1989 Ford F-150
Only 14 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 14 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 |
|---|---|
| 1984 | 2 |
| 1987 | 2 |
| 1989 | 14 |
| 1990 | 21 |
| 1991 | 306 |
| 1992 | 479 |
| 1993 | 588 |
| 1994 | 700 |
| 1995 | 626 |
| 1996 | 324 |
| 1997 | 2758 |
| 1998 | 1381 |
| 1999 | 1044 |
| 2000 | 1075 |
| 2001 | 1236 |
| 2002 | 821 |
| 2003 | 423 |
| 2004 | 2028 |
| 2005 | 1112 |
| 2006 | 585 |
| 2007 | 488 |
| 2008 | 369 |
| 2009 | 324 |
| 2010 | 842 |
| 2011 | 2185 |
| 2012 | 1779 |
| 2013 | 2980 |
| 2014 | 1527 |
| 2015 | 1698 |
| 2016 | 2033 |
| 2017 | 1429 |
| 2018 | 2288 |
| 2019 | 1317 |
| 2020 | 723 |
| 2021 | 1003 |
| 2022 | 585 |
| 2023 | 405 |
| 2024 | 186 |
| 2025 | 102 |
| 2026 | 7 |
| 2027 | 0 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 14 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
5 of 14 total reports mention: fuel/propulsion system.
Show complaint excerpts
AS ACCORDING TO FORD SAFETY RECALL 91S39 AND SAFETY RECALL 91V146000 MY TRUCK IS LEAKING FUEL INTO MY FRONT TANK WHILE I ONLY USE THE BACK TANK WHICH IS DUE TO A FAULTY FUEL TANK SELECTOR VALVE BUT MY LOCAL FORD DEALERS WONT FIX THE PROBLEM BECAUSE...
NHTSA ODI report, 20171110
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1989 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE MAIN FUEL TANK WAS FILLED TO CAPACITY, THE FUEL WOULD NOT FLOW INTO THE AUXILIARY TANK AND INSTEAD, WOULD SPILL OUT ONTO THE GROUND.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120801
3 of 14 total reports mention: fuel system, gasoline, most commonly citing tank assembly.
Show complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1989 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER REFUELING THE DUAL FULL TANKS TO CAPACITY, FUEL BEGAN TO LEAK CONTINUOUSLY OUT OF THE FILLER CAP WHEN THE FILLER CAP WAS TIGHTLY SECURED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120419
3 of 14 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing starter assembly and horn.
Show complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1989 FORD F-150. WHEN THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE OFF A USED CAR LOT, IT FAILED TO START. THE CONTACT BOUGHT A NEW BATTERY, BUT THE VEHICLE STILL WOULD NOT START.
NHTSA ODI report, 20190319
Also filed under ENGINE
1 of 14 total reports mentions: wheels.
1 of 14 total reports mentions: visibility/wiper.
Show complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1989 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR MALFUNCTIONED AND AS A RESULT, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WOULD ONLY WORK WHEN ENGAGED ON HIGH SPEED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120628
SAFETY TIMELINE
No recalls on file for this model year.
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1989 Ford F-150 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for fuel/propulsion system issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (3 reports on file for this year).
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1989 Ford F-150 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 F-150?
The most-reported component is fuel/propulsion system, accounting for 36% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1989 Ford F-150 have?
No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.