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
- 33
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- Fuel system, gasoline
Campaigns on file for 1989
Opened by NHTSA
21% of complaints
Complaints per year
1989: 33 complaints
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 | 33 |
| 1990 | 30 |
| 1991 | 24 |
| 1992 | 86 |
| 1993 | 67 |
| 1994 | 132 |
| 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
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Fuel system, gasoline
21% · 7 reportsMost commonly citing selector devices and filler pipe and cap.
Engine and engine cooling
18% · 6 reportsMost commonly citing gasoline and catalytic convertor.
Show complaint excerpts
Possible engine failure resulted in engine fire (Ohio traffic crash report).
NHTSA ODI report, 2000-02-03
Service brakes
18% · 6 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic.
Electrical system
12% · 4 reportsMost commonly citing switch and front underhood.
Show complaint excerpts
Ignition switch fire.
NHTSA ODI report, 1996-11-14
Interior vehicle fire caused by the wiring harness around the steering wheel/column.
NHTSA ODI report, 1996-04-19
Vehicle speed control
9% · 3 reportsShow 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.…
NHTSA ODI report, 2002-12-11
Safety timeline
2 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
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.
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I
1991-06-26Engineering analysisClosed 1991-11-01 Fuel expulsion
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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.
Buy-smart checklist
1989 Ford Econoline — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Fuel system, gasoline: 7 reports on file for this year.
- Engine and engine cooling: 6 reports on file for this year.
- Service brakes: 6 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 90V101000 · Power train
- Recall 91V146000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →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 fuel system, gasoline, accounting for 21% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1989 Ford Econoline 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.