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-250 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 Ford f-250. After the vehicle was placed into the park position, it independently rolled backwards without warning. The passenger was able to stop the vehicle. The contact discovered that the vehicle inadvertently switched into the reverse position. As a result, the contact was knocked down and sustained injuries that required medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 245,000. ....updated 07/05/16 the consumer stated he exited the vehicle and walked to the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle somehow went into reverse, while the door was still open. Updated 07/21/16.
Problems with brake equipment/ vehicle shook violently when brakes were applied. The vehicle had been to the dealer five times, and each time the consumer was informed the problem was resolved. After the second repair, the warranty had expired so the consumer had to pay for the repairs. Finally, the consumer took the vehicle to his personal mechanic who stated the problems the vehicle experienced was caused by a front seal leakage on the right axle. In addition, the mechanic stated when the grease leaked onto the rotor, it became hot and warped the rotor which caused the vibration. Consumer wanted new rotors, calipers, and seals on both front wheels at no cost to him. He also wanted to be reimbursed for the three out of pocket repairs.
Tl contact owns a 1999 Ford f250. While driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle began vibrating. The failure would occur when driving at speeds greater than 40 MPH. The failure occurred for approximately two years. While parked, the contact also noticed oil was leaking from the vehicle. The contact inspected the vehicle and noticed the rear comb of the transmission was broken. The vehicle was not taken for repairs but an appointment was made. The approximate failure mileage was 87,000.
The vehicle came out of gear (park), it proceeded to roll backwards down the hill. The drivers side door was open and caught on a tree which was near the vehicle. It also knocked down and injured a 4 year old as it was rolling down the hill. The vehicle was slowed down by the tree, which barely gave the driver enough time to climb into the vehicle and bring it to a complete stop before it went backwards into a revine. It has not yet been determined why this incident occurred.
While I was exiting my truck, with motor off and transmission in park, the pin that holds it in park failed and allowed the truck to roll backwards. This scoped me up in the door and dragged me over the hillside next to the road. I had to escape from the door before it ran into trees, and in that process dislocated my left elbow and two ribs along with numerous bruises. The truck is at a repair shop to review what happened to its park gear.
Tl contact owns a 1999 Ford f250. While driving 25 MPH, the overdrive light began flashing. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and they stated that the torque converter failed. The vehicle is currently being repaired. The VIN was unknown. The current mileage was 149,000 and failure mileage was 148,000.
The second gear has gone out of the transmission. The consumer took the vehicle to the dealer. The lights at the bottom of the door were inoperative. The steering wheel was out of alignment.
When I put my truck into gear and initially start out there was knocking and clunking coming from under the right (passenger side) floor boards. Clunking seemed similar to bad u-joints when torque is put on them. Clunking could be felt on floor. I had in to dealer numerous times before they were able to feel and hear clunking. The knocking and clunking is more prevelant in warm weather. Now I am told by dealer ( place motor, 19 thompson road-route 193,webster, ma,01570, ph.#5089438010) that this is "under investigation" by Ford motor co. I asked what my options were because I don't like driving a new vehicle around with the clunking and nothing being done. At this point there was nothing they could do and that these problems happen and it takes time to find them. I wasn't happy with the wait until it falls off attitude I got, not necessarily from the dealer but from Ford. …
Ford f 250 safety issue, constantly have to make certain the truck doesn't lurch forward on release. The consumer is having problems with the clutch on the six speed manual and the emergency brake. The clutch releases only 1 to 1 1/2 inches off the floor. The consumer was told that the original had a rubber hose part that allowed expansion when the hydraulic clutch fluid was compressed. The vehicle was found that the problem with the clutch fork was bending. The consumer stated that it is difficult to shift gears causing a pause that could result in someone else rear ending him. The vehicle emergency brake was replaced due to recall notice however the consumer still has to leave it in gear on even theslightest grade because the emergency brake does not hold the truck in place. Ford motor company agreed to replace the parking brake front cable and the pedal control assembly. …
While driving the transmission failed. I coasted to the side of the road, turned off the truck and restarted. The truck then moved. I stopped at traffic light and pressed the gas pedal when the light turned green - the truck would not move. After a few minutes the truck moved when I pressed the gas pedal. In the Ford service lot the truck was running and in park - it jumped into reverse. Ford replaced the transmission and took the truck on a test drive. While on the test drive the tech noticed the rear end was grinding. When he took it back to the shop he found the bearings had come apart. They told me a new rear end was needed. Ford has also replaced the electronic gas pedal. They have repaired wiring to correct the windshield washer fluid problem. They have also replaced the radio. I have had the truck in my possession from 12-3 to 12-11. Ea04006 has ifs
Transmission complaints in other F-250 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 1999 Ford F-250?
NHTSA has 61 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 1999 Ford F-250, 10% of the model year's 581 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (23 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1999 Ford F-250 transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 1999 Ford F-250, though it has 14 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-250 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 87,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 2 fires and 3 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.