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 PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1983 | 11 |
| 1984 | 12 |
| 1985 | 27 |
| 1986 | 35 |
| 1987 | 50 |
| 1988 | 89 |
| 1989 | 73 |
| 1990 | 105 |
| 1991 | 132 |
| 1992 | 189 |
| 1993 | 232 |
| 1994 | 438 |
| 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 | 267 |
| 2008 | 324 |
| 2009 | 168 |
| 2010 | 156 |
| 2011 | 235 |
| 2014 | 1 |
| 2016 | 1 |
| 2017 | 1 |
| 2019 | 260 |
| 2020 | 119 |
| 2021 | 105 |
| 2022 | 36 |
| 2023 | 17 |
| 2024 | 55 |
| 2025 | 27 |
| 2026 | 3 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
8% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 6 distinct reports on file.
7% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 5 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
ON A RELATIVELY COLD AND RAINY EVENING, I PARKED MY VEHICLE IN A PARKING LOT AND ATTENDED AN EVENT LASTING A COUPLE OF HOURS. AFTER THE EVENT I RETURNED TO MY VEHICLE TO LEAVE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20040525
5% of complaints: tires — 4 distinct reports on file.
CRASH5% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 4 distinct reports on file.
5% of complaints: electrical system — 4 distinct reports on file.
FIRESAFETY TIMELINE
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.
Campaign 89V109000 — check if this car was fixed
WHL SEPARATION/TORQUE LOSS
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 F
Campaign 98E010000 — check if this car was fixed
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 S
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.
Campaign 06E026000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1989 Ford Ranger — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (6 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for tires issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 89V109000 (suspension) has been completed.
- Verify recall 98E010000 (service brakes, air) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06E026000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
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 engine and engine cooling:engine, accounting for 8% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1989 Ford Ranger have?
3 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.