1989 Ford F-150 Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 8about this part
- Share
- 4%of 224 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the steering of the 1989 Ford F-150, 4% of the 224 complaints for this model year. 1 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 other big problem is the paint scheme is silver & grey's & I heard they have had problems with these colors,my paint & factory sealent has been flaking off for a while & now has one hole in the body. Also the ignition switch I have replaced twice they seem to have a problem with this.A/C has been a problem since 3 months after we bought it,seals keep blowing out on it spitzer says its our problem now.”
NHTSA complaint #719656, filed 2000-03“When starting the truck, steering wheel locked and actuator broke. The broken pieces from the actuator vibrated down into the steering column, causing the steering wheel to lock up while the truck was moving. The manufacturer was notified about the problem. Owner will be repairing the truck himself.please provide any further information.”
NHTSA complaint #852480, filed 1999-11“1. Tire rod ends - had no grease fittings and wore out too soon. 2. Paint - started to peel off of the roof and began to rust when the vehicle was only 5 years old. Ford was contacted and refused to repaint the vehicle. We paid out of pocket $400.00 to repair the paint on the upper half of the truck body.”
NHTSA complaint #711823, filed 1999-09“Whenever the ignition is turned off, the vehicle is still running. Took to dealer. A small piece in steering column had broken off. Due to cold weather, piece for tilt wheel had snapped. Happened twice before, but had it replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #823905, filed 1998-06“Driving at approximatley 45 MPH steering gear box blew out all fuses, causing loss of power steering. Dealer has replaced part 3 times, defect is still occurring.”
NHTSA complaint #823935, filed 1998-06Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 8% |
| 2025 | 3 | 3% |
| 2024 | 4 | 2% |
| 2023 | 17 | 4% |
| 2022 | 10 | 2% |
| 2021 | 43 | 4% |
| 2020 | 10 | 1% |
| 2019 | 22 | 2% |
| 2018 | 83 | 4% |
| 2017 | 59 | 4% |
| 2016 | 64 | 3% |
| 2015 | 84 | 5% |
| 2014 | 160 | 10% |
| 2013 | 216 | 7% |
| 2012 | 204 | 11% |
| 2011 | 419 | 19% |
| 2010 | 48 | 6% |
| 2009 | 29 | 9% |
| 2008 | 53 | 14% |
| 2007 | 29 | 6% |
| 2006 | 55 | 9% |
| 2005 | 34 | 3% |
| 2004 | 75 | 4% |
| 2003 | 15 | 4% |
| 2002 | 25 | 3% |
| 2001 | 33 | 3% |
| 2000 | 68 | 6% |
| 1999 | 50 | 5% |
| 1998 | 96 | 7% |
| 1997 | 202 | 7% |
| 1996 | 20 | 6% |
| 1995 | 25 | 4% |
| 1994 | 20 | 3% |
| 1993 | 9 | 2% |
| 1992 | 5 | 1% |
| 1991 | 7 | 2% |
| 1990 | 7 | 3% |
| 1989 | 8 | 4% |
| 1988 | 3 | 2% |
| 1987 | 2 | 2% |
| 1986 | 3 | 5% |
| 1985 | 1 | 4% |
Other parts of the 1989 Ford F-150
95 complaintsElectrical system
52 complaintsBrakes
16 complaintsEngine cooling
13 complaintsVehicle speed control
13 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
9 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 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