1989 Ford F Series
Only 2 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 2 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 |
|---|---|
| 1983 | 0 |
| 1984 | 1 |
| 1985 | 0 |
| 1986 | 0 |
| 1987 | 2 |
| 1988 | 4 |
| 1989 | 2 |
| 1990 | 2 |
| 1991 | 6 |
| 1992 | 2 |
| 1993 | 5 |
| 1994 | 7 |
| 1995 | 16 |
| 1996 | 16 |
| 1997 | 47 |
| 1998 | 20 |
| 1999 | 36 |
| 2000 | 40 |
| 2001 | 44 |
| 2002 | 34 |
| 2003 | 1 |
| 2004 | 7 |
| 2005 | 9 |
| 2006 | 4 |
| 2007 | 4 |
| 2008 | 1 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 2 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
1 of 2 total reports mentions: wheels.
Show complaint excerpts
WHILE OPERATING IN REVERSE LESS THAT 8 MPH THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE IMPACTED A TREE LIMB AND THE TIER SIDEWALL SPLIT FROM THE TREAD TO THE RIME SEAL. DEALER ADVISES THIS WAS AN IMPACT BLOWOUT.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120208
1 of 2 total reports mentions: tires.
Show complaint excerpts
WHILE OPERATING IN REVERSE LESS THAT 8 MPH THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE IMPACTED A TREE LIMB AND THE TIER SIDEWALL SPLIT FROM THE TREAD TO THE RIME SEAL. DEALER ADVISES THIS WAS AN IMPACT BLOWOUT.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120208
1 of 2 total reports mentions: fuel system, gasoline.
Show complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1989 FORD F250. THE CONTACT STATED THAT FUEL WOULD OVERFLOW AND SPILL OUT THROUGH THE FILLER NECK VALVE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO ADVISED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THE FAILURE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20110922
SAFETY TIMELINE
BOLTS THAT ATTACH THE FRONT AXLE TRACK BAR BRACKET TO THE FRONT CROSSMEMBER MAY LOOSEN, ALLOWING THE FRONT WHEELS TO OSCILLATE WITH FRONT END SHIMMY.
Remedy: INSTALL REDESIGNED FRONT AXLE TRACK BAR TO CROSSMEMBER BRACKET AND IF NECESSARY, REPLACE CERTAIN STEERING COMPONENTS.
Campaign 89V009000 — check if this car was fixed
INTERCONNECTION OF RETURN LINE PLUMBING FROM HYDROBOOST STEERING GEAR MAY CAUSE LIGHT APPLICATION OF HYDROBOOST UNIT WITHOUT APPLYING BRAKE PEDAL.
Remedy: INSTALL REVISED RETURN LINES AND REPLACE DAMAGED BRAKE SYSTEM COMPONENTS.
Campaign 90V097000 — check if this car was fixed
DEFECTIVE WIRING
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1989 Ford F Series — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for wheels issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for tires issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 89V009000 (steering) has been completed.
- Verify recall 90V097000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 1989 Ford F Series 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?
The most-reported component is wheels, accounting for 50% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1989 Ford F Series 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.