Defect
THE IGNITION SWITCH COULD EXPERIENCE AN INTERNAL SHORT CIRCUIT.
Consequence
THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE OVERHEATING, SMOKE, AND POSSIBLY FIRE IN THE STEERING COLUMN AREA OF THE VEHICLE.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH.
1989 Ford Crown Victoria problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
Worth extra scrutiny
The 1989 Ford Crown Victoria sits mid-pack among Crown Victoria years: 86 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 70, with 2 recalls and 3 closed investigations. Reports tied to this model year include one death and 3 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.
Electrical System leads the complaint categories with 26 reports (30% of the total).
86
NHTSA complaints
2
Recalls
3
Investigations
3
Crash-involved
22
Fires reported
3
Injuries
1
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 1989 compare to other Crown Victoria years?
What are the most common 1989 Ford Crown Victoria problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 26 | 30% | — flat |
| Speed Control | 12 | 14% | ▲ up |
| Engine | 9 | 10% | ▲ up |
| Seat Belts | 6 | 7% | — flat |
| Transmission | 5 | 6% | ▲ up |
| Visibility & Wipers | 4 | 5% | ▲ up |
| Body & Structure | 4 | 5% | ▲ up |
| Brakes | 4 | 5% | new |
| Other | 3 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Seats | 3 | 3% | new |
| Climate Control (A/C & Heat) | 2 | 2% | new |
| Steering | 2 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Tires & Wheels | 2 | 2% | ▲ up |
| Suspension | 1 | 1% | — flat |
| Fuel System | 1 | 1% | — flat |
| Lighting | 1 | 1% | — flat |
| Latches & Locks | 1 | 1% | new |
Does the 1989 Ford Crown Victoria have recalls?
2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
GLASS ELEMENT THAT SEPARATES ELECTRONIC CIRCUITRY FROM PRESSURIZED FUEL MAY LOOSEN AND CREATE AN OPENING THAT COULD ALLOW PRESSURIZED FUEL TO ENTER BODY OF SENSOR.
Consequence
UNDER THESE CONDITIONS OF SEAL DETERIORATION, THE HOUSINGCOVER WOULD NOT CONTAIN FUEL, CAUSING A FUEL LEAK WHICH, IN THE PRESENCE OF ASOURCE OF IGNITION, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy
INSTALL NEW OPTICAL SENSORS.
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DRIVEN IN 4 MONTHS AND WAS PARKED IN THE GARAGE, VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE, RESULTING IN GARAGE BURNING DOWN AND VEHICLE BEING TOTALLED. PROPERTY DAMAGE WAS $54000.00.*AK *JG”
“STARTED ENGINE, SHIFTED FROM PARK TO REVERSE, VEHICLE SHOUT OUT OF DRIVEWAY, RAN ACROSS ROAD INTO NEIGHBORS YARD, WENT THRU FENCE, DRIVER LOSS TOTAL CONTROL, VEHICLE STOPPED AFTER GOING THRU TWO YARDS PLUS MORE, NO PRIOR WARNING.*AK”
“VEHICLE IS EXPERIENCING STALLING WHEN SLOWING DOWN OR ENTERING A RAMP TO THE INTERSTATE, CONSUMER FEELS IT MAY BE DUE TO 1) RECALL 95S28 REGARDING THE IGNITION SWITCH, 2) TSB REGARDING THE THROTTLE BODY LEVER GROMMET, AND 3) TSB REGARDING THE AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE SHIFTING PROBLEMS. *SLC”
“I OWN A 1983 AND 1989 FORD CROWN VICTORIA, BOTH OF WHICH HAVE SEAT BELT THAT WON'T LATCH - PROBLEM IS IN THE RECEIVING END. I FEEL THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE THAT SHOULD REQUIRE FORD TO PROVIDE FREE REPLACEMENT OF THE DEFECTIVE COMPONENT!! THESE VEHICLES ARE KEPT CLEAN AND MAINTAINED ! ”
“WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH WITH CRUISE CONTROL SET CONSUMER APPLIED THE BRAKES BUT VEHICLE WOULD NOT COME OUT OF THE CRUISE CONTROL. A FEW YEARS LATER WHILE DRIVING WITH CRUISE CONTROL ON THROTTLE LINKAGES STUCK. AS A RESULT, TRANSMISSION BEGAN TO SLIP. *AK”
1989 Ford Crown Victoria — common questions
Is the 1989 Ford Crown Victoria reliable?
It is close to typical for the Crown Victoria: 86 NHTSA complaints, 2 recalls, and 3 investigations on file.
What are the most common 1989 Crown Victoria problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (26 complaints), speed control (12 complaints), engine (9 complaints).
Does the 1989 Ford Crown Victoria have recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1989 Ford Crown Victoria. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
Is the 1989 Ford Crown Victoria under NHTSA investigation?
NHTSA opened 3 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.
Which Ford Crown Victoria years should you avoid?
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Crown Victoria years to avoid are 1992, 1996, 1997, 1995, 2003, 1994, 1993, 2005, 2004, 1999, 1998. The cleanest record among Crown Victoria years belongs to 1981.
Related
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.