1989 Ford E150

○ Not enough data

1989 Ford E150
RENDERED 2026-09-16T14:15:50.552Z

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 PER YEAR

1989: 30 complaints

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

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

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 33%

33% of complaints: electrical system — 10 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing ignition and interior/under dash.

FIRE INJURY

Show complaint excerpts

DRIVING VEHICLE AT SPEED 65MPH, UNDER THE HOOD FIRE, SMELL OF WIRING BURNING, ELECTRICAL SHORT. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 19960612

Also filed under POWER TRAIN

ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE, VEHICLE PARKED IN DRIVEWAY. TT

NHTSA ODI report, 19950224

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE 27%

27% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 8 distinct reports on file, 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, 20080425

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 17%

17% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 5 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe and gasoline.

FIRE

TIRES 10%

10% of complaints: tires — 3 distinct reports on file, 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. *PH *JB

NHTSA ODI report, 20030619

POWER TRAIN 7%

7% of complaints: power train — 2 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing manual transmission and driveline.

FIRE

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 19900717 — power train

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

I 19910523 — PE (closed 19911031)

LOSS OF BRAKE EFFECTIVENES

I 19910626 — EA (closed 19911101)

FUEL EXPULSION

I 19911030 — EA (closed 19921030)

LOSS OF BRAKE EFFECTIVENES

R 19911220 — fuel system, gasoline

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 electrical system issues (10 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (8 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (5 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 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 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.