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 F-150 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
VIN does not match my truck, trying to fix it but I have no idea what engine parts, electrical,or otherwise to purchase. Supposed to be a 1999 Ford f-150 xlt 4x4 . VIN comes up asinvalid and check digit is incorrect. Online search indicates 4 different engines, two transmissions (5spd manual and auto) neither of which are the Ford motor co. Experimental transmission that Ford put in that truck. Sold as a 1999 on Ford c.o. Mine weighs 1500lbs less than what it should. All failing experimental parts that I have to replace, but dont have a clue what to buy due to "experimental" part #'s. Emailed Ford many times for assistance in identifying engine as there are no block castings. No retun call or email. Im a single mom of 2. I dont get child support, alimony, nor do I receive goverment assistance. I cant afford to have my truck torn down.to measure bore and stroke. …
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 Ford f-150. While the vehicle was shut off and unoccupied, it rolled down a hill and crashed into a tree. The exhaust warning indicator illuminated. The air bags did not deploy. There were no injuries. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and provided case number: cas16599291. The contact was referred to NHTSA. The failure mileage was 271,000.
Rear axle broke, pulled me off the highway, witness behind me said it was as though the rear end jumped up. My truck was totaled, and because I hit a culvert that did even more damage to the underside, I'm not sure that can tell it was a mechanical failure. I took pictures of the tire marks in the wet grass and the right tire path was about two feet wide as if the tires were sideways, this was before the culvert was hit. The left side tire tracks were of normal width. I did not run off the road, I was pulled off the road. It seemed as though I still had control of the steering but the rear end went its own way. Was extremely lucky that no injuries/fatalities occurred. I at this point cannot replace my truck that I bought new and treated like a baby. The truck was taken in at least four times early by my husband, and they were to notify the Ford company. …
My son was driving his 99 f150 southbound on a two lane highway, going about 50 MPH when he heard a pop, and then the truck went out of control. The rear of the pickup began to travel left across the highway. In the northbound lane, it began to roll over, drivers side first, finally landing upright at the left edge of the highway, then slid down an embankment front first in some trees. The left rear axle had fractured and snapped and the hub and wheel had come off. Thankfully, he and his girlfriend suffered no permanent injuries.
A high pitch noise coming from rear axle assembly and subsequent failure of the entire rear axle assembly. Dealer mechanics have found foreign components inside the rear differential assembly (a silicon sealer squeezed and wedged between the ring pinion gears and the input shaft) that May have caused the problem. They found the rear axle lubricant to be burnt and metal debris was also found inside the casing of the differential assembly. Vehicle failed at around 55,000 miles and 6 years of service. Rear axle have not been previously serviced by me or any other service facility before the above mentioned failure. The vehicle was purchased new and it has been in my possession ever since. To solve this issue and make the vehicle drivable again, a $2,500.00 worth of repair (dealer recommended rebuild of the assembly) had to be performed. …
Pickup was backed up in front of my garage, passerger door open, motor running and shift indicator in park position. I was loading items in pickup bed when suddenly the pickup started coming at me in reverse. The open pickup door hit the garage and wrapped around against the front fender as the pickup came into the garage. The door wedged between the fender and the garage door frame stopping the pickup. Otherwise, I might have been crushed between the pickup and garage wall. I contacted my insurance agency and had my local Ford dealer, doenges-bartlesville, repair the damage at a cost of $2,436. My deductible was $500. My local Ford dealer suggested I contact Ford motor company about the problem. I did and received no help from them on the problem. In looking at your files, I find that mine is not the only 1999 Ford pickup that this has happend to. …
Removed and installed transmission line (filler pipe where you put oil in rusting through) installed transmission dipstick tube. 06/22/2005. Removed and installed transmission filter, transmission flush 08/30/2005. On 02/08/2006 removed transmission, rebuild transmission, installed transmission, flushed transmission cooler. This was caused by the filler pipe(oil input) rusting and letting water into the system. It should not have happened for a 1999 Ford pickup f-150 with 65000 miles, no matter how old or new it was. I have always had Ford trucks or cars and drove them for thousands of miles without the amount of problems I have had with this one, there is a noise in the rear end that I am watching now.....
(1) 1999 Ford f150 that has been well maintained, jumps into low gear while traveling at speed limit (45-55) the overdrive light is flashing. (2)it throws you against the steering wheel. This vehicle had not given any indication of problems (3) carried to dealer (malloy Ford, jasper) on July 23 when I could take it. It has not been completed yet. The dealer said it was a heat related problem, but called back and said it would need overhauled for $3604 or replaced for $2281.52.
Transmission blew a back seal. There was metal and brass shavings in the trasnmission. The repair person said he believed the problem was being caused by "rear seal walking or spinning out, probably due to excess driveshaft moving or flexing. We rebuilt the transmission and a week later we are having the same problem. Except this time the rear seal got so hot it blew the transmission core also. I have spent 1700.00 so far. No end in site and no help from Ford.
I heard the rear end make a horrible loud bang on several occasions till I finally had no ability to make the vehicle move forward or backwards while in gear. Upon inspection by a certified mechanic, a main bolt on the rear differential undid itself and stripped all of the teeth on the main gear. A complete rear end had to be put on. There was never any work done to the area of the vehicle prior to this incident.
Transmission complaints in other F-150 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 1999 Ford F-150?
NHTSA has 75 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 1999 Ford F-150, 7% of the model year's 1,044 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (33 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1999 Ford F-150 transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 1999 Ford F-150, though it has 7 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 F-150 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 84,000 miles, and 7% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 9 crashes, 1 fire and 2 injuries 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.