1989 Ford Econoline Problems
- Complaints
- 32filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- —no mileage reported
- Recalls
- 2campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1989 Ford Econoline (complaints, recalls, investigations). Report an error
NHTSA recorded 32 consumer complaints for the 1989 Ford Econoline. The part named most often is fuel system, with 7 complaints (22% of the total), followed by brakes (5) and engine cooling (5). Of all complaints, 4 a fire, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns and 0 technical service bulletins for this model year. Fuel system complaints overlap with 1 recall campaign covering the selector devices filed under the same part.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Fuel system7 22%
- Brakes5 16%
- Engine cooling5 16%
- Electrical system4 13%
- Equipment3 9.4%
- Vehicle speed control3 9.4%
- Seats2 6.3%
- Tires2 6.3%
- Exterior lighting1 3.1%
Also reported: Seat belts (1), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (1), Wheels (1).
Example complaints
Fuel system: “Consumer noticed a portion of unused fuel was returning to the front tank when the front tank was full. Also, there was a a fuel spillage which was causing a fire hazard. Consumer has contacted the dealer. Dealer noted that recall 93v125000/ fuel tank auxillary selected and switch dealt with the same problem. However, this vehicle was not under recall due to VIN.”
NHTSA complaint #858727, filed 2000-03Brakes: “Abs: brake seems to overheat causing pedal to go completely to floor; extended stopping; no warning. Tt the brake over heating occured both on stop and go traffic as well as while driving down a steep mountain.”
NHTSA complaint #973854, filed 1995-10Engine cooling: “Catalytic converter failed 3 out of 4 times. Three of the four times that this problem has accurred Ford has taken replace the part mostly free of charge. This time in 2001 Ford will not fix the problem and tells us to bad. We fill that being a repeated problem Ford motor company should in good faith take care of this problem completely once and for all. We would like to be reimbursed for our repair cost. We did have this problem fixed at our expense. …”
NHTSA complaint #750691, filed 2001-08Electrical system: “When first starting vehicle defect within ignition switch will cause entire electrical system to become inoperative. This is intermittent problem. Sometimes vehicle will not shift into overdrive or will not want to shift out of first gear. Air conditoner failed. Power window malfunctions. Brake light inoperable. Cruise control malfunctions.”
NHTSA complaint #824617, filed 1998-06Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Recalls and investigations
- 91V146000Sep 4, 1991Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Auxillary tank › Selector devicesCovers: Ford Econoline 1989–1991, E-350 1989–1991, E-150 1989–1991 +4 more
The dual fuel tank selector valve may malfunction and cause an overfill condition in one of the fuel tanks, resulting in an overflow of fuel past the filler cap.
- 90V101000Jun 1, 1990Power train › Automatic transmission › Gear position indication (prndl)Covers: Ford Econoline 1989–1990, F-150 1989–1990, F-250 1989–1990 +4 more
Under certain conditions, the snap ring that locates the park gear on the output shaft of the transmission may fracture.
Recall details for the 1989 Ford Econoline → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
No technical service bulletins are on record for the 1989 Ford Econoline.
Other model years of the Ford Econoline
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 22 | 48,500 | 2 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 2002 | 23 | 97,258 | 2 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 2001 | 28 | 86,000 | 3 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2000 | 39 | 50,000 | 3 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1999 | 84 | 75,794 | 5 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1998 | 46 | 79,500 | 2 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1997 | 79 | 89,400 | 2 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1996 | 81 | 98,000 | 3 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1995 | 73 | 45,000 | 4 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1994 | 124 | 118,000 | 4 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1993 | 65 | 103,000 | 3 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1992 | 83 | 115,000 | 3 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1991 | 24 | 52,867 | 3 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 1990 | 30 | 44,000 | 4 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1989 | 32 | — | 2 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1988 | 22 | — | 0 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 1987 | 15 | 110,000 | 4 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 1986 | 7 | — | 5 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 1985 | 10 | — | 5 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 1984 | 7 | — | 6 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
All Ford Econoline model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1989 Ford Econoline have?
NHTSA recorded 32 consumer complaints for the 1989 Ford Econoline as of Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1989 Ford Econoline is reported most often?
Fuel system is named most often, in 7 complaints (22% of the total), followed by brakes with 5.
Has the 1989 Ford Econoline been recalled?
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.