1999 Ford F-550 SD
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Ford › F-550 SD › 1999
These records cover every 1999 Ford F-550 SD. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
9 recalls name the 1999 Ford F-550 SD. Newest first.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
Certain federal-mogul replacement wheel hub assemblies with the brand names: national, carquest p/nos. 515020, 515021, 515025, 515053, 515054, 515059, and 515060, shipped between january 23, 2006, and december 20, 2007, sold for light duty and medium duty trucks. the inboard retention nut used to maintain hub bearing assembly can loosen resulting in an ABS…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Wheel separation can result in a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Federal-mogul will notify customers and will replace the hub assembly free of charge. the recall began on february 7, 2008. owners can contact federal-mogul toll-free at 877-489-6659.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
On certain trucks equipped with speed control, gasoline or natural gas engines, the speed control deactivation switch may overheat.
Risk and remedy
Risk
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)
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Unexpected air bag deployment can result in personal injury.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the cast tow hooks with forged hooks.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
Owner complaints
61 complaints3 involved a fire2 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Fuel/propulsion system
Fuel tank IS rusting. I understand ford had a recall for this, but my vin does not show one. my vehicle only has 48,000 miles and I am having to replace my fuel filter every 1000 miles!
- Suspension
TL* the contact owns a 1999 ford F-550 sd. While parked, the contact noticed that the frame was fractured where the shocks were located on the passenger side. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostics or repairs. The vin was not available. The approximate failure mileage was 160,000.
- Vehicle speed control
1999 ford V10, winnebago chieftain 34Y. Consumer has had several problems trying to get recall repair work done on the vehicle. *kb the consumer stated the engine light illuminated. The consumer took the rv to the dealer. They advised the consumer over a recall regarding the cruise control. The…
1999 ford V10, winnebago chieftain 34Y. Consumer has had several problems trying to get recall repair work done on the vehicle. *kb the consumer stated the engine light illuminated. The consumer took the rv to the dealer. They advised the consumer over a recall regarding the cruise control. The dealer disabled the cruise control without the consumers consent and informed the consumer the parts were not available to fix the recall. The consumer stated he became aware of parts being available at another dealership and went there, where they installed a wiring harness and recorded the recall had been done, but it was not fixed. The next dealership removed and replaced the wiring harness, to no avail, the engine light illuminated again. the consumer returned to the dealership and complained that the wiring harness that was installed did not fix the cruise control problem. they removed the last harness and installed another. the speed sensor was replaced four times. The consumer stated it has been three years, and the problem still has not been resolved. *Jb
- Fuel system, diesel › Storage › Tank assembly
We have 4 F550 buses that have had the gas tank replaced twice on each bus do what we believe IS coating failure. we now have an F450 that IS experiencing the same conditions, we are forced to replace the gas tank on this vehicle as well. we take our vehicles to ford miramar truck center, and…
We have 4 F550 buses that have had the gas tank replaced twice on each bus do what we believe IS coating failure. we now have an F450 that IS experiencing the same conditions, we are forced to replace the gas tank on this vehicle as well. we take our vehicles to ford miramar truck center, and have had a ford factor representative look into the problem only to tell us its not a tank failure issue. after what will now be 9 replaced gas tanks, I truly believe there IS an issue here that must be seriously looked into. on a side note, after the second tank failure we changed gas stations thinking the problem was bad fuel-not the problem. *nm
- Fuel system, diesel › Storage › Tank assembly
Internal coating failure on fuel tanks on F550 super duty ford trucks.the fuel system becomes clogged with rust and the tank must be cleaned or replaced.we have four vehicles and have incurred 8 to 10 failures in past three years. We are unable to get ford to address the problem which I think IS improper application of the coating material. *nm
- Steering › Gear box › Shaft sector
Dt*: the contact stated while driving 10 mph in a parking lot going over a speed bump the steering wheel spun freely. the vehicle was towed to an independent repair shop where they determined the problem was the steering box shaft had broken causing loss of control. the steering sector shaft needed to be replaced. the manufacturer has not been alerted. Updated 04/06/06. *Jb
- Steering › Gear box › Shaft sector
Dt*: the contact stated while driving 5MPH in a parking lot the steering wheel spun freely. the vehicle was towed to an independent repair shop where they determined the problem was the steering box shaft had broken causing loss of control. the steering sector shaft needed to be replaced. the manufacturer has not been alerted. Updated 04/06/06
- Tires · Wheels › Lugs/nuts/bolts/studs
1999 ford F550 rear right dual tires sheered of the axle. *ts the consumer stated the studs broke. *jb
