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 Ranger owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 Ford Ranger. While the vehicle was parked, it rolled into a neighbor's yard without warning. The failure recurred whenever the vehicle was parked on an incline. The vehicle was taken to borman autoplex (470 w boutz rd, las cruces, nm 88005, [phone]) where the contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in a recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.
Realized I had a transmission problem the first time while driving down interstate 95. The engine started revving very high and in panic I shifted down to neutral and then back into drive to get it back into gear. When I took my truck to get looked at, I ended up getting my transmission rebuilt. The mechanic said I had a defective built transmission. I had no idea that Ford had first started using 5 speed automatic transmissions in 1999, so the mechanic told me. I thought I bought a 4 speed transmission and that was what Ford said they sold me. The same thing happened again two years later in May 9, 2003, and again I had to get my transmission rebuilt. Do I have a legitimate complaint?
Truck lost brakes while going downhill. Frame corrosion had caused right spring hanger to fail, and corroded brake line burst. I was able to pump the brake pedal and avoid an accident. Brake warning light came on after the incident. Mechanic put the truck on a lift, and identified severe corrosion to the brake lines, differential, frame, and several other undercarriage components. Truck had been undercoated and washed regularly, and has less than 105,000 miles. Mechanic suggested all new brake lines, total frame, and rear end replacement.
Consumer stated when the engine was hot it was difficult to disengage the clutch . Vehicle accelerated to 4000 rpms. When the clutch was engaged engine continued to operate excessively. When driving vehicle did not slow down. Manufacturer's recall was issued. However, this vehicle was not included due to VIN. The initial problem started some time ago when the cruise control was engaged. The problem ceased for a while. However, consumer was afraid to drive. And had it repaired.
The transmission developed a "slip" four months after veh purchase and was brought in for service on 28 dec00. The vehicle displayed the same malfunction on oct 15 2003 (3 months after warranty expiration)and was brought in for repair at the dealer at a cost of $1500. During dec2004 (13 months later)the vehicle again displayed the same malfunction and was brought to the dealership where they stated the previous repair warranty had expired the month before.
While merging onto the highway the 4x4 high light came on with the selector switch still in the 2-wheel drive position. Stopped the truck immediately and restarted the truck. Once more attempted to accelerate up to highway speed, when the 4x4 high light again flashed on and off. At approximately 50+ MPH the truck slammed into 4x4 low. The selector switch remained in the 2-wheel drive position.
While travelling on interstate 25 northbound near albuquerque, rear axle broke on the right rear of the vehicle. Right rear wheel with wheel & part of axle separated, causing multiple rollover of the vehicle. Driver was severely injured and the truck was totalled. No air bags deployed in the vehicle although there was significant front end impact on the driver's side of the vehicle.
Transmission went "bang" when I put it into reverse, after that, reverse didn't work. Ammco states the transmission is bad. I've been told for years now by other Ford truck owners that their transmission went out around 40,000 miles, mine died at 60,. Even Ford's sales people have asked me about the transmission. There is a history here of Ford transmissions self destroying.
Noise and grinding coming from drive shaft and/or transmission...this occurs when coming to a stop. Also, electrical problems, like the door ajar light stays on and also the cab light stays on..I also had the brakes replaced and it still rumbles when using the brakes..causes the vehicle to veer to a certain side.
While driving transmission went out. There were no lights to indicate transmission failure. Consumer later contacted the dealership, and was given an astronomical fee for repairs. Consumer located the manufacturer, and was told the same thing. Also, there was nothing they could do.
Related recalls
Power train › Automatic transmission
Vehicle description: electric vehicles. The transaxle May have been manufactured with the park detent spring misaligned. If the spring is misaligned, the park mechanism May not engage when the shift lever is placed in the park position.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the transaxle and any with misaligned park detent springs will be replaced.
Transmission complaints in other Ranger years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 1999 Ford Ranger?
NHTSA has 67 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 1999 Ford Ranger, 9% of the model year's 755 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (23 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1999 Ford Ranger transmission problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 99V-204 (automatic transmission, Jul 28, 1999). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1999 Ford Ranger transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 59,000 miles, and 6% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 6 crashes, 0 fires and 5 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.