Ford Explorer / 1999
1999 Ford Explorer problems
Owners have filed 1,737 complaints about the 1999 Ford Explorer with NHTSA. Tires account for 22.9% of them — the clear leader, ahead of visibility at 12.9%.
Complaints1,737
Crashes143
Fires54
Injuries141
Deaths4
What owners report breaking
Tires 22.9% · 397
Visibility 12.9% · 224
Vehicle speed control 8.8% · 153
Power train 6.9% · 120
Engine and engine cooling 6.2% · 108
Air bags 5.8% · 101
Electrical system 5.4% · 93
Service brakes, hydraulic 4.7% · 81
Severity
Of those complaints, 143 describe a crash, 54 describe a fire, 141 report an injury and 4 report a death.
Reading the numbers
Across the 33 model years of the Ford Explorer in this data, 1999 sits 10th by complaint volume. 2002 draws the most.
Filings have fallen off, 6 in the last three years against 10 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 80,000 miles.
In owners' own words
While driving on highway, steering became wobbly & I pulled over. The tire collapsed just as I reached side of highway. Wife and infant were passengers. Called aaa & assisted by passing patrol car. Brought the tire to firestone dealer in natick, ma who *refused* to replace the tire for free and told me I must have driven over something. I traded in the Ford six months later for a lexus. *Ak( dot number: ) Tires
I just heard on the radio of a potential problem. About six weeks ago I had a blowout on the freeway which resulted in a damaged rim and a replacement of a tire. At the time I asked repairman if it could be a defect and he wasn't sure. I asked how long the tires should last, he said 60k miles. I only have 40k miles, with still an okay tread. At the time I figured it was just an anomaly. *Ak( dot number: ) Tires
My 4dr 1999 Explorer rolled over one time due to a possible defective goodyear wrangler p235/75r 15 on right rear when it lost tire pressure when I made a left hand turn on a dirt road causing minor injuries and totaled it. I was charged with endangering the welfare of a child which is my three yr old nephew because this tire caused me to roll my truck - it was a accident by dunklin county in kennett, mo. Tires · reported at 110,000 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…