1999 Ford F-550 SD: complaints, problems and recalls
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
52 owner complaints analyzed
8 distinct recall campaigns
65,000 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 1999 model year. Data snapshot: . 23 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Power Train:Clutch Assembly is the most frequently named component, appearing in 10 of 52 complaints (19.2%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission and shifting | 6 | 11.5% |
| Braking behavior | 4 | 7.7% |
| Electrical and battery issues | 3 | 5.8% |
| Steering behavior | 3 | 5.8% |
| Fuel system concerns | 2 | 3.8% |
| Engine operation | 1 | 1.9% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Power Train:Clutch Assembly | 10 |
| Wheels:Lugs/Nuts/Bolts/Studs | 10 |
| Tires | 6 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine | 3 |
| Suspension:Front:Stabilizer Bar | 3 |
| Tires:Valve | 3 |
| Electrical System:Wiring:Front Underhood | 2 |
| Fuel System, Diesel:Storage:Tank Assembly | 2 |
Power Train:Clutch Assembly: 10; Wheels:Lugs/Nuts/Bolts/Studs: 10; Tires: 6; Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine: 3; Suspension:Front:Stabilizer Bar: 3; Tires:Valve: 3; Electrical System:Wiring:Front Underhood: 2; Fuel System, Diesel:Storage:Tank Assembly: 2
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 2 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 4 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 7 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 4 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 3 |
| 150,000 and above | 3 |
Under 25,000: 2; 25,000 to 49,999: 4; 50,000 to 74,999: 7; 75,000 to 99,999: 4; 100,000 to 149,999: 3; 150,000 and above: 3
50,000 to 74,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (7). 29 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2000 | 9 |
| 2001 | 10 |
| 2002 | 8 |
| 2003 | 5 |
| 2004 | 11 |
| 2005 | 1 |
| 2006 | 5 |
| 2010 | 1 |
| 2012 | 1 |
| 2018 | 1 |
2000: 9; 2001: 10; 2002: 8; 2003: 5; 2004: 11; 2005: 1; 2006: 5; 2010: 1; 2012: 1; 2018: 1
Pattern summary
Power Train:Clutch Assembly leads the component reports. Transmission and shifting appears in 6 complaint narratives. Braking behavior appears in 4 complaint narratives. Electrical and battery issues appears in 3 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Examples from the source records
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 10000741 · 2003-01-05 (January 5, 2003)
SLAVE CYLINDER NEEDING TO BE REPLACED 4 TIMES DUE TO ROD LENGTH NOT BEING LONG ENOUGH FOR CLUTCH PEDAL TRAVEL ON 1999 F550 TRUCK WITH SIX SPEED TRANSMISSION. ALSO FLYWHEEL SPRINGS BREAKING IN FLYWHEEL CAUSING UNDUE WEAR ON CLUTCH DISK AND NOT BEING COVERED UNDER WARRENTY. I HAVE TWO TRUCKS WHERE I HAVE THESE REACCURING PROBLEMS AND HAVE PAID EACH TIME TO REPAIR AT AN AUTHORIZED FORD DEALERSHIP
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10000741 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10001283 · 2002-12-20 (December 20, 2002)
TIRE BLOW OUTS AND BULGE IN SIDEWALL OF TIRE. THE CONSUMER HAS EXPERIENCED THREE DIFFERENT TIRE FAILURES. TWO FAILURES WERE BLOWOUTS WHICH OCCURRED WHILE PULLING A TRAVEL TRAILER, THE THIRD WAS A BULGE IN THE SIDEWALL WHICH WAS DETECTED BEFORE THE TIRE COMPLETELY FAILED. THE TIRE APPEARED TO BE IN GOOD PHYSICAL CONDITION WITH NO VISIBLE CRACKS OR DEFECTS. *NM
Owner-reported narrative. 50,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10001283 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10002090 · 2003-01-06 (January 6, 2003)
THE VEHICLE'S STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP AT 30 MPH, IN WHICH THE CONSUMER HAD TO USE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO STOP. PH THE POWER STEERING HOSE HAD POPPED OUT CAUSING A LOSS OF STEERING AND BRAKES. SCC
Owner-reported narrative. 190,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10002090 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10004355 · 2003-01-22 (January 22, 2003)
CONSUMER STATES WHILE DRIVING THE CLUTCH WILL NOT ENGAGE CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO ONLY GO FORWARD. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. TS
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10004355 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10018262 · 2003-05-06 (May 6, 2003)
WHEN ANY TYPE OF DUST CAME INTO CONTACT WITH THE ENGINE, THE ENGINE WOULD IMPLODE AND IT CAUSED THE CONSUMER TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. *JB
