1999 Ford Explorer XL
1FMZU32X2XZB31178
Vehicle history report for the 1999 Ford Explorer XL (VIN 1FMZU32X2XZB31178). Gold, sport utility vehicle [suv]/multipurpose vehicle [mpv], 4.0L 6-cyl 160 hp, gasoline. 216,282 mi reported. Registered in Ca. No open recalls. Unlock full title, salvage, lien & accident history.
![1999 Ford Explorer XL, Gold, Sport Utility Vehicle [SUV]/Multipurpose Vehicle [MPV] — representative vehicle photo for VIN 1FMZU32X2XZB31178](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/84/1999-01_Ford_Explorer_Eddie_Bauer.jpg)
At a glance
Vehicle identity & specifications
🧾 Window sticker / build sheet → All 1999 Ford Explorer data →
What's a 1999 Ford Explorer worth?
What comparable 1999 Ford Explorer vehicles are listed for — a quick gut-check before you negotiate.
Is the seller's price fair? Get this exact VIN's current market value — retail, trade-in & loan value — in the full report.
See this car's exact value →MPG & running costs
Official U.S. EPA fuel-economy estimates for the 1999 Ford Explorer.
Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. EPA estimates for this year/make/model; actual mileage varies by trim and driving conditions.
Estimated 5-year cost to own
A rough guide to what running a 1999 Ford Explorer costs over five years and 75,000 miles.
How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. Depreciation compares today's typical asking price for this model year ($1,058) with the same model 5 model-years older ($683), from CarLogs listing data. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.
Full vehicle history report
What a full report checks for VIN 1FMZU32X2XZB31178
A full report searches national title databases (NMVTIS) and licensed history providers for this VIN and shows whatever records are on file — not every vehicle has every record type. The decode, safety recalls and owner complaints above are always free.
Safety recalls None found
No open NHTSA recall campaigns were found for this 1999 Ford Explorer.
We'll email you the moment a new safety recall is issued — no spam, unsubscribe any time.
Common problems & what to inspect
Based on 1,568 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1999 Ford Explorer, here are the most-reported problem areas — and exactly what to check before you buy.
💥 2 involved a crash 🚑 2 reported injuries
🔍 Test cruise control and throttle response, and watch for any hesitation or unintended acceleration.
🔍 Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
🔍 Inspect for rust, fresh undercoating, mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps and any sign of prior collision or frame repair.
🔍 Inspect wheels for bends, cracks and curb rash, and feel for vibration at highway speed.
🔍 Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
🔍 Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Pre-purchase checklist
- Match the VIN on the dash, door jamb and title — they must be identical.
- Cold-start the engine; listen for knocks and check for blue or white exhaust smoke.
- Test-drive through all gears at low and highway speed — no slipping, shudder or pulling.
- Confirm every warning light clears at startup (none should stay on).
- Check fluids — oil, coolant, transmission — for level, color and leaks.
- Look underneath for rust, fresh undercoating or signs of collision repair.
- Always get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic.
Owner complaints 1568
Complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of the 1999 Ford Explorer.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
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 conditi…
NHTSA ODI #11553341WHEELS
Was driving under 20mph on my way home about 5 minutes away no warning no sounds nothing warned us that our tire was going to fall off the drivers side while driving with other vehicles on the road behind us and in passing us all 5 studs that hold the lugnuts on so tire stays on but all 5 studs broke and tire just fell off thank god no one got hurt. Just cau…
NHTSA ODI #11462156POWER TRAIN
The transmission stopped going in reverse for no apparent reason. All other gears work fine. There’s no lagging when driving and no other signs. I went to put it in reverse to back out of my driveway and when I pushed the gas it just reved the engine up and floated backwards causing me to apply the brakes quickly so I wouldn’t hit my house. There was smoke…
NHTSA ODI #11458793VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES
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
NHTSA ODI #11386554ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I NEED TO KNOW WHAT CAUSES THE ELECTRIC TO GO HAYWIRE. THE OVERHEAD LAMP CLICKS ON AND OFF THE DRIVER DOOR LOCK DOESN'T WORK COMPLETELY. THE DRIVER WINDOW DOES NOT WORK CORRECTLY. SOME OF MY GAUGES WILL DECIDE NOT TO WORK SOMETIMES AND THEN OTHER TIMES WE'LL BE FINE. MY RADIO CLOCK DOES NOT WORK. ALL HAPPENS THE SAME WHETHER I'M DRIVING OR NOT WHETHER I'M PA…
NHTSA ODI #11385724VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
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
Crash · NHTSA ODI #11280507UNKNOWN OR OTHER
MY VIN WAS GOOD YESTERDAY, IT IS NOT IN YOUR OR FORD'S, COMPUTER TODAY...PROBABLY BECAUSE RECALLS FOR EXTREMELY DANGEROUS VEHICLES, SUCH AS THIS ONE, ARE VOLUNTARY AND TO BE ENFORCED BY THE CONSUMER AT THE CONSUMER'S EXPENSE. YESTERDAY, THE FORD RECALL NOTICE ON MY VIN SHOWED THAT MY VEHICLE WAS TO BE REPAIRED BY MY FORD DEALER ONLY IF FORD INTENDED TO …
NHTSA ODI #11231523LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
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…
NHTSA ODI #11210309+ 1560 more complaints on record.
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Frequently asked questions
Can I find out who owns this vehicle from the VIN?
No — and no legitimate service can. Linking a VIN or plate to a named owner is restricted by the U.S. Driver's Privacy Protection Act, the EU GDPR and equivalent laws. CarLogs shows the vehicle only — specs, recalls, problems and value — never the person.
Is the VIN 1FMZU32X2XZB31178 valid?
1FMZU32X2XZB31178 is a structurally valid 17-character VIN with a correct ISO 3779 check digit, assigned to a manufacturer in United States. It decodes to the 1999 Ford Explorer.
Does the 1999 Ford Explorer have any open safety recalls?
No open NHTSA safety-recall campaigns were found for the 1999 Ford Explorer. CarLogs checks this against official NHTSA data on every lookup.
What is a fair price for a 1999 Ford Explorer?
Comparable 1999 Ford Explorer listings run roughly $500–$1,900, typically around $1,058 (from 71 comparable vehicles). The full report shows this exact VIN's valuation.
What fuel economy does the 1999 Ford Explorer get?
The U.S. EPA rates the 1999 Ford Explorer at about 16 mpg combined (14 city / 19 highway).
Data last checked 4 Sep 2026 · Sources: NHTSA (recalls & complaints), U.S. EPA (fuel economy), NHTSA vPIC (specifications). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.