MYRModel Year Report

1989 Ford F150

○ Not enough data
1989 Ford F150
BUILT 2026-10-10

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
210
Recalls
4

Campaigns on file for 1989

Investigations
5

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Fuel system, gasoline

40% of complaints

Complaints per year

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 1989: 210 complaints 1989 210 1990: 254 complaints
1980: 3 complaints 1980 1981: 2 complaints 1981 1982: 5 complaints 1982 1983: 10 complaints 1983 1984: 13 complaints 1984 1985: 28 complaints 1985 1986: 61 complaints 1986 1987: 89 complaints 1987 1988: 141 complaints 1988 1989: 210 complaints 1989 210 1990: 254 complaints 1990
1980: 3 complaints 1980 1981: 2 complaints 1981 1982: 5 complaints 1982 1983: 10 complaints 1983 1984: 13 complaints 1984 1985: 28 complaints 1985 1986: 61 complaints 1986 1987: 89 complaints 1987 1988: 141 complaints 1988 1989: 210 complaints 1989 210 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% · 84 reports

Most commonly citing selector devices and tank assembly.

CRASHFIRE
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, 1995-05-04

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, 2002-09-13

Electrical system

24% · 50 reports

Most commonly citing switch and ignition.

FIREINJURYDEATH
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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2005-01-27

I am afraid to fix the truck this time because it could burn down my house or cause a accident. Mr

NHTSA ODI report, 2002-10-16

Electrical fire caused by ignition switch overheating.

NHTSA ODI report, 1995-02-23

Service brakes

7% · 15 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic and air.

CRASH

Engine and engine cooling

7% · 15 reports

Most commonly citing gasoline and manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe.

FIRE

Vehicle speed control

6% · 13 reports

Most commonly citing linkages and cables.

CRASHINJURY

Safety timeline

4 recalls · 5 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. R
    1989-08-09Fuel system, gasoline89V114000 Shields on the fronts of the midship mounted fuel tanks were omitted during assembly.

    Remedy: Install fuel tank shields.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. I
    1990-03-12Preliminary evaluationClosed 1990-06-12 Trnsmssion park gear fail
  3. 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  4. I
    1990-11-27Preliminary evaluationClosed 1991-04-17 Ford truck inconsistent vehicle control.
  5. I
    1991-05-23Preliminary evaluationClosed 1991-10-31 Loss of brake effectivenes
  6. I
    1991-06-26Engineering analysisClosed 1991-11-01 Fuel expulsion
  7. I
    1991-10-30Engineering analysisClosed 1992-10-30 Loss of brake effectivenes
  8. 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  9. R
    1996-06-07Electrical system96V071000 The ignition switch could experience an internal short circuit.

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the ignition switch.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1989 Ford F150 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Fuel system, gasoline: 84 reports on file for this year.
  • Electrical system: 50 reports on file for this year.
  • Service brakes: 15 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 89V114000 · Fuel system, gasoline
  • Recall 90V101000 · Power train
  • Recall 91V146000 · Fuel system, gasoline
  • Recall 96V071000 · Electrical system
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 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.