1989 Ford Econoline Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 13%of 32 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the electrical system of the 1989 Ford Econoline, 13% of the 32 complaints for this model year. 3 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.
“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 1998-06“Van caught fire and was destroyed after being parked two hours. Fire investigators determined cause was an electrical defect in engine compartment on driver's side. Fire damaged adjacent house and nearby vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #752385, filed 2001-09Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 3 | 14% |
| 2002 | 2 | 9% |
| 2001 | 1 | 4% |
| 2000 | 3 | 8% |
| 1999 | 4 | 5% |
| 1998 | 3 | 7% |
| 1997 | 3 | 4% |
| 1996 | 7 | 9% |
| 1995 | 8 | 11% |
| 1994 | 11 | 9% |
| 1993 | 3 | 5% |
| 1992 | 11 | 13% |
| 1991 | 1 | 4% |
| 1990 | 5 | 17% |
| 1989 | 4 | 13% |
| 1988 | 7 | 32% |
| 1987 | 2 | 13% |
| 1986 | 2 | 29% |
| 1985 | 4 | 40% |
Other parts of the 1989 Ford Econoline
7 complaintsBrakes
5 complaintsEngine cooling
5 complaintsEquipment
3 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
3 complaintsVehicle speed control
3 complaintsSeats
2 complaintsTires
2 complaintsExterior lighting
1 complaintsSeat belts
1 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
1 complaintsWheels
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1989 Ford Econoline
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.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology