Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 38 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.9 times the median E-350 year — the 1989 model ranks #17 of 53 E-350 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.
The trouble concentrates in one system: brakes issues account for 47% of all reports (18 of 38), far ahead of engine at 5.
38
NHTSA complaints
3
Recalls
6
Investigations
2
Crash-involved
1
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 18 | 47% | ▲ up |
| Body & Structure | 5 | 13% | — flat |
| Engine | 5 | 13% | ▲ up |
| Fuel System | 4 | 11% | ▲ up |
| Transmission | 2 | 5% | — flat |
| Steering | 1 | 3% | new |
| Other | 1 | 3% | new |
| Tires & Wheels | 1 | 3% | — flat |
| Electrical System | 1 | 3% | ▼ down |
3 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.
Defect
NYLON TIES THAT SUPPORT THE MAIN WIRING HARNESS TO THE CHASSIS COULD WEAR AND BREAK DUE TO EXCESSIVE VIBRATION. THUS, WIRING HARNESS COULD FALL ON ENGINE COMPONENTS AND SHORT CIRCUIT.
Consequence
THIS COULD CAUSE LOSS OF ELECTRICAL SYSTEM WHICH COULDRESULT IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.
Remedy
INSTALL RETROFIT RIT OF PLASTIC-COATED METAL CLAMPS, LOOM FOR POSITIVE BATTERY CABLES AND RE-ROUTE WIRING.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“WROTE AN EXPLANATION OF WHOLE PROBLEM BUT WON'T FIT HERE. PLANNING TRIP TO MOUNTAINS, BUT SCARED TO GO WITHOUT RESOLUTION TO PROBLEM. NO SAFETY DEFECT LISTED WITHIN SUMMARY. *AK”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1989 FORD E-350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE EXITING FROM THE WHEEL CHAIR RAMP THAT WAS ATTACHED TO THE VEHICLE IN A WHEEL CHAIR, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY ROLLED AWAY AND CRASHED INTO A GATE. THE CONTACT WAS NOT INJURED. ADDITIONALLY, THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 70 MPH AND…”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1989 FORD E-350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE EXITING FROM THE WHEEL CHAIR RAMP THAT WAS ATTACHED TO THE VEHICLE IN A WHEEL CHAIR, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY ROLLED AWAY AND CRASHED INTO A GATE. THE CONTACT WAS NOT INJURED. ADDITIONALLY, THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 70 MPH AND…”
NHTSA data argues against it: 38 complaints put the 1989 model at #17 of 53 E-350 years. It is one of the E-350 years to avoid.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (18 complaints), engine (5 complaints), body & structure (5 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 1989 Ford E-350. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
NHTSA opened 6 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the E-350 years to avoid are 1997, 1995, 2005, 1999, 2006, 1998, 2004, 2000, 2002, 1994, 1996, 2003, 2001, 2008, 1993, 1992, 1989, 2013, 2021. The cleanest record among E-350 years belongs to 2027.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.