1999 Ford Explorer steering problems
38 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the steering on the 1999 Ford Explorer — 3% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“The gearshift on the column is loose and does not line up properly with the gear indicator. When its in park it still drifts forward unless the gear shift is pushed up pass park. This is a safety hazard which I was told this problem has existed for some time in these year ford explorers.”
filed Nov 21, 2017
“Tl* the contact owns a 1999 ford explorer. While driving at various speeds with the driver side turn signal engaged, a puff of smoke emitted from the steering wheel without warning. The contact stated that the failure recurred five times. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer…”
filed Jun 10, 2016
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Steering problems in other Explorer years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 Explorer | 1 | 5% |
| 2025 Explorer | 8 | 9% |
| 2024 Explorer | 2 | 11% |
| 2023 Explorer | 12 | 12% |
| 2022 Explorer | 9 | 4% |
| 2021 Explorer | 5 | 1% |
| 2020 Explorer | 25 | 2% |
| 2019 Explorer | 9 | 3% |
| 2018 Explorer | 20 | 3% |
| 2017 Explorer | 75 | 4% |
| 2016 Explorer | 528 | 22% |
| 2015 Explorer | 343 | 20% |
Other reported problem areas on the 1999 Ford Explorer
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.