Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 37 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.2 times the median E-150 year — the 1989 model ranks #11 of 43 E-150 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.
Electrical System leads the complaint categories with 11 reports (30% of the total).
37
NHTSA complaints
2
Recalls
3
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
7
Fires reported
1
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 11 | 30% | ▲ up |
| Fuel System | 8 | 22% | ▲ up |
| Engine | 6 | 16% | ▲ up |
| Tires & Wheels | 3 | 8% | ▲ up |
| Transmission | 2 | 5% | new |
| Body & Structure | 1 | 3% | — flat |
| Suspension | 1 | 3% | new |
| Seat Belts | 1 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Climate Control (A/C & Heat) | 1 | 3% | — flat |
| Other | 1 | 3% | new |
| Brakes | 1 | 3% | — flat |
| Steering | 1 | 3% | — flat |
2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
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.
Consequence
THE OVERFLOW OF FUEL PAST THE FILLER CAP CAUSES A FUELLEAKAGE, WHICH CAN RESULT IN A FIRE WHEN EXPOSED TO A SOURCE OF IGNITION.
Remedy
REPLACE THE DUAL FUEL TANK SELECTOR VALVE.
Defect
UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, THE SNAP RING THAT LOCATES THE PARK GEAR ON THE OUTPUT SHAFT OF THE TRANSMISSION MAY FRACTURE.
Consequence
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. THIS COULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT.
Remedy
INSTALL IMPROVED SNAP RING AND REVISED TRANSMISSION EXTENSION HOUSING.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“ALTENATEOR HARNESS PLUG CONNECTOR SUDDENLY SHORT CIRCUTED, AND CAUSED VEHICLE TO CATCHON FIRE. DEALER HAS NOT BEEN CONTACTED. *AK”
“VAN DIED,TOWED TO MECHANICS SHOP,WAS TOLD SWITCH VALVE BETWEEN TANKS WAS PROBLEM, LOOKED ON NHTSA WEBSITE ABOUT RECALLS. FORD VAN 89 E-150 WITH DUEL GAS TANKS. FORD SAFETY RECALL NUMBER IS 91S39 WENT TO FORD WEB SITE,CALLED THEM ON PHONE, CUSTOMER SERVICE AND LOCAL DEALERSHIP. BOTH SAID THERE WAS…”
“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…”
“WHILE DRIVING, THE TIRE EXPERIENCED TREAD SEPARATION AND DAMAGED THE FRONT FENDER. *AK THE VALVE STEM WAS ALSO REPLACED. *PH *JB”
NHTSA data argues against it: 37 complaints put the 1989 model at #11 of 43 E-150 years. It is one of the E-150 years to avoid.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (11 complaints), fuel system (8 complaints), engine (6 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1989 Ford E-150. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
NHTSA opened 3 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the E-150 years to avoid are 1994, 1997, 1999, 1995, 1993, 1992, 1998, 1996, 2000, 2001, 1989, 2002, 2004, 2003, 2011. The cleanest record among E-150 years belongs to 2023.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.