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1989 Ford E-150Problems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 31 owner complaints about the 1989 Ford E-150, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 2 safety recalls.

67
CarFlaw IndexOne of the best years52% below the E-150 median · #10 of 26 years by complaints
Safety recalls2Free fix at dealersOwner complaints317 with a crash, fire or injuryTop problem11Electrical system

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through September 10, 2023. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1989 Ford E-150 has problems

31 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Electrical system115
Fuel system, gasoline80
Engine and engine cooling51
Power train21
Tires20
Steering10
Structure10
Suspension10
Engine10
3 other systems30

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

2 recalls

1989 Ford E-150 recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

–no report yet

Auxillary tank: selector devices

Recall 91V-146 · Sep 4, 1991 · 350,000 vehicles

Risk. THE OVERFLOW OF FUEL PAST THE FILLER CAP CAUSES A FUELLEAKAGE, WHICH CAN RESULT IN A FIRE WHEN EXPOSED TO A SOURCE OF IGNITION.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Automatic transmission: gear position indication (prndl)

Recall 90V-101 · Jun 1, 1990 · 111,000 vehicles

Risk. WHEN THE GEAR IS PLACED IN PARK, THE PARK GEAR WOULD NOTENGAGE, ALLOWING THE TRUCK TO ROLL FREELY IF THE PARKING BRAKE IS NOT PROPERLYSET.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Ford.

Best & worst years

1989 vs. every other E-150 year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the E-150 median. How we score

'76'78'79'80'81'82'83'84'85'86'87'88'89'90'91'92'93'94'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'21'23
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
3 investigations

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 1989 Ford E-150, and the recalls they led to.

  1. FUEL EXPULSIONEA91031 · closed Nov 1, 1991
    Led to recall 91V-146
  2. LOSS OF BRAKE EFFECTIVENESEA91044 · closed Oct 30, 1992
    Led to recall 92V-026
  3. LOSS OF BRAKE EFFECTIVENESPE91077 · closed Oct 31, 1991
    No recall
In owners' words

What E-150 owners report

Recent electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

Ignition control module fails due to excessive heat buildup, due to where the control module is located. The ignition control module needs to be relocated to a cooler area under the hood, and mounted on a large heat sink, and this new location should be where cooling airflow from front of van flows…
Complaint 11543672 · Sep 10, 2023
ALTENATEOR HARNESS PLUG CONNECTOR SUDDENLY SHORT CIRCUTED, AND CAUSED VEHICLE TO CATCHON FIRE. DEALER HAS NOT BEEN CONTACTED. *AK
Complaint 839489 · Jun 11, 1999
IGNITION MODULE HAS BEEN GIVING US PROBLEMS SINCE PURCHASED-1993- ONE TIME THE MODULE FAILED AND ANOTHER TIME IT WAS REPLACED, STILL THE PROBLEM PERSISTS. *AK
Complaint 735288 · Oct 27, 2000

Own a 1989 E-150?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.