1989 Ford F350
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 0 |
| 1981 | 2 |
| 1982 | 0 |
| 1983 | 1 |
| 1984 | 2 |
| 1985 | 4 |
| 1986 | 14 |
| 1987 | 8 |
| 1988 | 29 |
| 1989 | 40 |
| 1990 | 39 |
| 2005 | 0 |
| 2006 | 0 |
| 2007 | 0 |
| 2008 | 0 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
15% of complaints: tires — 6 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
I WAS RETURNING HOME FROM PHOENIX. I WAS TRANSITIONING FROM THE 101 FREEWAY,TO THE 60 EASTBOUND. ALMOST WHERE THE CONCRETE BARRIERS COME TO A POINT AND END, MY LEFT FRONT TIRE CUT LOOSE OF IT'S TREAD.
NHTSA ODI report, 20051104
10% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 4 distinct reports on file.
8% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 3 distinct reports on file.
8% of complaints: electrical system — 3 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
CONSUMER WAS DRIVING DOWN ROAD AND THE TRUCK STARTED TO SMOKE AND CAUGHT ON FIRE. *AK *SLC
NHTSA ODI report, 19960829
ELECTRICAL OR SHOCK IN THE IGNITION SWITCH, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO CATCH ON FIRE.
NHTSA ODI report, 19960426
8% of complaints: electrical system — 3 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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
TRNSMSSION PARK GEAR FAIL
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
LOSS OF BRAKE EFFECTIVENES
SPARE TIRE FIRES
FUEL EXPULSION
LOSS OF BRAKE EFFECTIVENES
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
A REVISED BRAKE LINING NOISE INSULATOR RESULTED IN A DECREASE IN THE THERMAL INSULATION BETWEEN THE BRAKE LINING AND THE FRONT BRAKE CALIPER PISTON. THIS CAUSED GREATER HEAT TRANSFER TO THE CALIPER PI
Remedy: ADD SNAP-IN INSULATORS THAT ATTACH TO EACH OF THE FRONT BRAKE CALIPER PISTONS. IN ADDITION, VEHICLES WITH 7.5 L ENGINES WILL HAVE INSULATION ADDED TO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT BRAKE LINES.
Campaign 92V026000 — check if this car was fixed
ALTERNATOR BELT FAILURE
HYDRAULIC BRAKE LINE CRACKS/LEAKS
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 F350 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for tires issues (6 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (3 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 92V026000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 96V071000 (electrical system) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 1989 Ford F350 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 F350?
The most-reported component is tires:tread/belt, accounting for 15% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1989 Ford F350 have?
5 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.