- Electrical system › Wiring › Front underhood · Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Dt: the contact stated while driving the vehicle misfired. the mechanic determined that the spark plug wires were crossed, which send the spark to the wrong area. This was causing air pollution. the wires needed to be replaced. the vehicle has not been repaired. *ak updated 1/5/2006 - *nm
- Tires
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
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine · Power train › Automatic transmission
While driving, the transmission stop shifting gears. The vehicle was towed to a dealership and the transmission was replaced. the vehicle also had major oil leaks through the fuel system. *jb
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Diesel · Fuel system, diesel · Interior lighting · Power train › Clutch assembly · Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Master cylinder · Suspension › Front › Macpherson strut
As the consumer attempted to stop the vehicle, the pedal went to the floor and stayed. the master cylinder and slave cylinder had excess were on the pressure plate fingers. the transmission was hard to shift into reverse and low gear. the hard clutch made noise. the clutch company was well…
As the consumer attempted to stop the vehicle, the pedal went to the floor and stayed. the master cylinder and slave cylinder had excess were on the pressure plate fingers. the transmission was hard to shift into reverse and low gear. the hard clutch made noise. the clutch company was well aware of ford's problem and had re-engineered and designed a new package to remedy the problem. there was fuel leaking at the fuel filter, the sway bar was broken, the door ajar light stayed on, engine oil leak, and the gas cap was broken. *ak *sc *jb
- Wheels › Lugs/nuts/bolts/studs
Lost of dual rear wheels due to failure of wheel studs. *jb
- Wheels › Lugs/nuts/bolts/studs
Lost of dual rear wheels due to failure of wheel studs. *jb
- Wheels › Lugs/nuts/bolts/studs
Loss of dual rear wheels due to failure of wheel studs. *jb
- Wheels › Lugs/nuts/bolts/studs
Lost of dual rear wheels due to failure of wheel studs. *jb
- Wheels › Lugs/nuts/bolts/studs
Lost of dual rear wheels due to failure of wheel studs. *jb
- Wheels › Lugs/nuts/bolts/studs
Lost of dual rear wheels due to failure of wheel studs. *jb
- Wheels › Lugs/nuts/bolts/studs
Loss of dual rear wheels due to failure of wheel studs. *Ak
- Wheels › Lugs/nuts/bolts/studs
Loss of dual rear wheels due to failure of wheel studs. *ak
- Wheels › Lugs/nuts/bolts/studs
Loss of dual rear wheels due to failure of wheel studs. *ak
- Electrical system › Starter assembly · Electrical system › Wiring › Front underhood · Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system › Radiator assembly · Interior lighting · Power train › Automatic transmission › Torque converter
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…
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, 2001 engine overheating, dealer replaced gaskets, thermostats and other related items, service document indicated recall work done but no explaination as to what. september 2, 2003 truck fire, burns an employee attempting to extinguish. truck towed to dealer, wire harness on both sides replaced, fire was on driver side the passenger side was ready to burn also. Received truck back, 6 hours later transmission goes out while driving on freeway. towed back to dealer and fords response IS, we pay $2000.00 towards a remanufactured transmission and they would in turn pick up the rest of the costs and extend our power stroke diesel engine warrenty for 4 more years, ny problem IS the transmission new in 1999 only cost $995.00 let alone the fact that this transmission only has 28,000 miles on it, am I paying for the defective wiring also? I think ford IS yanking our chain and your chain and it needs to stop now. we impower you to help us the consumer and tax payers fight this kind of consumer absue and I hope it does not have to result to the loss of too many more lives before it IS stopped. it IS so obvious that there are some serious defects with this vehicle series and I am curious as to when it will be addressed.*ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
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
- Power train › Clutch assembly
Consumer states while driving the clutch will not engage causing the vehicle to only go forward. Please provide any additional information. Ts
- Steering › Hydraulic power assist › Hose, piping, and connections
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
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Engine stalling
In a december 3, 2007 letter, ford advised nhtsa that it will conduct a safety recall to replace the cam position sensor (cps) in approximately 1.2 million subject vehicles to address reports of engine stalling.a new design cps with improved performance and durability will be installed as a remedy.owner notifications…
In a december 3, 2007 letter, ford advised nhtsa that it will conduct a safety recall to replace the cam position sensor (cps) in approximately 1.2 million subject vehicles to address reports of engine stalling.a new design cps with improved performance and durability will be installed as a remedy.owner notifications will begin in december 2007. The subject vehicles are durable, full-sized, medium duty trucks commonly used for commercial purposes, rescue/emergency response, and commercial or recreational towing.cps failure IS comparable to unexpectedly turning the key off since the signal it produces IS vital to the electronic engine control system.cps signal loss terminates fuel injection resulting in an engine stall.once stalled, the engine may restart right away, or may restart after a delay (typically 5 to 10 minutes), or may not restart at all.in addition to exposing the driver and other motorists to crash risk due to loss of motive power or vehicle disablement, engine stalling also effects the power assisted steering and braking. Through consumer interviews, odi determined that cps failures occurred without any form of warning, at any vehicle speed (50% at