1989 Ford Ranger
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.
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
- 73
- Recalls
- 3
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- Electrical system
Campaigns on file for 1989
Opened by NHTSA
21% of complaints
Complaints per year
1989: 73 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1983 | 11 |
| 1984 | 12 |
| 1985 | 27 |
| 1986 | 36 |
| 1987 | 51 |
| 1988 | 90 |
| 1989 | 73 |
| 1990 | 106 |
| 1991 | 133 |
| 1992 | 191 |
| 1993 | 235 |
| 1994 | 455 |
| 1995 | 321 |
| 1996 | 413 |
| 1997 | 411 |
| 1998 | 576 |
| 1999 | 755 |
| 2000 | 670 |
| 2001 | 515 |
| 2002 | 346 |
| 2003 | 243 |
| 2004 | 404 |
| 2005 | 289 |
| 2006 | 271 |
| 2007 | 270 |
| 2008 | 326 |
| 2009 | 168 |
| 2010 | 156 |
| 2011 | 235 |
| 2014 | 1 |
| 2016 | 1 |
| 2017 | 1 |
| 2019 | 271 |
| 2020 | 130 |
| 2021 | 119 |
| 2022 | 38 |
| 2023 | 18 |
| 2024 | 93 |
| 2025 | 45 |
| 2026 | 9 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Electrical system
21% · 15 reportsMost commonly citing switch and ignition.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl*the contact owns a 1989 Ford Ranger. While driving 55 MPH, the vehicle burst into flames. The contact stated that he immediately parked and evacuated the vehicle. The fire department and sheriff arrived at the scene.
NHTSA ODI report, 2007-08-31
Tl* the contact owns a 1989 Ford Ranger. While driving at low speeds, the vehicle stalled and the check engine warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was able to be restarted.
NHTSA ODI report, 2017-05-18
Also filed under Engine
Engine and engine cooling
15% · 11 reportsMost commonly citing engine and gasoline.
Service brakes
12% · 9 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic.
Fuel system, gasoline
11% · 8 reportsMost commonly citing tank assembly and mounting.
Show complaint excerpts
Truck was sitting in the parking lot went to start truck there popping noise and truck caught on fire no one was hurt . Tt
NHTSA ODI report, 1996-02-15
The truck burnt up for no reason. Please describe. Tt
NHTSA ODI report, 1995-02-15
Tires
10% · 7 reportsMost commonly citing tread/belt.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owns a 1989 Ford Ranger equipped with hercules h/p 4000 tires, size: 215/70R14 (Na). The contact stated that the front driver side tire was cracking and experienced tread separation.
NHTSA ODI report, 2015-09-08
Safety timeline
3 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
R
1989-07-24Suspension89V109000 Front wheel bearing adjusting nut retaining keys may be missing from front axle assemblies, allowing the nut to loosen.
Remedy: Install retaining keys in front wheel hub assemblies where missing.
-
I
1992-03-16Preliminary evaluationClosed 1992-08-31 Whl separation/torque loss
-
R
1998-04-15Service brakes, air98E010000 Equipment description: aftermarket brake rotors for use on certain Ford and Mazda trucks. Cracked castings caused cracks to appear on the outer diameter of the rotor hat or around the stud hole.
Remedy: Aimco will reimburse consumers/installers for the cost of replacement rotors and installation. Consumers are requested to return to the location where the rotors were originally purchased/installed…
-
R
2006-04-03Exterior lighting06E026000 Certain pro-a motors corner lamps, turn signals, and headlights sold as replacement lamps for use on certain passenger vehicles listed above. Some combination lamps that are not equipped with amber…
Remedy: Pro-a motors will notify owners and offer to repurchase the lamps. The recall began on April 3, 2006. Owners may contact pro-a motors at 323-838-2988.
Buy-smart checklist
1989 Ford Ranger — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Electrical system: 15 reports on file for this year.
- Engine and engine cooling: 11 reports on file for this year.
- Service brakes: 9 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 89V109000 · Suspension
- Recall 98E010000 · Service brakes, air
- Recall 06E026000 · Exterior lighting
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 1989 Ford Ranger reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1989 Ford Ranger is rated "better than typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 1989 Ford Ranger?
- The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 21% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1989 Ford Ranger have?
- 3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.