1989 Ford F-350 Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 17%of 42 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the electrical system of the 1989 Ford F-350, 17% of the 42 complaints for this model year. 2 a fire, according to the filers. 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.
“Thanks; I need help: I am driving along and the engine just stops. I am at a stop light and when I take off I only go a few yards, and the engine stops.I am at a stop sign, and the engine just stops. I have been towed 3 times in the last 3 months by aaa. I wait a while most of the time and the engine will start again after about 30 minutes.my wife is 70 years and I am 67. And we are too old for things like this to put with things like this. We are afraid to leave town now. I have taken the truck to a Ford dealer,pet boy's,and a auto repair shop. …”
NHTSA complaint #729720, filed 2000-08“Alternator and water pump are designed too far apart; this causes the belt to move up and down, hitting the air pump and wearing the belt away. When it breaks, it tangles in other belts, causing them to jump off and shred themselves. Vehicle loses power steering/brakes and water pump.”
NHTSA complaint #819911, filed 1998-01Related recalls
- 96V071000Apr 25, 1996The ignition switch could experience an internal short circuit.Covers: Ford F-350 1988–1991, Thunderbird 1988–1993, Mercury Cougar 1988–1993 +12 more
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 6 | 7% |
| 2013 | 2 | 3% |
| 2012 | 6 | 4% |
| 2011 | 11 | 8% |
| 2009 | 1 | 4% |
| 2008 | 4 | 3% |
| 2007 | 4 | 11% |
| 2006 | 7 | 5% |
| 2005 | 15 | 13% |
| 2004 | 19 | 12% |
| 2003 | 11 | 12% |
| 2002 | 14 | 12% |
| 2001 | 10 | 6% |
| 2000 | 10 | 3% |
| 1999 | 8 | 2% |
| 1997 | 7 | 5% |
| 1996 | 8 | 6% |
| 1995 | 9 | 7% |
| 1994 | 5 | 5% |
| 1993 | 5 | 5% |
| 1992 | 3 | 6% |
| 1991 | 3 | 10% |
| 1990 | 4 | 10% |
| 1989 | 7 | 17% |
| 1988 | 9 | 31% |
| 1987 | 1 | 13% |
| 1986 | 3 | 21% |
Other parts of the 1989 Ford F-350
8 complaintsFuel system
7 complaintsTires
7 complaintsEngine cooling
5 complaintsBody and structure
3 complaintsExterior lighting
2 complaintsSteering
2 complaintsSuspension
2 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
2 complaintsEngine
1 complaintsOther or unknown
1 complaintsSeat belts
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1989 Ford F-350
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