highway speeds), and under any driving condition, such as accelerating.consumers reported that about a third of the vehicles failed to restart, with another third reporting delayed restarting.half the vehicles that did restart experienced another stall on the same or a subsequent drive cycle (before cps replacement) re-exposing those consumers to the risks associated with a stalling event.in their voq reports, half of the odi complainants described difficulty controlling the vehicle due to lose of power assist systems, especially those who were towing at the time of the incident. The one alleged injury incident occurred in an intersection when a subject vehicle stalled while turning across oncoming lanes of traffic.although unsubstantiated, the complainant alleged an injury to a child occupant during odi's interview.the other crash allegations mostly involved low speed, loss of control incidents often caused by lack of power assist; no injuries are reported in these incidents, and property damage, if any, was minimal.consumers also reported other incidents with significant safety risks, such as disablement in a lane or on a shoulder of a high-speed roadway or interstate, or extended disablement in remote areas during severe weather conditions. The population above IS ford's estimate of the 1.4 million subject vehicles produced that are currently registered.the ford complaint and warranty counts noted above are current as of ford's last submission dated june 21, 2007; they do not include F-450, F-550, or econoline counts as these products were not formally within scope of the investigation when failure information was requested.warranty data analysis indicates that about half the claims involved a stall while driving event ( ford's assessment) and that poor cps durability was a longstanding concern.ford reported that the new cps design should meet or exceed their 10 year, 150K mile life expectancy design requirement.
- Engine compartment fires
Ea05-005 IS closed with ford?s actions in recalls 05v-017, 05v-388, and 06v-286, recalling approximately 6.7 million vehicles equipped with texas instruments speed control deactivation switches (scds).the brake systems in these recalled vehicles generate a vacuum that can potentially cause the scds to fail and, in…
Ea05-005 IS closed with ford?s actions in recalls 05v-017, 05v-388, and 06v-286, recalling approximately 6.7 million vehicles equipped with texas instruments speed control deactivation switches (scds).the brake systems in these recalled vehicles generate a vacuum that can potentially cause the scds to fail and, in certain switch installation orientations, catch fire.ford IS also including the entire population of 1998 explorers.ford has informed odi that testing to determine the cause of failures in the 1998 explorers will continue after this investigation IS closed.odi believes that the vehicles exhibiting the factors causing scds failure described in this report correlate well with the observed failure rates on these vehicles by model and model year.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by nhtsa that a safety-related defect does not exist in the non-recalled vehicles manufactured with scds that are not included in ford?s recalls.odi will continue to monitor the non-recalled population for incidence of engine compartment fires.the agency reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.see attached closing report for details.
- Rapid tire deflation
This investigation was opened on certain ford pickup trucks and vans to evaluate the effects of a valve stem ejection (with rapid air loss) and a slow leaking valve stem on vehicle handing.during the investigation, odi evaluated over 1,100 complaints and warranty claims, conducted vehicle dynamic testing on a subject…
This investigation was opened on certain ford pickup trucks and vans to evaluate the effects of a valve stem ejection (with rapid air loss) and a slow leaking valve stem on vehicle handing.during the investigation, odi evaluated over 1,100 complaints and warranty claims, conducted vehicle dynamic testing on a subject vehicle with the failure mode replicated, interviewed owners, and examined complaint vehicles in the field.the results of the test program indicates the effect of a valve stem ejection on these vehicles IS easily controlled. Further, with a population of almost 900,000 vehicles, having two to four years of exposure, odi IS aware of only 3 minor crashes and IS unaware of any injuries.the small number of crashes relative to the large population of vehicles IS consistent with the testing which was performed. Therefore, this investigation IS closed.see the attached report for full technical details.
- Sector shaft fractures
This ea was opened based on a response received from ford motor company to an information request (ir) submitted during sq00-018.ford stated in an internal service message that it had changed the steering gear sector shafts and pitman arms installed 1999 model year f-series super duty vehicles on march 22, 1999.ford…
This ea was opened based on a response received from ford motor company to an information request (ir) submitted during sq00-018.ford stated in an internal service message that it had changed the steering gear sector shafts and pitman arms installed 1999 model year f-series super duty vehicles on march 22, 1999.ford stated that these design changes were implemented to make improvements in vehicle steering and handling, and that virtually all of the reported fractured sector shafts were the result of extraordinary, possibly multiple, impacts.an engineering analysis closing report IS attached.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10171326This SKU is a Spare Tire Hoist. Test results identified that the pull force parameter was not within specification, as a precautionary measure unsold inventory was requested to be returned for testing and containment. We don't have evidence that these test results have contributed to a product failure.
- 10171325This SKU is a Spare Tire Hoist. Test results identified that the pull force parameter was not within specification, as a precautionary measure unsold inventory was requested to be returned for testing and containment. We don't have evidence that these test results have contributed to a product failure.
- 100236531999-2008 f250-f550 super duty 4X4 with electronic shift transfer case not engaging 4X4.
- 10018067Vacuum pump inoperative or runs continuously - climate control defaults to defrost mode.
- 10014086General (pcm) power train control module programming procedures.
- 10013402Drive away shudder or vibration.
- 10013316A cold weather reverse engagement stall.
- 10013110Front hubs not engaging, not staying engaged and/or unlocking.
- 10012965Service tips before arc welding on the frame or body of a unit.
- 10010734Vacuum pump inoperative or runs continuously - climate control defaults to defrost. Oasis. To also include 2005 super duty f-series, excursion, and f650/750.
- 10008574Transfer case shift issues on vehicles with an electronic shift on the fly (esof) transfer case.
- 10008334Engine-light tick or rattle type noise from engine after cold start.
- 10008310Engine-cylinder head deck leak-4.6 and 5.4L engines-new service-only gasket and cylinder head kits availability.
- 10008288Low power, poor fuel economy, fuel gelling cold, excessive white smoke cold, or hard start. This oasis updates previous oasis dated 12/01/03.
- 10008134Malfunction indicator lamp (mil) on with diagnostic trouble codes p0603 (powertrain control module keep alive memory error) or p0605 ( powertrain control module read only memory error).
- 10008119Oil/dust film at cac connections.
- 10007395Air bag light on with diagnostic trouble code (dtc) b1871 or b1935 following ecs/rcm replacement.
- 10004025Steering wheel fight after riding over bumps/ruts. 2003, 2004 F450 and F550 models included.
- 6091983Some vehicles which are painted white may exhibit a discoloration / staining of the paint on the inner door area near the side mirrors.
- 6091909Information on brake noise.
- 6091723Some vehicles eqipped with ;7.3L diesel engines and 4r100 transmissions may exhibit a no 3-4 upshift condition or 3-4 / 4-3 shift busyness when using cruise control.
- 6090561Iinformation regarding repeat fuel pump failures. *Mjs
- 6090547Information regarding request for dealer feedback for noisy power steering pump in louisville, ky and detroit, mi areas only. *Mjs
- 6090524Information regarding repairing paint chips on interior trim. *Mjs
- 6090394Information regarding repeat fuel pump failures- mexico. *Mjs
- 6090315Some trucks equipped with a 7.3L dit may exhibit a noisy power steering pump.
- 6090295Information on repairing paint chips on interior trim.
- 6090281Sonf vehicles which are painted white may exhibit a discoloration / staining of the paint on the inner door area near the side mirrors.
- 6090205Some vehicles built prior to 4/1/1999 may exhibit turbocharger noise, exhaust noise, or oil / soot presence on rear of engine or turocharger.
- 6089660Some vehicles may exhibit the front or rear center hub cap falling off while driving.
- 630192Some super duty f series equipped with pto capable transmissions may exhibit a failure to go t high idle upon pto engagement.
- 624626A cold weather reverse engagement stall.
- 620299Some vehicles built before 2/5/2000 equipped with a 7.3L dit engine may exhibit a noise level emitting from the power steering system which some customers may find objectionable. A revised power steering line which runs from the steering pump to the hydroboost IS now available.
- 619446Special field action on certain trucks equipped with 19.5-inch commercial truck tires with steel cord sidewalls - owner's guide supplement and information labels.
- 619326A slight purge of grease from the front hub bearing unit that may be noted between the hub unit and the inboard rotor flange.
- 616551Oil leak from the front or rear cylinder head oil supply rail end plugs.
- 616508Special field action regarding revised waranty information.
- 615539Some 4X2 and 4X4 trucks may exhibit wheel alignment concerns including drift / pull right or left, tire wear, shimmy after hitting small bumps and / or steering IS inclined to follow grooves in the pavement.
- 615529Some dual rear wheel equipped trucks may exhibit a concern with a front or rear center hub cap falling off while driving.
- 615453Some 4X2 and 4X4 trucks may exhibit wheel alignment concerns including drift / pull right or left, tire wear, shimmy after hitting small bumps and / or steering IS inclined to follow grooves in the pavement.
Every Ford F-550 SD model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.