Owner-reported narrative. 60,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10018262 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10037570 · 2003-09-09 (September 9, 2003)
WE PURCHASED OUR F550 FROM FACT. ON 2/7/99, IN DEC 1999 THE 4 SPEED AUTO TRANSMISSION WENT OUT WITH 9470 MILES ON THE VEHICLE. THREE WEEKS BEFORE REPLACING WITH A REMANUFACTURED TRANSMISSION, WE WERE TOLD THAT THE REMANUFACTURED ARE BETTER AS THEY ARE COMPLETLY GONE THROUGH; APPARENTLY THE NEW ONES ARE NOT. ALSO HAD TO REPAIR A MAJOR OIL LEAK BY REPLACING SEVERAL HOSES, O RINGS AND THE RIGHT CYLINDER HEAD HIGH PRESSURE OIL LINE AND FITTING. MAY 4 OF 2000 REPAIR TO THE SWITCHES IN THE DOOR LATCH ALONG WITH MISC INSIDE ELEC REPAIRS. JULY 24, …
Owner-reported narrative. 9,470 miles reported. Look up ODI 10037570 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10064251 · 2004-03-31 (March 31, 2004)
LOSS OF DUAL REAR WHEELS DUE TO FAILURE OF WHEEL STUDS. *AK
Owner-reported narrative. 57,872 miles reported. Look up ODI 10064251 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10064259 · 2004-03-31 (March 31, 2004)
LOSS OF DUAL REAR WHEELS DUE TO FAILURE OF WHEEL STUDS. *AK
Owner-reported narrative. 99,600 miles reported. Look up ODI 10064259 at NHTSA ↗
Recall history
8 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.
01V046000 · Tires:Valve
Reported: 2001-02-14 (February 14, 2001)
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH COMMERCIAL TRUCK TIRES THAT HAVE STEEL CORDS IN THE TIRE SIDEWALL. THE VALVE STEMS MAY HAVE BEEN TORN OR DAMAGED DURING ASSEMBLY AND COULD LEAK CAUSING SIDEWALL DAMAGE.
Consequence: IF NOT MAINTAINED, COULD RESULT IN A SIDEWALL ZIPPER FAILURE. A ZIPPER FAILURE DURING INFLATION OF A DAMAGED TIRE COULD RESULT IN INJURY TO SOMEONE NEAR THE TIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VALVE STEMS FOR LEAKAGE, AND WILL REPLACE BOTH THE VALVE STEM AND THE TIRE IF LEAKAGE IS PRESENT. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 28, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
NHTSA campaign record ↗02V068000 · Parking Brake:Conventional:Mechanical:Linkage And Cable
Reported: 2002-03-11 (March 11, 2002)
ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS, FAILURE OF THE FRONT PARKING BRAKE CABLE INPUT BUTTON COULD RESULT IN FAILURE OF THE PARKING BRAKE SYSTEM TO HOLD THE VEHICLE STATIONARY.
Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN UNINTENDED VEHICLE MOVEMENT AND A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT PARKING BRAKE CABLE AND THE CONTROLLER AND VERIFY THE PERFORMANCE OF THE PARKING BRAKE SYSTEM. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN APRIL 5, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332.
NHTSA campaign record ↗06V286000 · Vehicle Speed Control
Reported: 2006-08-01 (August 1, 2006)
ON CERTAIN TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH SPEED CONTROL, GASOLINE OR NATURAL GAS ENGINES, THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH MAY OVERHEAT.
Consequence: OVERHEATING COULD RESULT IN SMOKE OR BURN AND AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUSED WIRING HARNESS INTO THE SPEED CONTROL SYSTEM FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 7, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332. (NOTE: ALSO SEE RECALLS 05V017 AND 05V388)
NHTSA campaign record ↗07V553000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Diesel
Reported: 2007-12-05 (December 5, 2007)
ON CERTAIN HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH 7.3L DIESEL ENGINES, THE CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR LOCATED ON THE ENGINE OF THE VEHICLE MAY FUNCTION INTERMITTENTLY, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN AN ENGINE STALL.
Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF AN ENGINE STALL, A CRASH COULD RESULT WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE SENSOR AND REPLACE IT WITH AN IMPROVED CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 29, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332.
NHTSA campaign record ↗09V399000 · Vehicle Speed Control
Reported: 2009-10-13 (October 13, 2009)
FORD IS RECALLING MODEL YEARS 1995-2003 WINDSTAR, 2000-2003 EXCURSION DIESEL, 1993-1997 AND 1999-2003 F-250 SD THROUGH F-550 SD DIESEL, 1992-2003 E-150 THROUGH E-550, 1995-2002 EXPLORER, 1997 AND 2002 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER, 1995-1997 AND 2001-2003 RANGER, AND 1994 F53 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE TEXAS INSTRUMENTS SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH (SCDS). THE SCDS MAY LEAK INTERNALLY AND THEN OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN.
Consequence: A VEHICLE FIRE COULD OCCUR WITH OR WITHOUT THE ENGINE RUNNING.
Remedy: FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS THAT DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUSED WIRING HARNESS IN LINE WITH THE SCDS. ON 1999-2003 WINDSTAR VEHICLES WITH A LEAKING SCDS, DEALERS WILL ALSO INSPECT THE ABS CONTROL MODULE CONNECTOR AND REPAIR AS NECESSARY. REPAIRS WILL BE COMPLETED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 27, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-888-222-2751.
NHTSA campaign record ↗98V116000 · Steering:Gear Box (Other Than Rack And Pinion)
Reported: 1998-05-29 (May 29, 1998)
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MEDIUM DUTY TRUCKS AND CHASSIS-CABS. ONE OR MORE OF THE FOUR RIVETS ON THE LOWER STEERING SHAFT FLEX COUPLING MAY NOT HAVE BEEN CRIMPED DURING THE SUB-ASSEMBLY PROCESS.
Consequence: IF A RIVET IS NOT CRIMPED, THE FLEX JOINT CAN ROTATE ON THE SHAFT AND THERE WOULD BE A REDUCTION IN OR LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE LOWER STEERING SHAFT RIVETS AND REPLACE ANY SHAFTS WITH UNCRIMPED RIVETS.
NHTSA campaign record ↗98V303000 · Air Bags:Frontal:Sensor/Control Module-Inactive
Reported: 1998-12-01 (December 1, 1998)
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS. THE CAST TOW HOOKS CHANGES THE CRASH PULSE OF THE VEHICLE IN FRONTAL BARRIER IMPACTS AND THE AIR BAG SENSOR WAS NOT CALIBRATED TO THIS NEW CRASH PULSE WHICH MAY CAUSE THE AIR BAGS TO DEPLOY IN LOWER SPEED IMPACTS THAN DESIGN INTENT.
Consequence: UNEXPECTED AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT CAN RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CAST TOW HOOKS WITH FORGED HOOKS.
NHTSA campaign record ↗99V062001 · Vehicle Speed Control
Reported: 1999-03-30 (March 30, 1999)
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN 1997-1999 RHD EXPLORER EQUIPPED WITH 4.0L OHV/SOHC ENGINES AND CRUISE CONTROL BUILT FROM MAY 29, 1996 THROUGH MARCH 4, 1999; 1998-1999 EXPLORER/MOUNTAINEERS EQUIPPED WITH 4.0L OHV/SOHC OR 5.0L ENGINES OR 1998-1999 RANGERS EQUIPPED WITH 2.5L, 3.0L FFV/EFI OR 4.0L ENGINES AND CRUISE CONTROL BUILT FROM JANUARY 5, 1998 THROUGH MARCH 4, 1999; 1998-1999 MUSTANGS EQUIPPED WITH 3.8L, 4.6L 2-VALVE OR 4-VALVE ENGINES AND CRUISE CONTROL BUILT FROM MARCH 2, 1998 THROUGH MARCH 4, 1999; 1999 F250/F350/F450/F550 (OVER 8,500 LBS.) TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH 5.4L OR 6.8L ENGINES AND CRUISE CONTROL BUILT FROM MARCH 2, 1998 THROUGH MARCH 4, 1999; AND 1999 F-53 STRIPPED CHASSIS EQUIPPED WITH 5.4L OR 6.8L ENGINES AND CRUISE CONTROL BUILT FROM MARCH 2, 1998 THROUGH MARCH 4, 1999. A CRUISE CONTROL CABLE CAN INTERFERE WITH THE SPEED CONTROL SERVO PULLEY AND NOT ALLOW THE THROTTLE TO RETURN TO IDLE WHEN DISENGAGING THE CRUISE CONTROL.
Consequence: IF THE CRUISE CONTROL IS USED AND THIS CONDITION IS PRESENT, A STUCK THROTTLE COULD RESULT, WHICH COULD POTENTIALLY RESULT IN A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CRUISE CONTROL CABLES. AT THE PRESENT TIME, THE REPLACEMENT CABLES ARE NOT AVAILABLE. CUSTOMERS ARE BEING ADVISED NOT TO USE THE CRUISE CONTROL SYSTEM UNTIL A REPLACEMENT CAN BE MADE.
NHTSA campaign record ↗