1989 Ford F-250 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 12about this part
- Share
- 11%of 112 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 12 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1989 Ford F-250, 11% of the 112 complaints for this model year. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
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.
“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 1999-09“Whenever shifting into either 1st/ 2nd or 3rd gear, would hear whinning noises. When shifting into 4th gear, whinning noise would stop. Once vehicle makes 65mph, whinning noise reappears. Its a continuous whine. Took vehicle to mechanic, and was informed that driveshaft was too long for transmission. Driveshaft was causing the problem with gears. Mechanic waiting for parts to do repairs.”
NHTSA complaint #858247, filed 2000-03“Vehicle was left in park with engine running and vehicle began to roll backwards. Lever indicated that the vehicle was still in park. Cause unknown. Please provide any further information.”
NHTSA complaint #8005212, filed 2002-03Related recalls
- 90V101000Jun 1, 1990Under certain conditions, the snap ring that locates the park gear on the output shaft of the transmission may fracture.Covers: Ford F-250 1989–1990, F-150 1989–1990, E-350 1989–1990 +4 more
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 6 | 4% |
| 2013 | 1 | 1% |
| 2012 | 15 | 6% |
| 2011 | 13 | 5% |
| 2010 | 5 | 7% |
| 2009 | 2 | 4% |
| 2008 | 14 | 7% |
| 2007 | 1 | 2% |
| 2006 | 9 | 4% |
| 2005 | 14 | 10% |
| 2004 | 12 | 8% |
| 2003 | 12 | 10% |
| 2002 | 12 | 8% |
| 2001 | 28 | 13% |
| 2000 | 23 | 7% |
| 1999 | 61 | 11% |
| 1998 | 2 | 4% |
| 1997 | 34 | 11% |
| 1996 | 19 | 11% |
| 1995 | 36 | 20% |
| 1994 | 23 | 19% |
| 1993 | 17 | 13% |
| 1992 | 26 | 22% |
| 1991 | 10 | 9% |
| 1990 | 11 | 10% |
| 1989 | 12 | 11% |
| 1988 | 7 | 11% |
| 1987 | 4 | 11% |
| 1986 | 1 | 3% |
| 1985 | 1 | 5% |
Other parts of the 1989 Ford F-250
30 complaintsBrakes
24 complaintsElectrical system
20 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 31, 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