Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (wheels, lug nuts, original-equipment tires, TPMS).
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).
Takata recall for produce a 1999 model 4wd pick up last November I went to look at it here were no stickers about sold as is but regardles I feel it is Ford corporatin to sell a sfe vehicle by law ,, I discovered the tires were the wrong size on the vehicle when I question them they said it the way tey recived it and refused to go any further the required tires for this truck state there supposed to be 245/75/16 for had tire on the truck that are the wrong size 215 65 15 which make handling the vehicle hard in corners and created a rollover situation tires are under recall and Ford wont help on this matter I am asking for almost a yr now that some one make Ford put on the proper tires at there cost because of there lies and dishonesty,, also they sold the vehicle with bad ball joints that broke a month after I bought the vehicle so I borrowed the money and got them repaired at my own …
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 Ford Ranger with definity dakota h/t tires, size p225/70/r15. The contact stated that the driver was traveling approximately 60 MPH and lost control of the vehicle. The driver crashed into a center highway median. The driver sustained injuries to the chin and arm due to the air bag deployment. After inspecting the vehicle, the driver noticed that the tread on the rear passenger side tire was separated. The police were contacted and a police report was filed of the incident. The vehicle was later towed to the contact's residence. The manufacturer was contacted and they offered no assistance. The failure mileage of the tire was unknown. The failure and current mileages of the vehicle were approximately 175,000. Updated 01/29/13 updated 1/30/2013
Dt: the consumer stated that one of the tire on his 1999 Ford Ranger experienced tread separation. The tire itself remained inflated. The location was the right rear tire. This happened while driving at 70 MPH. The consumer has been in contact with Firestone. The consumer mailed the tire and other information that the manufacturer requested. Firestone did their own investigation and found that it was not their fault, and it was not a defect. The tire was a Firestone wilderness ht, p205/75r14. Firestone claimed the moisture caused the tread separation.
I noticed heavy rust scale on ground and inspected to see my spare tire was missing, there is a large hole rusted all the way thru the frame in front of the left rear spring shackle and a crack in the frame in front of the front shackle almost all the way around the channel. Further investigation showed all cross members, gas tank strap and bed supports are severely rusted and the right side frame rail following suit with the left frame rail. The remainder of the truck is in very good condition this should not happen to a truck with this age and mileage.
While driving up hwy 20 in town I had the front right tire/rim/brake assembly separate from the axle causing the vehicle to collide with a rock in the side of the hill. Hitting the rock had sent me back into the highway on the vehicles two left tires. Both airbags had deployed and when the vehicle came to a halt on all three tires I got out of the truck to find the right front tire/rim/brake assembly approximately 15 feet behind the vehicle. I now own a three wheeler that Ford or the dealership will not admit that there was some sort of a flaw or defect.
While driving on the highway, I was having difficulty steering. The car was pulling to the left and I had to pull over because it was too difficult to manage. Upon inspection, the right front tire was toed-in and the upper tire stabilizer arm broke away from the frame at the bracket. The bracket attaching the arm to the frame had snapped. The frame itself just below that bracket was cracked with severe rot on both sides. The rest of the truck is in perfect condition except for the frame. I was told that this cannot be fixed.
1999 Ford Ranger with 130,000 miles. Leaf springs rusted out (both sides) and mounting brackets also rusted. Went to 3 autobody shops and nobody would touch it. Bumper just rusted out on both sides and spare tire well is completely rusted. Bumper and spare currently being held together with 2, 1900 lb chains. Ranger runs fine just body falling apart. Very concerned tire, bumper May become dislodged and cause further damage to myself or others. Gas tank also rusted but not leaking so far.
While driving in town on hwy 20, the front right wheel assembly separated from the axle. The vehicle pulled to the right causing me to collide with a boulder in the side of the hill. Hitting the boulder deployed both airbags, put the truck up on it's two left tires and sent the vehicle back into the highway. When the truck came to a stop I got out of the truck to find the right front tire/rim/brake assembly resting against the curb approximately 15 feet behind the vehicle.
Both times the tires just blew out on the highway. The 1st time it caused me to lose control and crash thru a chain link fence. The second time I spun around three times on the highway but no damage happened. I have called Firestone and they will not help. They told me that it was a problem with the truck and Ford says it is a problem with the tires. The tires before they blow will start thumping and within seconds they fall apart. (tiresize: p225/70/r1)
Tl contact owns a 1999 Ford Ranger. The vehicle has sumitomo tires. While driving 70 MPH, one of the tires blew out. The strands from the tire wrapped around the mud flaps of the vehicle, which had to be pulled apart to change the tire. The tread completely separated and damaged the brake line. The tire was changed. The VIN was unknown. The current and failure mileages were 103,000. The mileage when the vehicle was purchased was 102,000.
Wheel & Tire complaints in other Ranger years
Frequently asked questions
How common are wheel & tire problems on the 1999 Ford Ranger?
NHTSA has 191 complaints about the wheels & tires of the 1999 Ford Ranger, 25% of the model year's 755 complaints. The component named most often is tread/belt (69 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1999 Ford Ranger wheel & tire problems?
No. NHTSA lists no wheels & tires recall for the 1999 Ford Ranger, though it has 4 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 Ranger wheel & tire problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 105,000 miles, and 7% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 14 crashes, 0 fires and 5 injuries to wheels & tires 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.