1999 Ford Explorer acceleration problems

148 complaints (11% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 100,000. 14 crashes reported.

owner complaints: 148
of this car's complaints: 11%
typical mileage: 100,000
crashes: 14
recalls: 4

Which part fails

Accelerator pedal
37
Cruise control
16
Linkages
6
Cables
2

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k

25k-50k

50k-75k

75k-100k

100k-125k

125k-150k

150k-175k

175k-200k

200k+

Ford Explorer acceleration problems in other years

Specific symptoms reported on the 1999 Ford Explorer acceleration

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Sudden acceleration 10

Related recalls

Vehicle speed controlReported October 13, 2009 · 4,500,000 vehicles affected

What is wrong: 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.
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.

Recall number 09V399000 · Recall details

Vehicle speed controlReported August 3, 2007 · 3,600,000 vehicles affected

What is wrong: On certain pickup trucks, passenger vehicles, sport utility vehicles, and motor homes chassis, the speed control deactivation switch may, under certain conditions, leak internally and then overheat, smoke, or burn.
Risk: This could result in an underhood fire.
Remedy: Dealers will install a fused wiring harness. Owners of the passenger cars included in this campaign will be instructed to return their vehicles to their dealers to have the speed control deactivation switch disconnected as an interim repair. As soon as repair parts are available (expected october 2007), owners will be instructed to return to the dealers for installation of a fused wiring harness. The recall began on august 13, 2007, and mailing completed by september 19, 2007. Owners may contact ford at 1‑888‑222‑2751.

Recall number 07V336000 · Recall details

Vehicle speed control: cablesReported August 5, 2003 · 448,005 vehicles affected

What is wrong: On certain sport utility vehicles equipped with speed control and 4.0l sohc engines, if the strand cover on the speed control cable becomes flared at the end, the speed control cable may bind when the speed control is activated.
Risk: The throttle return spring force may not be sufficient to overcome the binding condition when the speed control is disengaged. Braking function would be maintained though stopping distances may be increased.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the speed control cable and, if necessary, replace it. Owner notification began august 29, 2003. Owners should contact ford at 1‑800‑392‑3673.

Recall number 03V280000 · Recall details

Vehicle speed controlReported March 30, 1999 · 898,739 vehicles affected

What is wrong: 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.
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.

Recall number 99V062001 · Recall details

What 1999 Ford Explorer owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Nov 3, 2023 · Acceleration · PA

Gas pedal bracket fell off the firewall of the vehicle.jamming up under the brake pedal almost caused and accident. I got the vehicle stopped by using the Emergency brake did a temporary repair to get my vehicle to a shop to see about having repair done. After the vehicle was at the shop and repair was done the garage had informed me of the pour weld condition from the the gas pedal bracket was installed. Said repair was in deed done by the shop with all new weld being done and adjusted. After looking online for gas pedal problems for these vehicles Ford needs to have a nationwide recall to repair or replace these before someone gets serious injury or even death from a accident

Filed Jan 5, 2021 · Acceleration, Brakes · NV

They fix the cable for speed control deactivation switch and is said they should check ABS module and fix as necessary they never did just switch cable that's all

Filed Nov 16, 2019 · Acceleration · 130,000 miles · FL · crash

Acceleration ( gas stuck open and caused the vehicle to not to be controlled and the car jumped the curb and hit a car in opposite side of the roadway). 1999 ford explorer sport

Filed May 28, 2019 · Acceleration, Locks · 100,000 miles · NV

Tl* the contact owns a 1999 ford explorer. While driving 75 MPH, the hood opened and cracked the front windshield. The contact pulled the vehicle over and tied the hood down. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact also stated that, while driving, the speed control would engage or not engage without warning. The dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failures. The failure mileage was 100,000.

Filed Sep 15, 2016 · Acceleration, Suspension · IN

Transmission started slipping. Neutral is actually reverse over drive is neutral 2nd is od 1st is 2nd past 1st is 1st gear. When I move power lamp to off my headlights turn off. All of this haopened when I turned my vehicle on or when I was driving.

Filed Jul 12, 2016 · Acceleration, Engine · 130,000 miles · NE

Tl* the contact owns a 1999 ford explorer. The contact stated that the vehicle had to constantly shift the vehicle for it to be operated properly. The contact stated that the anti lock brake warning indicator and 4 wheel drive warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the vehicle speed control deactivation switch failed. The vehicle was not repaired. Prior to these failures, the brakes, transmission, and oil were changed. The contact referenced the federal safety agency campaign number: 09v399000 (vehicle speed control); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000

Filed May 20, 2014 · Acceleration, Body · 118,600 miles · SC · fire

I was at work on friday afternoon, 5/16 and received a voicemail at 3:50pm from the fire marshall stating my 1999 ford explorer xlt burned in my driveway and was totaled. I had not driven the explorer since approximately 7pm the night before and had taken my other car to work. The explorer was just sitting in the driveway, outside the garage and started burning. A neighbor 2 houses over smelled the smoke and saw the flames and called the fire department. The fire marshall stated he had seen this type of fire before due to the ford cruise control recall problems, based on the burn pattern. I was not the original owner and bought it about 8 years ago and have never received any kind of recall notice. I am extremely upset that this kind of thing could happen and did happen - the more I read about the amount of people it's happened to the more upset I get, I've had nightmares since friday since my house would have burned if I had parked it 1 foot closer to the garage -- which I usually do, I had planned to give it to my stepson on saturday who was coming to visit from ny and it would have been his first car -- my fiance' is stressed out and upset beyond words I can write here. No excuse ford...shame on you!!!!!!

Filed May 14, 2011 · Acceleration · 134,700 miles · MN

Accelerator pedal bracket falls right off of firewall which then the vehicle looses all acceleration capabilities. Only three spot welds hold this bracket onto the firewall. The spot welds seem insufficient to hold the bracket onto the firewall. Some welder experts state on auto forums that the spot welds are non-conforming regarding the required diameter of a good weld.

Filed Sep 16, 2010 · Acceleration · 160,000 miles · FL

Tl*the contact owns a 1999 ford explorer. While driving approximately 60 MPH the accelerator pedal assembly detached from the vehicle. He drove onto the emergency lane and parked the vehicle. While the vehicle was parked he was able to maneuver the accelerator pedal assembly into a position where he would still be able to drive. The vehicle was then taken to an independent repair shop where it was temporarily repaired. The failure and current mileages were 160,000. Updated 12/23/10*lj the dealer stated the weld broke off from the floorboard. Updated 01/03/11

Filed Aug 2, 2010 · Acceleration · 140,000 miles · VA · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 1999 ford explorer. The contact stated the he was pulling into a parking space when the vehicle caught on fire. The vehicle was investigated through the contact's insurance company and it was discovered that the fire originated from the cruise control wiring. The vehicle was destroyed. The failure and current mileage was 140,000.

Questions about the 1999 Ford Explorer acceleration

Does the 1999 Ford Explorer have acceleration problems?

Owners have filed 148 complaints about the acceleration of the 1999 Ford Explorer, 11% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 1999 Ford Explorer acceleration problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 100,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 1999 Ford Explorer acceleration?

Yes, 4 recalls: 09V399000, 07V336000, 03V280000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Ford Explorer have the most acceleration problems?

The Ford Explorer model years with the most acceleration complaints are 1998 (280 complaints), 1997 (202 complaints) and 2002 (152 complaints).