1999 Ford F-450 SD problems & reliability
66 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1999 Ford F-450 SD, alongside 5 safety recall campaigns. Last verified Aug 7, 2026. Complaints are unverified reports submitted by owners to the federal Office of Defects Investigation.
Each complaint is counted once (by NHTSA case number), even when it names several vehicles.
3 complaints report injuries (5 injured).
Most reported problems
| Component | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Power Train → | 15 | 23% |
| Tires | 9 | 14% |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 8 | 12% |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 7 | 11% |
| Parking Brake | 6 | 9% |
| Visibility | 6 | 9% |
| Electrical System | 4 | 6% |
| Air Bags | 3 | 5% |
| Steering | 3 | 5% |
| Unknown OR Other | 3 | 5% |
Component groups as classified by NHTSA. A complaint can name more than one component, so shares may sum to more than 100%.
All 14 reported components →Mileage when problems occurred
Among the 21 complaints that included a usable odometer reading, the median reported incident mileage was 76,000 miles (middle 50% between 45,900 and 98,994 miles).
Complaints by incident year
What owners report
“Tl*the contact owns a 1999 ford f450. The contact was driving various speeds, the vehicle would shut down while driving due to the delaminated fuel tanks. Excessively large amounts of smoke has been seen in the engine area of the vehicle. Ford advised the contact that they are not responsible for the failure or…”
Fuel System, Diesel · filed Feb 4, 2010
“The contact has a fleet of ford ranger ranging in age from 1999-2007 that all have a problem with tank dilapidation. The liners in all of the fuel tanks are wearing out and costing the vehicles to stall. This has been happening to their fleet for the past 6 years. The contact will send a copy of all the vehicles in…”
Fuel System, Diesel · filed Dec 16, 2009
“Tl*the contact owns a 1999 ford f450 super duty. The contact stated that the front passenger side tie rod detached from the vehicle while driving between 45-50 mph. The contact crashed into the guard rail, but there were no injuries. The vehicle was towed to his residence. The manufacturer has not yet been notified…”
Steering · filed Aug 3, 2009
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Federal defect investigations
- ENGINE STALLING
Engineering Analysis EA06012 · opened Jun 22, 2006 · closed Dec 7, 2007 · led to recall 07V553000
- ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES
Engineering Analysis EA05005 · opened Mar 22, 2005 · closed Aug 2, 2006 · led to recall 08V025000
- RAPID TIRE DEFLATION
Engineering Analysis EA02018 · opened Aug 19, 2002 · closed Aug 22, 2003
- SECTOR SHAFT FRACTURES
Engineering Analysis EA01009 · opened Mar 2, 2001 · closed Aug 19, 2003
- PARKING BRAKE FAILURE
Recall Query RQ00010 · opened Mar 13, 2000 · closed Jan 12, 2001 · led to recall 98V101000
Technical service bulletins
92 manufacturer communications (TSBs, service campaigns, warranty extensions) are on file with NHTSA for the 1999 Ford F-450 SD. The 10 most recent:
This 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…
DOR-U2J7Y-02 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jan 13, 2020
This 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…
DOR-C2C6H-02 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jan 13, 2020
1999-2008 f250-f550 super duty 4x4 with electronic shift transfer case not engaging 4x4. *nj
20052 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Nov 1, 2007
Vacuum pump inoperative or runs continuously - climate control defaults to defrost mode. *tt
05174 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Oct 7, 2005
Drive away shudder or vibration. *eh
04227 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Oct 7, 2005
Service tips before arc welding on the frame or body of a unit. *tt
18406 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Feb 1, 2005
A cold weather reverse engagement stall. *tt
18376 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jan 1, 2005
General (pcm) power train control module programming procedures. *tt
042107 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Dec 13, 2004
Vacuum pump inoperative or runs continuously - climate control defaults to defrost. Oasis. To also include 2005 super duty f-series, excursion, and f650/750. *tt
18223 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Oct 1, 2004
Low power, poor fuel economy, fuel gelling cold, excessive white smoke cold, or hard start. *mj this oasis updates previous oasis dated 12/01/03. *tt
17406 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Sep 1, 2004
TSBs are repair guidance manufacturers send to dealers — they are not recalls and repairs are not automatically free. Full documents are available on NHTSA’s site.
Safety recalls
The 1999 Ford F-450 SD has 5 NHTSA recall campaigns — recall repairs are free at franchised dealers regardless of the vehicle’s age.
Check whether your specific vehicle is affected
Recall campaigns often cover only certain VIN ranges. Enter your VIN on the official NHTSA site to confirm whether your vehicle is included and whether the repair is still open.
Check VIN on NHTSA →Buying a used 1999 Ford F-450 SD?
- · Decode the seller’s VIN with our free VIN decoder to confirm the exact year, engine and trim.
- · Check for unrepaired recalls by VIN on NHTSA’s official lookup — recall repairs are free.
- · Among complaints with usable mileage, the median reported incident mileage was 76,000 miles. This does not predict when a particular vehicle will develop a problem.