VehicleVerdict

1989 Ford Ranger problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 1989 Ford Ranger sits mid-pack among Ranger years: 88 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 160, with 3 recalls and one closed investigation.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across electrical system (16), engine (13), and brakes (10), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

88

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

1

Investigations

7

Crash-involved

15

Fires reported

2

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1989 compare to other Ranger years?

Ranger NHTSA complaints by model year, 1989 highlighted966 complaints1978: 1 complaints1979: 1 complaints1983: 13 complaints1984: 12 complaints1985: 33 complaints1986: 50 complaints1987: 58 complaints1988: 117 complaints1989: 88 complaints1990: 141 complaints1991: 145 complaints1992: 231 complaints1993: 272 complaints1994: 531 complaints1995: 451 complaints1996: 533 complaints1997: 536 complaints1998: 744 complaints1999: 966 complaints2000: 849 complaints2001: 687 complaints2002: 449 complaints2003: 310 complaints2004: 462 complaints2005: 353 complaints2006: 316 complaints2007: 282 complaints2008: 340 complaints2009: 178 complaints2010: 170 complaints2011: 260 complaints2014: 1 complaints2016: 1 complaints2017: 1 complaints2019: 341 complaints2020: 148 complaints2021: 147 complaints2022: 50 complaints2023: 20 complaints2024: 85 complaints2025: 47 complaints2026: 5 complaints
Ranger NHTSA complaints by model year, 1989 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Ranger years to avoid →

What are the most common 1989 Ford Ranger problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System1618%
Engine1315%
Brakes1011%
Fuel System1011%
Tires & Wheels910%
Transmission89%
Body & Structure45%
Visibility & Wipers33%
Seat Belts33%
Seats33%
Speed Control33%
Suspension22%
Other22%
Latches & Locks22%

Does the 1989 Ford Ranger have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

06E026000LightingMarch 23, 2006 · 61,944 units

Defect

CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Consequence

WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy

PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.

98E010000BrakesApril 8, 1998 · 23,500 units

Defect

EQUIPMENT DESCRIPTION: AFTERMARKET BRAKE ROTORS FOR USE ON CERTAIN FORD AND MAZDA TRUCKS. CRACKED CASTINGS CAUSED CRACKS TO APPEAR ON THE OUTER DIAMETER OF THE ROTOR HAT OR AROUND THE STUD HOLE.

Consequence

LOSS OF BRAKING CAN RESULT.

Remedy

AIMCO WILL REIMBURSE CONSUMERS/INSTALLERS FOR THE COST OF REPLACEMENT ROTORS AND INSTALLATION. CONSUMERS ARE REQUESTED TO RETURN TO THE LOCATION WHERE THE ROTORS WERE ORIGINALLY PURCHASED/INSTALLED FOR REPLACEMENT.

89V109000SuspensionJuly 5, 1989 · 25,000 units

Defect

FRONT WHEEL BEARING ADJUSTING NUT RETAINING KEYS MAY BE MISSING FROM FRONT AXLE ASSEMBLIES, ALLOWING THE NUT TO LOOSEN.

Consequence

THIS COULD RESULT IN DETACHMENT OF THE WHEEL AND HUBASSEMBLY FROM THE AXLE, LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, AND AN ACCIDENT.

Remedy

INSTALL RETAINING KEYS IN FRONT WHEEL HUB ASSEMBLIES WHERE MISSING.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“ELECTRICAL FAILURE UNDER HOOD RIGHT SIDE RANDOMLY BURST INTO FLAMES IN MY GARAGE.....= = ENGINE COMPARTMENT TOAST...FAN BLADE IN A PUDDLE ON THE FLOOR ALONG WITH MOST OF THE GRILLE AND HEAD LAMP.=.GARAGE----SMOKE DAMAGED,,,,,PUSHED IT OUT WHEN I SMELLED SOMETHING BURNING FIRE DEPT PUT IT OUT. *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · April 27, 2008 · fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1989 FORD RANGER. WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE RESTARTED. THE CONTACT, A CERTIFIED INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, DIAGNOSED THE VEHICLE AS HAVING SECONDARY IGNITION FAILURE. THE VEHICLE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · April 20, 2016

“ON A RELATIVELY COLD AND RAINY EVENING, I PARKED MY VEHICLE IN A PARKING LOT AND ATTENDED AN EVENT LASTING A COUPLE OF HOURS. AFTER THE EVENT I RETURNED TO MY VEHICLE TO LEAVE. I WAS TRAVELLING ABOUT 15 MPH THROUGH THE PARKING LOT AND CAME TO A CORNER, AND APPROACHING THE CORNER APPLIED THE BRAKES…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · November 18, 2002 · crash

“THE FITTING TO THE PRESSURE REGULATOR BLEW OFF DUE TO THE HEAT AND PRESSURE FROM THE PLASTIC GAS LINE, WHICH CAUSED A FIRE. *SLC”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · fire

“TIRES HAD PROPER INFLATION WHEN TREAD SEPARATION CAUSED LOSS OF CONTROL AND ACCIDENT. *AK( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: R21570R14 )”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · June 15, 1998 · crash

1989 Ford Ranger — common questions

Is the 1989 Ford Ranger reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 88 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Ranger year, with 3 recalls and no open investigations.

What are the most common 1989 Ranger problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (16 complaints), engine (13 complaints), brakes (10 complaints).

Does the 1989 Ford Ranger have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 1989 Ford Ranger. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1989 Ford Ranger under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Ford Ranger years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Ranger years to avoid are 1999, 2000, 1998, 2001, 1997, 1996, 1994, 2004, 1995, 2002, 2005, 2019, 2008, 2006, 2003, 2007, 1993, 2011, 2020. The cleanest record among Ranger years belongs to 2017.

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.