1989 Ford E350
Only 25 complaints on file — too few 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.
Only 25 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 0 |
| 1981 | 0 |
| 1982 | 0 |
| 1983 | 4 |
| 1984 | 4 |
| 1985 | 2 |
| 1986 | 10 |
| 1987 | 14 |
| 1988 | 10 |
| 1989 | 25 |
| 1990 | 23 |
| 1997 | 0 |
| 1998 | 0 |
| 1999 | 0 |
| 2000 | 0 |
| 2002 | 0 |
| 2003 | 0 |
| 2005 | 0 |
| 2006 | 0 |
| 2007 | 0 |
| 2008 | 0 |
| 2009 | 1 |
| 2010 | 1 |
| 2011 | 1 |
| 2012 | 0 |
| 2013 | 0 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 25 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
5 of 25 total reports mention: structure.
3 of 25 total reports mention: service brakes, hydraulic.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
THE FRONT BRAKE FAILURE(CALIPER OVER HEAT) THE BRAKE FLUID CAUGHT ON FIRE. TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19950616
3 of 25 total reports mention: service brakes, hydraulic.
Show complaint excerpts
AFTER SUSTAINED AND FREQUENT USE OF BRAKES THEY APPARENTLY OVERHEAT AND PEDAL GOES TO THE FLOOR. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19950614
2 of 25 total reports mention: service brakes, hydraulic.
Show complaint excerpts
INTERMITTENTLY VEHICLE LOSES BRAKE POWER WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED, BRAKE PEDAL GOES TO THE FLOOR AND FAILS TO STOP THE TRUCK. THE EMERGENCY BRAKES HAD TO BE ENGAGED TO STOP THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20040621
2 of 25 total reports mention: service brakes, hydraulic.
Show complaint excerpts
INTERMITTENTLY VEHICLE LOSES BRAKE POWER WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED, BRAKE PEDAL GOES TO THE FLOOR AND FAILS TO STOP THE TRUCK. THE EMERGENCY BRAKES HAD TO BE ENGAGED TO STOP THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20040621
SAFETY TIMELINE
NYLON TIES THAT SUPPORT THE MAIN WIRING HARNESS TO THE CHASSIS COULD WEAR AND BREAK DUE TO EXCESSIVE VIBRATION. THUS, WIRING HARNESS COULD FALL ON ENGINE COMPONENTS AND SHORT CIRCUIT.
Remedy: INSTALL RETROFIT RIT OF PLASTIC-COATED METAL CLAMPS, LOOM FOR POSITIVE BATTERY CABLES AND RE-ROUTE WIRING.
Campaign 89V062000 — check if this car was fixed
TRNSMSSION PARK GEAR FAIL
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
ALTERNATOR BELT FAILURE
FRONT BRAKE FADE
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1989 Ford E350 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for structure issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 89V062000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 90V101000 (power train) has been completed.
- Verify recall 91V146000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 1989 Ford E350 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 E350?
The most-reported component is structure, accounting for 20% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1989 Ford E350 have?
3 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.