1989 Ford F Series (light)
Only 6 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 6 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 |
| 1986 | 1 |
| 1987 | 0 |
| 1988 | 6 |
| 1989 | 6 |
| 1990 | 8 |
| 1991 | 9 |
| 1992 | 9 |
| 1993 | 12 |
| 1994 | 16 |
| 1995 | 1 |
| 1996 | 2 |
| 1997 | 15 |
| 1998 | 1 |
| 1999 | 6 |
| 2000 | 3 |
| 2001 | 10 |
| 2002 | 13 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 6 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
4 of 6 total reports mention: fuel system, gasoline, most commonly citing carburetor system and selector devices.
Show complaint excerpts
DUAL GAS TANKS, SMELL OF GAS, OVERFLOWING AND PRESSURE IN ONE TANK. COMPLAINED BEFORE BUT NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE. *JB
NHTSA ODI report, 20050207
INTAKE MANIFOLD FAILED, RESULTING IN A FUEL LEAK. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19950223
2 of 6 total reports mention: power train, most commonly citing column shift.
2 of 6 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing gasoline and radiator assembly.
1 of 6 total reports mentions: visibility, most commonly citing defroster/defogger/hvac system.
Show complaint excerpts
ENGINE STALLS/REVVS AT FULL THROTTLE WHEN A/C OR DEFROSTER IS TURNED ON. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19950209
1 of 6 total reports mentions: vehicle speed control.
SAFETY TIMELINE
No recalls on file for this model year.
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1989 Ford F Series (light) — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (2 reports on file for this year).
FAQ
Is the 1989 Ford F Series (light) 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 Series (light)?
The most-reported component is fuel system, gasoline, accounting for 67% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1989 Ford F Series (light) 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.