1989 Ford Crown Victoria
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 2 |
| 1981 | 2 |
| 1982 | 3 |
| 1983 | 5 |
| 1984 | 6 |
| 1985 | 21 |
| 1986 | 27 |
| 1987 | 42 |
| 1988 | 43 |
| 1989 | 75 |
| 1990 | 43 |
| 1991 | 56 |
| 1992 | 316 |
| 1993 | 188 |
| 1994 | 198 |
| 1995 | 250 |
| 1996 | 276 |
| 1997 | 288 |
| 1998 | 119 |
| 1999 | 134 |
| 2000 | 85 |
| 2001 | 53 |
| 2002 | 58 |
| 2003 | 249 |
| 2004 | 138 |
| 2005 | 193 |
| 2006 | 53 |
| 2007 | 50 |
| 2008 | 50 |
| 2009 | 44 |
| 2010 | 12 |
| 2011 | 23 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
32% of complaints: electrical system — 24 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing switch and wiring.
FIRE INJURY DEATHShow complaint excerpts
STEERING COLUMN CAUGHT FIRE CAUSED BY WIRES SHORTING OUT WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19960313
THE IGNITION SWITCH THAT WAS PUT ON HIS VEHICLE ABOUT 2 YEARS AGO, AS A RESULT OF THE RECALL, WAS DEFECTIVE AND DOES NOT WORK PROPERLY.
NHTSA ODI report, 20030324
THE KEY WAS DIFFICULT TO INSERT INTO THE IGNITION BUT ONCE INSERTED THE DRIVER WAS UNABLE TO TURN THE KEY. *NLM
NHTSA ODI report, 20030318
16% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 12 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing accelerator pedal and linkages.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
WHILE MY MECHANIC WORKED ON MY CAR, I BORROWED HIS 1989 CROWN VICTORIA. ON THE THIRD DAY I HAD IT, WHILE DRIVING IN A 45 MPH ZONE, THE GAS PEDAL SUDDENLY PULLED AWAY FROM MY FOOT AND WENT ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR.
NHTSA ODI report, 20060918
VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED OUT OF CONTROL, RESULTING IN CRASHING INTO THE HOUSE. TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19960111
DRIVER NOTICED WIDE OPEN THROTTLE AND VEHICLE SHIFTED FROM PARK TO DRIVE. TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19960104
13% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 10 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing gasoline and engine.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
RUSTED OIL PAN. *SKD
NHTSA ODI report, 19941113
8% of complaints: seat belts — 6 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing retractor and anchorage.
7% of complaints: power train — 5 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission.
SAFETY TIMELINE
GLASS ELEMENT THAT SEPARATES ELECTRONIC CIRCUITRY FROM PRESSURIZED FUEL MAY LOOSEN AND CREATE AN OPENING THAT COULD ALLOW PRESSURIZED FUEL TO ENTER BODY OF SENSOR.
Remedy: INSTALL NEW OPTICAL SENSORS.
Campaign 90V151000 — check if this car was fixed
HEAT HOSE RESTRICTOR/FIRES
BRAKE LINE PUNCTURES
STEERING COLUMN FIRES
THE IGNITION SWITCH COULD EXPERIENCE AN INTERNAL SHORT CIRCUIT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH.
Campaign 96V071000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1989 Ford Crown Victoria — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (24 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (12 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (10 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 90V151000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 96V071000 (electrical system) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1989 Ford Crown Victoria reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1989 Ford Crown Victoria is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1989 Ford Crown Victoria?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 32% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1989 Ford Crown Victoria have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.