1989 Ford E150
Not enough comparison years on file yet for a fair verdict.
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 | 0 |
| 1981 | 1 |
| 1982 | 3 |
| 1983 | 1 |
| 1984 | 3 |
| 1985 | 3 |
| 1986 | 9 |
| 1987 | 17 |
| 1988 | 14 |
| 1989 | 30 |
| 1990 | 15 |
| 1997 | 0 |
| 1998 | 0 |
| 1999 | 0 |
| 2000 | 0 |
| 2004 | 0 |
| 2006 | 1 |
| 2007 | 0 |
| 2008 | 0 |
| 2009 | 0 |
| 2010 | 0 |
| 2011 | 0 |
| 2012 | 0 |
| 2013 | 0 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
10% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 3 distinct reports on file.
10% of complaints: electrical system — 3 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
DRIVING VEHICLE AT SPEED 65MPH, UNDER THE HOOD FIRE, SMELL OF WIRING BURNING, ELECTRICAL SHORT. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19960612
7% of complaints: tires — 2 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
WHILE DRIVING, THE TIRE EXPERIENCED TREAD SEPARATION AND DAMAGED THE FRONT FENDER. *AK THE VALVE STEM WAS ALSO REPLACED. *PH *JB
NHTSA ODI report, 20030619
7% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 2 distinct reports on file.
7% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 2 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
VAN DIED,TOWED TO MECHANICS SHOP,WAS TOLD SWITCH VALVE BETWEEN TANKS WAS PROBLEM, LOOKED ON NHTSA WEBSITE ABOUT RECALLS. FORD VAN 89 E-150 WITH DUEL GAS TANKS.
NHTSA ODI report, 20080425
SAFETY TIMELINE
UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, THE SNAP RING THAT LOCATES THE PARK GEAR ON THE OUTPUT SHAFT OF THE TRANSMISSION MAY FRACTURE.
Remedy: INSTALL IMPROVED SNAP RING AND REVISED TRANSMISSION EXTENSION HOUSING.
Campaign 90V101000 — check if this car was fixed
LOSS OF BRAKE EFFECTIVENES
FUEL EXPULSION
LOSS OF BRAKE EFFECTIVENES
THE DUAL FUEL TANK SELECTOR VALVE MAY MALFUNCTION AND CAUSE AN OVERFILL CONDITION IN ONE OF THE FUEL TANKS, RESULTING IN AN OVERFLOW OF FUEL PAST THE FILLER CAP.
Remedy: REPLACE THE DUAL FUEL TANK SELECTOR VALVE.
Campaign 91V146000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1989 Ford E150 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for tires issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 90V101000 (power train) has been completed.
- Verify recall 91V146000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 1989 Ford E150 reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 1989 Ford E150?
The most-reported component is fuel system, gasoline:storage:auxillary tank:selector devices, accounting for 10% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1989 Ford E150 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.