1989 Ford E-150 Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 11about this part
- Share
- 35%of 31 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 11 complaints about the electrical system of the 1989 Ford E-150, 35% of the 31 complaints for this model year. 5 a fire, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The air conditioning blower motor switch was melted I replaced it and it melted after 4000 miles. I went to a salvage yard and they were all melted in the hi position. When on hi the wiring get so hot you cannot hold the wires”
NHTSA complaint #729257, filed 2000-08“Began having serious problem with stalling approx. 2 mos ago , stalled while at highway speeds and while crossing intersections , endangering the safety of my family , which consists of myself ,my wife , and our four small children. This problem has occured 7 times. I have repaired it twice. Recently I took it to the local Ford dealership. And at first they denied and problem and the recent recall in california. Ihave done a considerable amount of research regarding this problem including meeting with a regional Ford district service manager. Please , please help me...”
NHTSA complaint #734638, filed 2000-10“Ignition control module fails due to excessive heat buildup, due to where the control module is located. The ignition control module needs to be relocated to a cooler area under the hood, and mounted on a large heat sink, and this new location should be where cooling airflow from front of van flows over the ignition control module and its connected heat sink. The ignition control module will fail without any warnings, no warning lamps, or any other symptoms. This problem leaves your vehicle and your passengers stranded until it cools down which can take an hour or more! …”
NHTSA complaint #11543672, filed 2023-09“Ignition module has been giving us problems since purchased-1993- one time the module failed and another time it was replaced, still the problem persists.”
NHTSA complaint #735288, filed 2000-10Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 1 | 13% |
| 2015 | 1 | 13% |
| 2014 | 1 | 17% |
| 2013 | 2 | 11% |
| 2012 | 1 | 8% |
| 2011 | 3 | 13% |
| 2010 | 1 | 10% |
| 2009 | 1 | 14% |
| 2007 | 2 | 17% |
| 2006 | 3 | 18% |
| 2005 | 2 | 13% |
| 2004 | 1 | 3% |
| 2003 | 4 | 19% |
| 2002 | 3 | 11% |
| 2001 | 7 | 19% |
| 2000 | 4 | 8% |
| 1999 | 7 | 8% |
| 1998 | 1 | 2% |
| 1997 | 8 | 8% |
| 1996 | 10 | 17% |
| 1995 | 3 | 4% |
| 1994 | 12 | 10% |
| 1993 | 7 | 10% |
| 1992 | 6 | 9% |
| 1991 | 4 | 27% |
| 1989 | 11 | 35% |
| 1988 | 7 | 50% |
| 1987 | 8 | 47% |
| 1986 | 4 | 44% |
Other parts of the 1989 Ford E-150
8 complaintsEngine cooling
5 complaintsTires
2 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
2 complaintsBrakes
1 complaintsEngine
1 complaintsEquipment
1 complaintsOther or unknown
1 complaintsSeat belts
1 complaintsSteering
1 complaintsBody and structure
1 complaintsSuspension
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1989 Ford E-150
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 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