MYRModel Year Report

1989 Ford Crown Victoria

● Typical for this model
1989 Ford Crown Victoria
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:53:36.562Z

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.

How is this computed?

Complaints
75
Recalls
2

Campaigns on file for 1989

Investigations
3

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Electrical system

32% of complaints

Complaints per year

1980: 2 complaints 1980 1981: 2 complaints 1982: 3 complaints 1983: 5 complaints 1984: 6 complaints 1984 1985: 21 complaints 1986: 27 complaints 1987: 42 complaints 1988: 43 complaints 1989: 75 complaints 1989 75 1990: 43 complaints 1991: 56 complaints 1992: 316 complaints 1993: 188 complaints 1994: 198 complaints 1995: 250 complaints 1996: 276 complaints 1996 1997: 288 complaints 1998: 119 complaints 1999: 134 complaints 2000: 85 complaints 2000 2001: 53 complaints 2002: 58 complaints 2003: 249 complaints 2004: 138 complaints 2004 2005: 193 complaints 2006: 53 complaints 2007: 50 complaints 2008: 50 complaints 2008 2009: 44 complaints 2010: 12 complaints 2011: 23 complaints
1980: 2 complaints 1980 1981: 2 complaints 1982: 3 complaints 1982 1983: 5 complaints 1984: 6 complaints 1984 1985: 21 complaints 1986: 27 complaints 1986 1987: 42 complaints 1988: 43 complaints 1989: 75 complaints 1989 75 1990: 43 complaints 1991: 56 complaints 1992: 316 complaints 1992 1993: 188 complaints 1994: 198 complaints 1994 1995: 250 complaints 1996: 276 complaints 1996 1997: 288 complaints 1998: 119 complaints 1998 1999: 134 complaints 2000: 85 complaints 2000 2001: 53 complaints 2002: 58 complaints 2002 2003: 249 complaints 2004: 138 complaints 2004 2005: 193 complaints 2006: 53 complaints 2006 2007: 50 complaints 2008: 50 complaints 2008 2009: 44 complaints 2010: 12 complaints 2010 2011: 23 complaints
1980: 2 complaints 1980 1981: 2 complaints 1982: 3 complaints 1982 1983: 5 complaints 1984: 6 complaints 1984 1985: 21 complaints 1986: 27 complaints 1986 1987: 42 complaints 1988: 43 complaints 1989: 75 complaints 1989 75 1990: 43 complaints 1991: 56 complaints 1992: 316 complaints 1992 1993: 188 complaints 1994: 198 complaints 1994 1995: 250 complaints 1996: 276 complaints 1996 1997: 288 complaints 1998: 119 complaints 1998 1999: 134 complaints 2000: 85 complaints 2000 2001: 53 complaints 2002: 58 complaints 2002 2003: 249 complaints 2004: 138 complaints 2004 2005: 193 complaints 2006: 53 complaints 2006 2007: 50 complaints 2008: 50 complaints 2008 2009: 44 complaints 2010: 12 complaints 2010 2011: 23 complaints

1989: 75 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19802
19812
19823
19835
19846
198521
198627
198742
198843
198975
199043
199156
1992316
1993188
1994198
1995250
1996276
1997288
1998119
1999134
200085
200153
200258
2003249
2004138
2005193
200653
200750
200850
200944
201012
201123

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Electrical system

32% · 24 reports

Most commonly citing switch and wiring.

FIREINJURYDEATH
Show complaint excerpts

Steering column caught fire caused by wires shorting out while driving the vehicle.

NHTSA ODI report, 1996-03-13

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, 2003-03-24

The key was difficult to insert into the ignition but once inserted the driver was unable to turn the key.

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-03-18

Vehicle speed control

16% · 12 reports

Most commonly citing accelerator pedal and linkages.

CRASHFIREINJURY
Show 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, 2006-09-18

Vehicle suddenly accelerated out of control, resulting in crashing into the house. Tt

NHTSA ODI report, 1996-01-11

Driver noticed wide open throttle and vehicle shifted from park to drive. Tt

NHTSA ODI report, 1996-01-04

Engine and engine cooling

13% · 10 reports

Most commonly citing gasoline and engine.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

Rusted oil pan.

NHTSA ODI report, 1994-11-13

Seat belts

8% · 6 reports

Most commonly citing retractor and anchorage.

Power train

7% · 5 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission.

Safety timeline

2 recalls · 3 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. R
    1990-10-23Fuel system, gasoline90V151000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. I
    1991-06-03Preliminary evaluationClosed 1991-10-29 Heat hose restrictor/fires
  3. I
    1991-09-11Preliminary evaluationClosed 1992-01-15 Brake line punctures
  4. I
    1992-08-03Preliminary evaluationClosed 1992-11-30 Steering column fires
  5. R
    1996-06-07Electrical system96V071000 The ignition switch could experience an internal short circuit.

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the ignition switch.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1989 Ford Crown Victoria — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Electrical system: 24 reports on file for this year.
  • Vehicle speed control: 12 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine and engine cooling: 10 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 90V151000 · Fuel system, gasoline
  • Recall 96V071000 · Electrical system
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 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 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.