MYRModel Year Report

1989 Ford Crown Victoria

● Typical for this model
1989 Ford Crown Victoria
RENDERED 2026-08-02T11:20:49.630Z

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 PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Ford Crown Victoria Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1989 highlighted. 1980: 2 complaints 1980 1981: 2 complaints 1982: 3 complaints 1983: 5 complaints 1984: 6 complaints 1984 1985: 21 complaints 1986: 27 complaints 1987: 41 complaints 1988: 42 complaints 1988 1989: 72 complaints 1989 1990: 43 complaints 1991: 55 complaints 1992: 310 complaints 1992 1993: 182 complaints 1994: 192 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: 52 complaints 2007: 49 complaints 2008: 50 complaints 2008 2009: 44 complaints 2010: 12 complaints 2011: 23 complaints 2011
1989: 72 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19802
19812
19823
19835
19846
198521
198627
198741
198842
198972
199043
199155
1992310
1993182
1994192
1995250
1996276
1997288
1998119
1999134
200085
200153
200258
2003249
2004138
2005193
200652
200749
200850
200944
201012
201123

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 21%

21% of complaints: electrical system — 15 distinct reports on file.

FIRE INJURY DEATH
Show complaint excerpts

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

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 8%

8% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 6 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
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, 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

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 7%

7% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 5 distinct reports on file.

FIRE
SEAT BELTS 6%

6% of complaints: seat belts — 4 distinct reports on file.

POWER TRAIN 6%

6% of complaints: power train — 4 distinct reports on file.

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 19901023 — fuel system, gasoline

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

I 19910603 — PE (closed 19911029)

HEAT HOSE RESTRICTOR/FIRES

I 19910911 — PE (closed 19920115)

BRAKE LINE PUNCTURES

I 19920803 — PE (closed 19921130)

STEERING COLUMN FIRES

R 19960607 — electrical system

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 (15 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (6 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (5 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 90V151000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 96V071000 (electrical system) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 1987 ▲ 1988 ▲ 2009

WORST YEARS

■ 1992 ■ 1997 ■ 1996

See all years ranked →

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:ignition:switch, accounting for 21% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1989 Ford Crown Victoria have?

2 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.