MYRModel Year Report

1989 Ford F150

○ Not enough data
1989 Ford F150
BUILT 2026-09-02

Not enough comparison years on file yet 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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Ford F150 Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1989 highlighted. 1980: 3 complaints 1980 1981: 2 complaints 1982: 5 complaints 1982 1983: 10 complaints 1984: 13 complaints 1984 1985: 28 complaints 1986: 61 complaints 1986 1987: 89 complaints 1988: 141 complaints 1988 1989: 210 complaints 1989 1990: 254 complaints 1990
1989: 210 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19803
19812
19825
198310
198413
198528
198661
198789
1988141
1989210
1990254

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE 40%

40% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 84 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing selector devices and tank assembly.

CRASH FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE UNDERNEATH CAR FOR UNKNOWN REASON AFTER LOSS OF CONTROL AND FLIPPING OVER AND LANDING ON WHEEL. TT

NHTSA ODI report, 19950504

CONSUMER STATES AFTER FILLING BOTH TANKS WITH FUEL. QUARTER OF FUEL HAD SPILLED IN DRIVEWAY. CONSUMER NOTICED IT WHEN HE SMELLED GAS, AND SAW GAS DRIPPING ONTO THE PAVEMENT. CONSUMER FEELS THIS WAS VERY DANGEROUS.

NHTSA ODI report, 20020913

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 24%

24% of complaints: electrical system — 50 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing switch and ignition.

FIRE INJURY DEATH
Show complaint excerpts

WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IT CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE, AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE CAUSE HAS NOT BEEN DETERMINED.*AK

NHTSA ODI report, 20050127

I AM AFRAID TO FIX THE TRUCK THIS TIME BECAUSE IT COULD BURN DOWN MY HOUSE OR CAUSE A ACCIDENT. MR

NHTSA ODI report, 20021016

ELECTRICAL FIRE CAUSED BY IGNITION SWITCH OVERHEATING. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 19950223

SERVICE BRAKES 7%

7% of complaints: service brakes — 15 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic and air.

CRASH
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 7%

7% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 15 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing gasoline and manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe.

FIRE
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 6%

6% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 13 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing linkages and cables.

CRASH INJURY

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 19890809 — fuel system, gasoline

SHIELDS ON THE FRONTS OF THE MIDSHIP MOUNTED FUEL TANKS WERE OMITTED DURING ASSEMBLY.

Remedy: INSTALL FUEL TANK SHIELDS.

Campaign 89V114000 — check if this car was fixed

I 19900312 — PE (closed 19900612)

TRNSMSSION PARK GEAR FAIL

R 19900717 — power train

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

I 19901127 — PE (closed 19910417)

FORD TRUCK INCONSISTENT VEHICLE CONTROL.

I 19910523 — PE (closed 19911031)

LOSS OF BRAKE EFFECTIVENES

I 19910626 — EA (closed 19911101)

FUEL EXPULSION

I 19911030 — EA (closed 19921030)

LOSS OF BRAKE EFFECTIVENES

R 19911220 — fuel system, gasoline

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

R 19960607 — electrical system

THE IGNITION SWITCH COULD EXPERIENCE AN INTERNAL SHORT CIRCUIT.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH.

Campaign 96V071000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1989 Ford F150 — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (84 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (50 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for service brakes issues (15 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 89V114000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 90V101000 (power train) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 91V146000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 96V071000 (electrical system) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

FAQ

Is the 1989 Ford F150 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 F150?

The most-reported component is fuel system, gasoline, accounting for 40% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1989 Ford F150 have?

4 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.