1989 Ford Ranger Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 2about this part
- Share
- 3%of 73 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 102,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 2 complaints about the engine of the 1989 Ford Ranger, 3% of the 73 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 102,000 miles.
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.
“Vehicle body and structural frame have abnormal corrosion and rust and critical components have failed. Cab is attached to frame with four bolts. The metal around the front left bolt had completely rusted away. Cab is therefore only held down now by three bolts. Right front coil spring tower rotted and was subject to complete failure which would cause the right front of the vehicle to fall down onto the shock absorber. Tire would have been thrust into fender well and steering would been comprimised. Repaired in 2006. …”
NHTSA complaint #11245886, filed 2019-08, 140,000 miles“The contact owns a 1989 Ford Ranger. While driving at low speeds, the vehicle stalled and the check engine warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was able to be restarted. The contact, a certified independent mechanic, diagnosed the vehicle as having secondary ignition failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 64,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10986335, filed 2017-05, 64,000 milesEngine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 13% |
| 2025 | 12 | 27% |
| 2024 | 10 | 11% |
| 2023 | 3 | 17% |
| 2022 | 6 | 16% |
| 2021 | 13 | 11% |
| 2020 | 16 | 12% |
| 2019 | 27 | 10% |
| 2011 | 2 | 1% |
| 2010 | 4 | 3% |
| 2009 | 3 | 2% |
| 2008 | 4 | 1% |
| 2007 | 1 | 0% |
| 2006 | 12 | 4% |
| 2005 | 7 | 2% |
| 2004 | 7 | 2% |
| 2003 | 9 | 4% |
| 2002 | 6 | 2% |
| 2001 | 6 | 1% |
| 2000 | 6 | 1% |
| 1999 | 5 | 1% |
| 1998 | 3 | 1% |
| 1997 | 4 | 1% |
| 1996 | 2 | 0% |
| 1995 | 1 | 0% |
| 1993 | 1 | 0% |
| 1992 | 1 | 1% |
| 1990 | 1 | 1% |
| 1989 | 2 | 3% |
Other parts of the 1989 Ford Ranger
15 complaintsEngine cooling
11 complaintsFuel system
10 complaintsBrakes
7 complaintsTires
7 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
5 complaintsSeat belts
3 complaintsSeats
3 complaintsBody and structure
3 complaintsVehicle speed control
3 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
2 complaintsOther or unknown
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1989 Ford Ranger
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 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