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 Mustang electrical system problems
The 1989 Ford Mustang has 50 electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA — 39% of the year's total, and roughly flat versus the prior model year.
50
Electrical System complaints
39%
Share of year
0
Crash-involved
1
Related recalls
Electrical System complaints by year
Related recalls
What owners report
“CONSUMER RECEIVED RECALL FOR IGNITION SWITCH, STATES THAT DEALER WILL REPLACE SWITCH WITH NEW ONE. DEALER DID NOT, THEREFORE 10 MONTHS LATER VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE DUE TO THIS.*AK”
Common questions
How many electrical system complaints does the 1989 Ford Mustang have?
NHTSA has 50 complaints about the 1989 Ford Mustang electrical system — 39% of all complaints filed for that model year.
Are there recalls for the 1989 Ford Mustang 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.