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 F-250 electrical system problems
The 1989 Ford F-250 has 23 electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA — 16% of the year's total, and roughly flat versus the prior model year.
23
Electrical System complaints
16%
Share of year
0
Crash-involved
1
Related recalls
Electrical System complaints by year
Related recalls
What owners report
“WHILE PULLING TRAILER ON HIGHWAY AT 50 MPH, DRIVER BEGAN TO SMELL SOMETHING BURNING. HE LOOKED AT INSTRUMENT PANEL TO SEE IF ANY WARNING INDICATORS WERE ILLUMINATING. TRUCK BEGAN TO SMOKE INSIDE CAB. DRIVER PULLED OVER AND IN MINUTES TRUCK BURNED.*AK”
Common questions
How many electrical system complaints does the 1989 Ford F-250 have?
NHTSA has 23 complaints about the 1989 Ford F-250 electrical system — 16% of all complaints filed for that model year.
Are there recalls for the 1989 Ford F-250 electrical system?
Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign for this model year is tied to the electrical system: 96V071000.
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.