1989 Ford F-250 Problems
- Complaints
- 112filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 98,000miles, 13 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 6campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 14 mpgcombined, 4.9L 6-cyl RWD · 13 city / 15 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1989 Ford F-250 (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this model year mostly report fuel-related problems, especially with the dual-tank setup: fuel overflowing from the filler neck of one tank while the other is in use, or the fuel pump continuing to run after the key is off. Complaints also cover ignition switch problems that can leave the truck unable to start, brake and tire wear items, and transmission concerns. Reports appear at widely varying mileages, from the low tens of thousands to over 400,000, which fits an older heavy-duty truck that is often kept running for a long time.
- Fuel system
Fuel overflows from tank / filler neck
Mentioned in 7 of 11 sampled complaints
Owners of dual-tank trucks describe gasoline running out of a tank's filler neck and over the side of the truck or the rear tire, often while stopped at a light and sometimes while the other tank is selected. Some say a pressure and smoke check found no leak, others believe the tank selector valve or filler neck is involved. Several complaints say the dealer or manufacturer told them the vehicle was not covered by a recall for the condition. Reported from about 22,000 miles up past 120,000 miles, usually shortly after filling or while idling at a stop.
Recall 91V146000Recall 89V114000Recall 88V182000
What to check: Fill each tank separately and watch the filler necks and the area around the tanks for seepage or overflow; ask whether the dual-tank selector valve has ever been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I was driving my 1989 Ford f250 that I recently purchased on november 14th 2011 and when I got home I smelled gasoline, upon further investigation I saw fuel running out of the front fuel tank filler neck past the gas cap. I was using the rear tank at the time. I went online to see if anyone else had encountered this problem and found that there was actually a safety recall issued on this problem for this truck. …”
NHTSA complaint #10436553, filed 2011-11, 115,924 miles“Several years ago after filling the rear tank of my dual tank 1989 Ford f250, I stopped at a red light and soon noticed fuel pouring over the left rear tire. I figured it was due to a leak in the fuel filler neck and stopped using the rear tank for the next 5 or 6 years once burning out all the fuel. A few months ago I decided to get a few things fixed on the truck and asked the mechanic to see if he could isolate the leak in the rear tank. …”
NHTSA complaint #10667822, filed 2014-12, 85,000 miles - Electrical system
Engine cuts out / ignition switch will not turn
- 32 complaints (29%)
- median 96,500 mi at 20.5 yrs old (12 state mileage)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 1995–2018
Complaints describe the engine stopping without warning while driving, followed by an ignition switch that feels stiff or broken and will not engage the starter even though lights and other accessories still work. Some owners report the truck starting again after a wait, then failing to start at all the next day. The key cylinder is often pointed to as the suspect. Reported at mileages around 70,000 to 120,000, often with no prior warning.
What to check: Test the ignition switch through several start cycles and ask whether the switch or lock cylinder has been replaced; confirm whether the ignition switch recall was ever completed for the vehicle.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The intent of reporting this issue is to stress the importance of older vehicles (past the 15 year mark) having record and status of safety recalls. It is just as vital for older vehicles to have record as it is for newer vehicles. Everyone wants safe vehicles out on the road. As my VIN indicates, I purchased a 1989 Ford f250 6 months ago and am fixing problems that I found are on a recall. The problem is I cannot find out the status of those recalls. This system is flawed. Please respond if there is anyway I can find the information. …”
NHTSA complaint #11090005, filed 2018-04“Fuel pump continues to run after ignition switch is turned off. This causes eventually the battery to go dead. I can hear the fuel pump continue after ignition is turned off and pump changes pitch in sound when switching back and forth from front fuel tank to rear.”
NHTSA complaint #10521965, filed 2013-06, 93,807 miles
Buying note. On this model year, concentrate on the dual-tank fuel system and the ignition switch: verify whether the fuel tank and ignition switch recalls were completed, check both tanks for overflow after filling, and confirm the truck starts reliably from cold and hot. Given the age and the mileages in the reports, budget for worn brakes, tires and electrical parts as normal upkeep.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 11 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 112 consumer complaints for the 1989 Ford F-250. 13 of the complaints include a mileage, and 8% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 98,000 miles. Of all complaints, 4 involved a crash, 13 a fire, 1 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns and 0 technical service bulletins for this model year.
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 system30 27%
- Brakes24 21%
- Electrical system20 18%
- Tires8 7.1%
- Engine cooling7 6.3%
- Steering7 6.3%
- Body and structure4 3.6%
- Suspension4 3.6%
- Vehicle speed control4 3.6%
Also reported: Air bags (1), Engine (1), Other or unknown (1), Seat belts (1), Seats (1).
Example complaints
Fuel system: “Fuel leaked out past the filler cap while driving. This was due to the defect described in the fuel tank auxiliary selector and switch recall 91v146000 but the vehicle identification number was not included. The dual fuel tank selection valve failed causing an overflow condition in one tank with overflow of fuel.”
NHTSA complaint #10097009, filed 2004-12, 55,000 milesBrakes: “Prior to safety recall (92s44) in which consumer never received, the brakes on vehicle malfunctioned when applied, causing consumer to loose control of vehicle whcih then went over an embankement, the vehicle was decalred totaled and consumer is seeking a $500.00 decductible from manufacturer that he incurred.”
NHTSA complaint #562122, filed 2001-07Electrical system: “Driving along no indication of any problem and engine stopped. Tried starting several times and noticed ignition switch seemed very stiff and would not fire off starter, lights worked, door bell worked, no ignition. Inspected engine compartment and did not notice anything unusual, battery cables were tight, checked radiator and found it working just fine. After a while tried ignition again and started, drove a couple more miles to home safely. Next am could not get the ignition to work at all, ignition switch felt like it was broken when key turned to the maximum position... …”
NHTSA complaint #10678275, filed 2015-01, 69,880 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “We bought this truck new and we have put 3 or 4 pressure plates, clutches and throw out bearings in it. We also have had the transmission rebuilt to the tune of $2200.00 in october, 1997. We hardly drive this truck. It was bought for a farm truck, mostly to haul our cattle trailer. We haul cattle infrequently (maybe 3 or 4 times a year) and we have had problems with the powertrain since we bought the truck. Last friday (9/17/99) we had to put another clutch, pressure plate and throw out bearing in it. …”
NHTSA complaint #711988, filed 1999-09Mileage when problems were reported
8% of the 13 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 85,000 and 120,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 1989 Ford F-250 version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| F250 Pickup 2WD | 4.9L 6-cyl | 4-speed manual | 14 | 16 | 15 | $4,450 |
| F250 Pickup 2WD | 4.9L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | 14 | 17 | 15 | $4,450 |
| F250 Pickup 2WD | 4.9L 6-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 13 | 15 | 14 | $4,800 |
| F250 Pickup 2WD | 5.0L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 12 | 17 | 14 | $4,800 |
| F250 Pickup 2WD | 5.0L 8-cyl | 5-speed manual | 12 | 16 | 14 | $4,800 |
| F250 Pickup 2WD | 5.0L 8-cyl | 4-speed manual | 12 | 14 | 13 | $5,150 |
| F250 Pickup 2WD | 5.8L 8-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 10 | 12 | 11 | $6,100 |
| F250 Pickup 4WD | 4.9L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | 13 | 16 | 14 | $4,800 |
| F250 Pickup 4WD | 5.0L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 12 | 16 | 14 | $4,800 |
| F250 Pickup 4WD | 5.0L 8-cyl | 5-speed manual | 11 | 14 | 13 | $5,150 |
| F250 Pickup 4WD | 5.8L 8-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 10 | 12 | 11 | $6,100 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 96V071000Apr 25, 1996Electrical system › IgnitionCovers: Ford F-250 1988–1991, Thunderbird 1988–1993, Mercury Cougar 1988–1993 +12 more
The ignition switch could experience an internal short circuit.
