. A mechanic replaced the combination switch located in the steering column. The current mileage was 133,975 and failure mileage was 124,776. *updated 12/12/2007 the consumer stated for several days prior to 3/2/07, he noticed an odor similar to burning trash. The steering column was smoking and the vehicle was then towed to a repair shop. The consumer stated the cost of repairs was in the amount of $212.54. Updated 12/12/07
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 Ford Explorer. While driving at various speeds with the driver side turn signal engaged, a puff of smoke emitted from the steering wheel without warning. The contact stated that the failure recurred five times. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 09V399000 (vehicle speed control). The failure mileage was 186,200.
Tl contact owns a 1999 Ford Explorer. While driving 45 MPH, the vehicle veered into the left lane then the vehicle rolled over. The road conditions were wet. The tow truck towed the vehicle home because the crash destroyed the vehicle. As of December 5, 2007, the dealer had not inspected the vehicle. There was a previous roll over crash however, the vehicle had been repaired. The current and failure mileages were 150,000.
While driving at 65 MPH vehicle lost power steering. The steering wheel tightened, and consumer lost control to the vehicle, and it crashed into a cement wall, rolling over several times before stopping. Upon impact, air bags failed to deploy. Driver sustained third degree road rash burn on the left side of their body which started from their shoulder to the thigh area.
The gearshift on the column is loose and does not line up properly with the gear indicator. When its in park it still drifts forward unless the gear shift is pushed up pass park. This is a safety hazard which I was told this problem has existed for some time in these year Ford explorers.
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.
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 Ford Explorer. While proceeding from a complete stop at 10 MPH smoke began emanating from the steering column. A warning indicator illuminated on the instrument control panel for a very brief period of time. He continued vehicle operation. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for inspection. The technician was unable to duplicate the failure. The failure mileage was 170,000. The current mileage was 175,000. Updated 12/08/09. Updated 12/10/09.
Consumer's daughter was traveling about 65mph on highway traffic was heavy and vehicles were traveling fast. There was another vehicle in front of the lane. Steering column and brakes weren't functioning. Consumer continued to travel, and she hit guardrail on side, and went onto grass area. Dealership was aware of problem.
The steering ratio is much too quick on my 1999 Ford Explorer. Other owners of this vehicle have voiced the same concern to me. Ie: on the the hiway just a very slight movement in the steering wheel translates into a lurch of the vehicle in that direction. Very dangerous!
There were no warning lights on the dash when consumer turned on turning signal switch and steering column started smoking, and smoke was coming out of the hazard lights switch. Consumer stated smoke stopped when turning signal was turned off.
Steering complaints in other Explorer years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 1999 Ford Explorer?
NHTSA has 38 complaints about the steering of the 1999 Ford Explorer, 3% of the model year's 1,348 complaints. The component named most often is steering wheel/handle bar (5 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1999 Ford Explorer steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering 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 steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 87,000 miles, and 18% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 6 crashes, 3 fires and 1 injury 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.