Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 3 complaints on file for the 1989 Ford F Series — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.
3
NHTSA complaints
2
Recalls
1
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tires & Wheels | 2 | 67% | ▲ up |
| Fuel System | 1 | 33% | new |
2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
INTERCONNECTION OF RETURN LINE PLUMBING FROM HYDROBOOST STEERING GEAR MAY CAUSE LIGHT APPLICATION OF HYDROBOOST UNIT WITHOUT APPLYING BRAKE PEDAL.
Consequence
THIS COULD RESULT IN DRAGGING BRAKES, BRAKE FADE, ORPREMATURE WEAR AND/OR HEAT DAMAGE TO BRAKE SYSTEM COMPONENTS, REDUCING BRAKINGEFFICIENCY WHICH COULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT.
Remedy
INSTALL REVISED RETURN LINES AND REPLACE DAMAGED BRAKE SYSTEM COMPONENTS.
Defect
BOLTS THAT ATTACH THE FRONT AXLE TRACK BAR BRACKET TO THE FRONT CROSSMEMBER MAY LOOSEN, ALLOWING THE FRONT WHEELS TO OSCILLATE WITH FRONT END SHIMMY.
Consequence
SEVERE SHIMMY COULD DAMAGE STEERING LINKAGE OR STEERINGGEAR, WHICH COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND AN ACCIDENT.
Remedy
INSTALL REDESIGNED FRONT AXLE TRACK BAR TO CROSSMEMBER BRACKET AND IF NECESSARY, REPLACE CERTAIN STEERING COMPONENTS.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“WHILE OPERATING IN REVERSE LESS THAT 8 MPH THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE IMPACTED A TREE LIMB AND THE TIER SIDEWALL SPLIT FROM THE TREAD TO THE RIME SEAL. DEALER ADVISES THIS WAS AN IMPACT BLOWOUT. I CAN SEE AT A SPEED GREATER THAN 8 MPH SUCH A POSSIBLE BLOWOUT BUT QUESTION SUCH A SITUATION AT SUCH A LOW…”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1989 FORD F250. THE CONTACT STATED THAT FUEL WOULD OVERFLOW AND SPILL OUT THROUGH THE FILLER NECK VALVE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO ADVISED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED WHO OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE…”
The record is thin — 3 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.
Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1989 Ford F Series. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the F Series years to avoid are 1997, 2001, 2000, 1999, 2002, 1998. The cleanest record among F Series years belongs to 1986.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.