1989 Ford F-150 Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 52about this part
- Share
- 23%of 224 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 188,000miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 52 complaints about the electrical system of the 1989 Ford F-150, 23% of the 224 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 188,000 miles. 31 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.
“After about two years of ownership, vehicle started dying for no apparent reason while slowing down, like coming into a stop sign. This caused loss of control ( steering and brakes) and as this is a heavy vehicle, I won't allow my wife to drive it. Have tried tuneups, etc. To no avail.”
NHTSA complaint #738579, filed 2001-01“We replaced engine on 5/13/98 ,ign.cyl1/04steering col1/04/00fueltank&seng unit1/10/00 we did not know these items were onrecall what can we do to get our money back? Safty was our concern with our kids can you help us pep boys did all the work for us. I have receipts for all work done. Thank you”
NHTSA complaint #719113, filed 2000-02“The contact owns a 1989 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated that the vehicle had two starters replaced previously. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 188,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10609362, filed 2014-07, 188,000 miles“Back in late march'01 I lost my turn signals/ back brake lights,and when I would put on my brakes, the instrument panel would light up and outside marker lights would come on.then in march '01 I kept blowing fuses for my turn signals,lost brake lights,turn signal on driverside rear wont work and then smoke came out of my steering column, and now dont have cruise control. Never received recall notice .somebody told me to check to see about a recall,they had heard about thank you for your time . Hope we can resolve problem. Steve.”
NHTSA complaint #744697, filed 2001-04“For over 20 years I have been an niase & ase master auto and master medium & heavy duty truck mechanic. As I am sure you are aware, Ford has a serious design problem with alternators such as the one used on the model year mentioned in this complaint. Starting just after my original manufacturer warranty ran out, my alternator caught fire. I was able to extinguish the fire before extensive damage occurred. I carry a fire extinguisher on board. I repaired the fire damage and replaced the alternator with a rebuilt unit. Between then and now, I have had three more alternator fires. …”
NHTSA complaint #748627, filed 2001-07Related recalls
- 96V071000Apr 25, 1996The ignition switch could experience an internal short circuit.Covers: Ford F-150 1988–1991, Thunderbird 1988–1993, Mercury Cougar 1988–1993 +12 more
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2 | 17% |
| 2025 | 23 | 21% |
| 2024 | 40 | 21% |
| 2023 | 85 | 20% |
| 2022 | 126 | 21% |
| 2021 | 130 | 13% |
| 2020 | 89 | 12% |
| 2019 | 100 | 7% |
| 2018 | 172 | 7% |
| 2017 | 136 | 9% |
| 2016 | 191 | 9% |
| 2015 | 176 | 10% |
| 2014 | 163 | 11% |
| 2013 | 324 | 11% |
| 2012 | 173 | 10% |
| 2011 | 235 | 11% |
| 2010 | 166 | 20% |
| 2009 | 46 | 14% |
| 2008 | 29 | 8% |
| 2007 | 42 | 9% |
| 2006 | 60 | 10% |
| 2005 | 73 | 7% |
| 2004 | 99 | 5% |
| 2003 | 47 | 11% |
| 2002 | 106 | 13% |
| 2001 | 137 | 11% |
| 2000 | 191 | 18% |
| 1999 | 85 | 8% |
| 1998 | 87 | 6% |
| 1997 | 198 | 7% |
| 1996 | 56 | 17% |
| 1995 | 65 | 10% |
| 1994 | 88 | 13% |
| 1993 | 34 | 6% |
| 1992 | 48 | 10% |
| 1991 | 50 | 16% |
| 1990 | 37 | 13% |
| 1989 | 52 | 23% |
| 1988 | 49 | 35% |
| 1987 | 37 | 41% |
| 1986 | 22 | 36% |
| 1985 | 10 | 36% |
| 1984 | 7 | 47% |
| 1983 | 3 | 30% |
| 1982 | 1 | 20% |
Other parts of the 1989 Ford F-150
95 complaintsBrakes
16 complaintsEngine cooling
13 complaintsVehicle speed control
13 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
9 complaintsSteering
8 complaintsBody and structure
8 complaintsTires
8 complaintsSuspension
5 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
4 complaintsOther or unknown
3 complaintsWheels
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1989 Ford F-150
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 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