MYRModel Year Report

1989 Ford E150

○ Not enough data
1989 Ford E150
RENDERED 2026-11-01T15:52:53.186Z

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.

How is this computed?

Complaints
30
Recalls
2

Campaigns on file for 1989

Investigations
3

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Electrical system

33% of complaints

Complaints per year

1981: 1 complaint 1981 1982: 3 complaints 1983: 1 complaint 1984: 3 complaints 1984 1985: 3 complaints 1986: 9 complaints 1987: 17 complaints 1988: 14 complaints 1989: 30 complaints 1989 30 1990: 15 complaints 1997: 0 complaints 1998: 0 complaints 1999: 0 complaints 1999 2000: 0 complaints 2004: 0 complaints 2006: 1 complaint 2006 2007: 0 complaints 2008: 0 complaints 2009: 0 complaints 2009 2010: 0 complaints 2011: 0 complaints 2012: 0 complaints 2012 2013: 0 complaints
1981: 1 complaint 1981 1982: 3 complaints 1983: 1 complaint 1983 1984: 3 complaints 1985: 3 complaints 1985 1986: 9 complaints 1987: 17 complaints 1987 1988: 14 complaints 1989: 30 complaints 1989 30 1990: 15 complaints 1997: 0 complaints 1997 1998: 0 complaints 1999: 0 complaints 1999 2000: 0 complaints 2004: 0 complaints 2004 2006: 1 complaint 2007: 0 complaints 2007 2008: 0 complaints 2009: 0 complaints 2009 2010: 0 complaints 2011: 0 complaints 2011 2012: 0 complaints 2013: 0 complaints 2013
1981: 1 complaint 1981 1982: 3 complaints 1982 1983: 1 complaint 1983 1984: 3 complaints 1984 1985: 3 complaints 1985 1986: 9 complaints 1986 1987: 17 complaints 1987 1988: 14 complaints 1988 1989: 30 complaints 1989 30 1990: 15 complaints 1990 1997: 0 complaints 1997 1998: 0 complaints 1998 1999: 0 complaints 1999 2000: 0 complaints 2000 2004: 0 complaints 2004 2006: 1 complaint 2006 2007: 0 complaints 2007 2008: 0 complaints 2008 2009: 0 complaints 2009 2010: 0 complaints 2010 2011: 0 complaints 2011 2012: 0 complaints 2012 2013: 0 complaints 2013

1989: 30 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19800
19811
19823
19831
19843
19853
19869
198717
198814
198930
199015
19970
19980
19990
20000
20040
20061
20070
20080
20090
20100
20110
20120
20130

Known problem areas

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

Electrical system

33% · 10 reports

Most commonly citing ignition and interior/under dash.

FIREINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Driving vehicle at speed 65MPH, under the hood fire, smell of wiring burning, electrical short.

NHTSA ODI report, 1996-06-12

Also filed under Power train

Engine compartment fire, vehicle parked in driveway. Tt

NHTSA ODI report, 1995-02-24

Fuel system, gasoline

27% · 8 reports

Most commonly citing selector devices and auxillary tank.

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, 2008-04-25

Engine and engine cooling

17% · 5 reports

Most commonly citing manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe and gasoline.

FIRE

Tires

10% · 3 reports

Most commonly citing tread/belt and valve.

Show complaint excerpts

While driving, the tire experienced tread separation and damaged the front fender. *ak the valve stem was also replaced.

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-06-19

Power train

7% · 2 reports

Most commonly citing manual transmission and driveline.

FIRE

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
    1990-07-17Power train90V101000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. I
    1991-05-23Preliminary evaluationClosed 1991-10-31 Loss of brake effectivenes
  3. I
    1991-06-26Engineering analysisClosed 1991-11-01 Fuel expulsion
  4. I
    1991-10-30Engineering analysisClosed 1992-10-30 Loss of brake effectivenes
  5. R
    1991-12-20Fuel system, gasoline91V146000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1989 Ford E150 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Electrical system: 10 reports on file for this year.
  • Fuel system, gasoline: 8 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine and engine cooling: 5 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 90V101000 · Power train
  • Recall 91V146000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

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 electrical system, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1989 Ford E150 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.