- 92V026000Mar 3, 1992Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Drum › Shoes/liningsCovers: Ford F-250 1988–1991, F-350 1988–1991
A revised brake lining noise insulator resulted in a decrease in the thermal insulation between the brake lining and the front brake caliper piston. This caused greater heat transfer to the caliper pistons with the potential to overheat the brake fluid and…
- 91V146000Sep 4, 1991Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Auxillary tank › Selector devicesCovers: Ford F-250 1989, 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 F-250 1989–1990, F-150 1989–1990, E-350 1989–1990 +4 more
Under certain conditions, the snap ring that locates the park gear on the output shaft of the transmission may fracture.
- 89V114000Jul 14, 1989Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Auxillary tankCovers: Ford F-250 1989, F-150 1989, F-350 1989
Shields on the fronts of the midship mounted fuel tanks were omitted during assembly.
- 88V182000Nov 18, 1988Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly › MountingCovers: Ford F-250 1989
Fuel reservoir shields, that protect the reservoir from contact by the transfer case in certain frontal impacts, were not installed.
Recall details for the 1989 Ford F-250 → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
- PE91090Spare tire firesClosed · Jun 20, 1991
Technical service bulletins
No technical service bulletins are on record for the 1989 Ford F-250.
Other model years of the Ford F-250
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 142 | 81,000 | 0 | 4 | — | 43 · Typical | Falling |
| 2013 | 95 | 77,000 | 0 | 4 | — | 50 · Typical | Falling |
| 2012 | 266 | 78,750 | 1 | 4 | — | 100 · More | Falling |
| 2011 | 248 | 70,000 | 2 | — | — | 100 · More | Falling |
| 2010 | 73 | 75,666 | 0 | — | — | 29 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2009 | 54 | 67,703 | 0 | — | — | 28 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2008 | 197 | 70,000 | 7 | — | — | 100 · More | Stable |
| 2007 | 60 | 42,000 | 4 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 221 | 60,000 | 4 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 144 | 65,000 | 3 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 154 | 39,000 | 2 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2003 | 116 | 75,000 | 2 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 156 | 89,000 | 2 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2001 | 220 | 65,000 | 4 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2000 | 326 | 75,768 | 5 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1999 | 581 | 99,000 | 14 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1998 | 56 | 115,738 | 6 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1997 | 304 | 115,604 | 10 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1996 | 176 | 125,940 | 4 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1995 | 184 | 129,000 | 3 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1994 | 123 | 103,000 | 8 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1993 | 130 | 160,000 | 6 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1992 | 119 | 91,000 | 4 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1991 | 107 | 102,000 | 5 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1990 | 111 | 119,052 | 6 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1989 | 112 | 98,000 | 6 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1988 | 62 | 144,000 | 3 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1987 | 38 | 135,000 | 2 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1986 | 38 | 377,089 | 2 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1985 | 21 | — | 2 | — | 13 | — | Stable |
| 1984 | 10 | 208,000 | 3 | — | 13 | — | Not enough data |
All Ford F-250 model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 1989 Ford F-250?
Owners of this model year mostly report fuel-related problems, especially with the dual-tank setup: fuel overflowing from the filler neck of one tank while the other is in use, or the fuel pump continuing to run after the key is off. The issues reported most often: Fuel overflows from tank / filler neck; Engine cuts out / ignition switch will not turn.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1989 Ford F-250 have?
NHTSA recorded 112 consumer complaints for the 1989 Ford F-250 as of Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1989 Ford F-250 is reported most often?
Fuel system is named most often, in 30 complaints (27% of the total), followed by brakes with 24.
Has the 1989 Ford F-250 been recalled?
NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 1989 Ford F-250 get?
The EPA rates the 1989 Ford F-250 (F250 Pickup 2WD, 4.9L 6-cyl) at 14 mpg combined, 13 city and 15 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,800 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 1989 Ford F-250 reported?
Among the 13 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 98,000 miles and the middle half falls between 85,000 and 120,000 miles; 8% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
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. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
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.