1989 Ford Econoline
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than 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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 1 |
| 1981 | 0 |
| 1982 | 1 |
| 1983 | 2 |
| 1984 | 7 |
| 1985 | 10 |
| 1986 | 7 |
| 1987 | 15 |
| 1988 | 22 |
| 1989 | 32 |
| 1990 | 30 |
| 1991 | 24 |
| 1992 | 83 |
| 1993 | 65 |
| 1994 | 124 |
| 1995 | 73 |
| 1996 | 81 |
| 1997 | 79 |
| 1998 | 46 |
| 1999 | 84 |
| 2000 | 39 |
| 2001 | 28 |
| 2002 | 23 |
| 2003 | 22 |
| 2005 | 0 |
| 2006 | 0 |
| 2007 | 0 |
| 2009 | 1 |
| 2010 | 1 |
| 2011 | 0 |
| 2012 | 1 |
| 2013 | 0 |
| 2014 | 0 |
| 2015 | 0 |
| 2016 | 3 |
| 2017 | 3 |
| 2018 | 0 |
| 2019 | 1 |
| 2026 | 0 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
13% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 4 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
POSSIBLE ENGINE FAILURE RESULTED IN ENGINE FIRE (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT). *MJS
NHTSA ODI report, 20000203
9% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 3 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
DIFFCULTY SLOWING DOWN FROM HIGHWAY SPEED, HAD TO TURN OFF IGNITION TO STOP VEHICLE. DISCONNECTED CRUISE CONTROL, BUT THIS WAS NOT THE PROBLEM. DEALERSHIP SERVICE SAYS IT WAS THE ACCELEROMETER CABLE. DT
NHTSA ODI report, 20021211
9% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 3 distinct reports on file.
9% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 3 distinct reports on file.
9% of complaints: equipment — 3 distinct reports on file.
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
FUEL EXPULSION
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 Econoline — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 90V101000 (power train) has been completed.
- Verify recall 91V146000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1989 Ford Econoline reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1989 Ford Econoline is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1989 Ford Econoline?
The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline, accounting for 13% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1989 Ford Econoline 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.