1989 Ford F-250 Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 20about this part
- Share
- 18%of 112 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 93,807miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 20 complaints about the electrical system of the 1989 Ford F-250, 18% of the 112 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 93,807 miles. 8 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.
“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“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 miles“Faulty ignition component primarily used in all makes and models of vehicles manufactured by Ford from 1986-2000+. Can cause fire, has been listed as a recall but only for specific VIN numbers. Same component, same manufacturer, same installation, same problems for all vehicles may, have or can arise it is not vehicle specific but component specific. If same components were used on all vehicles manufactured during this time, then all vehicles manufactured are at risk of having the same malfunction. The component can not determine which vehicle should or should not have fire or safety issues. …”
NHTSA complaint #10000097, filed 2002-12, 140,000 miles“My 1989 Ford f250 4x4 caught fire in my driveway today. The truck is a total loss. Items in the truck included a cell phone, approx. $1,500 worth of tools, a rifle, an electronic organizer, an air compressor in the bed of the truck, cd-player, cb radio, and no telling what else that I cannot think of. The truck was worth approx. $6,000. My father-in-law told me he heard about a recall relating to the electrical/ignition switch after telling a friend about the fire. …”
NHTSA complaint #722354, filed 2000-05“Consumer took vehicle to the dealer for repair of a tire. The mechanic noticed that upper and lower ball joints needed replacement due to mole infestation. When the brake fuse blew, the release mechanism for the cruise control didn't work. As a result, when he applied the brake, the vehicle raced forcing the consumer to go off road to avoid a accident. At this time the cruise control was cancelled by hitting the off button.”
NHTSA complaint #10047939, filed 2004-01Related recalls
- 96V071000Apr 25, 1996The ignition switch could experience an internal short circuit.Covers: Ford F-250 1988–1991, Thunderbird 1988–1993, Mercury Cougar 1988–1993 +12 more
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 9 | 6% |
| 2013 | 2 | 2% |
| 2012 | 18 | 7% |
| 2011 | 11 | 4% |
| 2010 | 4 | 5% |
| 2009 | 1 | 2% |
| 2008 | 12 | 6% |
| 2007 | 3 | 5% |
| 2006 | 18 | 8% |
| 2005 | 13 | 9% |
| 2004 | 36 | 23% |
| 2003 | 13 | 11% |
| 2002 | 14 | 9% |
| 2001 | 12 | 5% |
| 2000 | 24 | 7% |
| 1999 | 25 | 4% |
| 1998 | 2 | 4% |
| 1997 | 19 | 6% |
| 1996 | 11 | 6% |
| 1995 | 12 | 7% |
| 1994 | 12 | 10% |
| 1993 | 7 | 5% |
| 1992 | 9 | 8% |
| 1991 | 15 | 14% |
| 1990 | 14 | 13% |
| 1989 | 20 | 18% |
| 1988 | 15 | 24% |
| 1987 | 11 | 29% |
| 1986 | 13 | 34% |
| 1985 | 6 | 29% |
| 1984 | 5 | 50% |
Other parts of the 1989 Ford F-250
30 complaintsBrakes
24 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
12 complaintsTires
8 complaintsEngine cooling
7 complaintsSteering
7 complaintsBody and structure
4 complaintsSuspension
4 complaintsVehicle speed control
4 complaintsAir bags
1 complaintsEngine
1 complaintsOther or unknown
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1989 Ford F-250
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