1989 Ford Ranger Fuel system Problems
- Complaints
- 10about this part
- Share
- 14%of 73 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 71,814miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 10 complaints about the fuel system of the 1989 Ford Ranger, 14% of the 73 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 71,814 miles. 3 a fire, according to the filers.
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“1989 Ford Ranger. Failed smog test for the first time. Told new test for seal in gas filler down tube results in pretty much all vehicles of this type failing california smog test. Suggested file complaint as this should be a recall from manufacturer (Ford) to correct this defect.”
NHTSA complaint #10256182, filed 2009-01, 3,629 miles“The main strap the hold the gas tank to the truck had rusted completely through. Leaving only the front strap to hold the tank from falling onto the road (possibly being hit by the automobile behind me). I had both straps replace at my expense before any damage or injury occurred.”
NHTSA complaint #748465, filed 2001-07“Design of the fuel tank caused a crack in the fuel tank, resulting in a fuel leak which could cause a fire is there was a source of ignition. Dealer said there was a newer design of the fuel tank which contained fuel strap and a heat shield. Manufacturer was not willing to help. Please provide further information.”
NHTSA complaint #864039, filed 2000-06“The sending unit in the gas tank that goes to the engine has rusted through, pumping gas outside the electrical plate of the sending unit. The dealer has not been notified. The owner has a private mechanic.”
NHTSA complaint #819151, filed 1997-11Fuel system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2 | 4% |
| 2024 | 8 | 8% |
| 2023 | 1 | 6% |
| 2022 | 2 | 5% |
| 2021 | 8 | 7% |
| 2020 | 2 | 2% |
| 2019 | 9 | 3% |
| 2011 | 6 | 3% |
| 2010 | 3 | 2% |
| 2009 | 2 | 1% |
| 2008 | 2 | 1% |
| 2007 | 1 | 0% |
| 2006 | 16 | 6% |
| 2005 | 50 | 17% |
| 2004 | 21 | 5% |
| 2003 | 18 | 7% |
| 2002 | 17 | 5% |
| 2001 | 31 | 6% |
| 2000 | 26 | 4% |
| 1999 | 18 | 2% |
| 1998 | 18 | 3% |
| 1997 | 67 | 16% |
| 1996 | 35 | 8% |
| 1995 | 23 | 7% |
| 1994 | 63 | 14% |
| 1993 | 21 | 9% |
| 1992 | 10 | 5% |
| 1991 | 4 | 3% |
| 1990 | 11 | 10% |
| 1989 | 10 | 14% |
| 1988 | 6 | 7% |
| 1987 | 7 | 14% |
| 1986 | 4 | 11% |
| 1985 | 2 | 7% |
| 1984 | 1 | 8% |
| 1983 | 1 | 9% |
Other parts of the 1989 Ford Ranger
15 complaintsEngine cooling
11 complaintsBrakes
7 complaintsTires
7 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
5 complaintsSeat belts
3 complaintsSeats
3 complaintsBody and structure
3 complaintsVehicle speed control
3 complaintsEngine
2 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 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