1989 Ford Crown Victoria Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 24about this part
- Share
- 33%of 72 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 36,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 24 complaints about the electrical system of the 1989 Ford Crown Victoria, 33% of the 72 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 36,000 miles. 17 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Vehicle experiencing problem with cruise control intermittently engaging and causing sudden acceleration for unknown reason. Another problem was the ignition switch which consumer was unable to turn off when needed. Also, air conditioner would give off an odor when turned on. Dealer /manufacturer were not notified at this time. Seeking help from NHTSA in these matters.”
NHTSA complaint #837819, filed 1999-05“Consumer stated the vehicle had not been driven in 4 months and was parked in the garage, vehicle caught on fire, resulting in garage burning down and vehicle being totalled. Property damage was $54000.00.”
NHTSA complaint #8003152, filed 2002-01“Intermittently vehicle will stall out and die with out warning, vehicle would not restart, dealer has repaired vehicle under a safety improvement campaign. Original tfi module failed.”
NHTSA complaint #8004766, filed 2002-02“Vehicle was parked and the steering column caught on fire. There was heavy smoke and flames were coming from the vehicle. The consumer had to call the firer department to come and put the fire out.”
NHTSA complaint #829520, filed 1998-10“While vehicle was parked and caught on fire. This vehicle had an recall for ignition switch. Thinks that the recall repairs started the fire. 96v071000.”
NHTSA complaint #803583, filed 1996-10Related recalls
- 96V071000Apr 25, 1996The ignition switch could experience an internal short circuit.Covers: Ford Crown Victoria 1988–1989, Thunderbird 1988–1993, Mercury Cougar 1988–1993 +12 more
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 1 | 4% |
| 2010 | 1 | 8% |
| 2009 | 5 | 11% |
| 2008 | 5 | 10% |
| 2007 | 5 | 10% |
| 2006 | 4 | 8% |
| 2005 | 21 | 11% |
| 2004 | 23 | 17% |
| 2003 | 20 | 8% |
| 2002 | 9 | 16% |
| 2001 | 4 | 8% |
| 2000 | 6 | 7% |
| 1999 | 10 | 7% |
| 1998 | 8 | 7% |
| 1997 | 14 | 5% |
| 1996 | 12 | 4% |
| 1995 | 16 | 6% |
| 1994 | 11 | 6% |
| 1993 | 22 | 12% |
| 1992 | 52 | 17% |
| 1991 | 10 | 18% |
| 1990 | 10 | 23% |
| 1989 | 24 | 33% |
| 1988 | 18 | 43% |
| 1987 | 14 | 34% |
| 1986 | 14 | 52% |
| 1985 | 10 | 48% |
| 1984 | 5 | 83% |
| 1983 | 3 | 60% |
Other parts of the 1989 Ford Crown Victoria
11 complaintsEngine cooling
9 complaintsSeat belts
6 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
5 complaintsBrakes
4 complaintsBody and structure
4 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
4 complaintsEquipment
3 complaintsSeats
3 complaintsOther or unknown
2 complaintsSteering
2 complaintsTires
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1989 Ford Crown Victoria
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology