1989 Ford F150 recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-20. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
4 safety recalls, most serious first
1. Fuel system
What's wrong, in plain English: Fuel lines, tank or pump. Fuel problems usually mean a leak, and leaks mean fire risk. THE DUAL FUEL TANK SELECTOR VALVE MAY MALFUNCTION AND CAUSE AN OVERFILL CONDITION IN ONE OF THE FUEL TANKS, RESULTING IN AN OVERFLOW OF FUEL PAST THE FILLER CAP.
What could happen: THE OVERFLOW OF FUEL PAST THE FILLER CAP CAUSES A FUELLEAKAGE, WHICH CAN RESULT IN A FIRE WHEN EXPOSED TO A SOURCE OF IGNITION.
The fix: REPLACE THE DUAL FUEL TANK SELECTOR VALVE.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1989 F150.
- Book a repair at any authorized Ford dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 91V146000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:AUXILLARY TANK:SELECTOR DEVICES
Summary: THE DUAL FUEL TANK SELECTOR VALVE MAY MALFUNCTION AND CAUSE AN OVERFILL CONDITION IN ONE OF THE FUEL TANKS, RESULTING IN AN OVERFLOW OF FUEL PAST THE FILLER CAP.
Consequence: THE OVERFLOW OF FUEL PAST THE FILLER CAP CAUSES A FUELLEAKAGE, WHICH CAN RESULT IN A FIRE WHEN EXPOSED TO A SOURCE OF IGNITION.
Remedy: REPLACE THE DUAL FUEL TANK SELECTOR VALVE.
Notes: SYSTEM: FUEL TANK, AUXILLIARY.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: VANS AND LIGHT TRUCKS WITH DUAL FUEL TANKS PRODUCED IN THEFOLLOWING PERIODS: F150, F250, AND F350 LIGHT TRUCKS BUILT BETWEEN FEBRUARY 28,1989 AND JULY, 1989; ECONOLINE BUILT BETWEEN FEBRUARY 28, 1989 ANDFEBRUARY 11, 1991.NOTE: FORD HAS AGREED TO RECALL THESE VEHICLES BUT PARTS ARE NOT YET AVAILABLE.PARTS WILL BE AVAILABLE IN DECEMBER 1991. YOU WILL RECEIVE A LETTER FROM FORDADVISING YOU WHEN TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT WITH YOUR DEALER TO HAVE THE RECALLWORK PERFORMED. IN THE MEAN TIME, YOU CAN TAKE THE FOLLOWING PRECAUTIONS:FILL EACH TANK TO ONLY 1/3 FULL.IF YOUR VEHICLE LEAKS FUEL OR IF YOU SMELL FUEL, STOP USING THE VEHICLE ANDCALL FORD AT (313) 446-4654 AND ADVISE THEM OF YOUR PROBLEM. REFER TO FORDSAFETY RECALL NUMBER 91S39. AN OPERATOR WILL TAKE YOUR NAME AND TELEPHONENUMBER. A FORD REPRESENTATIVE WILL CALL YOU BACK.
2. Electrical system
What's wrong, in plain English: Wiring, modules, batteries. Short circuits can cause stalls or fires. THE IGNITION SWITCH COULD EXPERIENCE AN INTERNAL SHORT CIRCUIT.
What could happen: THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE OVERHEATING, SMOKE, AND POSSIBLY FIRE IN THE STEERING COLUMN AREA OF THE VEHICLE.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1989 F150.
- Book a repair at any authorized Ford dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 96V071000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
Summary: THE IGNITION SWITCH COULD EXPERIENCE AN INTERNAL SHORT CIRCUIT.
Consequence: THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE OVERHEATING, SMOKE, AND POSSIBLY FIRE IN THE STEERING COLUMN AREA OF THE VEHICLE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH.
Notes: SYSTEM: ELECTRICAL; IGNITION SWITCH. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER AND MULTI-PURPOSE VEHICLES AND LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS. NOTE: OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME, SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.
3. Transmission / drivetrain
What's wrong, in plain English: The parts that send engine power to the wheels. Failure can mean a sudden loss of power or the car rolling away. UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, THE SNAP RING THAT LOCATES THE PARK GEAR ON THE OUTPUT SHAFT OF THE TRANSMISSION MAY FRACTURE.
What could happen: WHEN THE GEAR IS PLACED IN PARK, THE PARK GEAR WOULD NOTENGAGE, ALLOWING THE TRUCK TO ROLL FREELY IF THE PARKING BRAKE IS NOT PROPERLYSET. THIS COULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT.
The fix: INSTALL IMPROVED SNAP RING AND REVISED TRANSMISSION EXTENSION HOUSING.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1989 F150.
- Book a repair at any authorized Ford dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 90V101000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)
Summary: UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, THE SNAP RING THAT LOCATES THE PARK GEAR ON THE OUTPUT SHAFT OF THE TRANSMISSION MAY FRACTURE.
Consequence: WHEN THE GEAR IS PLACED IN PARK, THE PARK GEAR WOULD NOTENGAGE, ALLOWING THE TRUCK TO ROLL FREELY IF THE PARKING BRAKE IS NOT PROPERLYSET. THIS COULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT.
Remedy: INSTALL IMPROVED SNAP RING AND REVISED TRANSMISSION EXTENSION HOUSING.
Notes: SYSTEM: PARK GEAR SNAP RING.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: 4 X 2 LIGHT TRUCKS AND VANS EQUIPPED WITH ONE-PIECEDRIVESHAFT AND AN E40D TRANSMISSION.
4. Fuel system
What's wrong, in plain English: Fuel lines, tank or pump. Fuel problems usually mean a leak, and leaks mean fire risk. SHIELDS ON THE FRONTS OF THE MIDSHIP MOUNTED FUEL TANKS WERE OMITTED DURING ASSEMBLY.
What could happen: TRUCKS WOULD NOT COMPLY WITH 30 MPH IMPACT TEST OFFMVSS NO. 301, FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY.
The fix: INSTALL FUEL TANK SHIELDS.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1989 F150.
- Book a repair at any authorized Ford dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 89V114000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:AUXILLARY TANK
Summary: SHIELDS ON THE FRONTS OF THE MIDSHIP MOUNTED FUEL TANKS WERE OMITTED DURING ASSEMBLY.
Consequence: TRUCKS WOULD NOT COMPLY WITH 30 MPH IMPACT TEST OFFMVSS NO. 301, FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY.
Remedy: INSTALL FUEL TANK SHIELDS.
Notes: SYSTEM: FUEL TANK SHIELDS/FMVSS 301.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: 4 X 2 PICKUP TRUCKS WITH 133 INCH WHEELBASE AND MANUALTRANSMISSIONS.
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- Portable jump starter
- 1989 Ford F150 owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Fuel system (93), Gasoline (88), Electrical system (53), Brakes (17), Engine (15).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (8)
09/22/2010 · Fuel system
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1989 FORD F- 150. WHILE EXAMINING THE VEHICLE THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT GASOLINE WAS COMING FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE VEHICLE, SECONDS LATER THE CONTACT OPEN THE FILLER TUBE AND NOTICED THAT GASOLINE WAS ALSO SPILLING OUT OF THE FILLER TUBE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FUEL FUNCTION R…
07/25/2007 · Fuel system
FUEL TANK SELECTOR VALVE MALFUNCTION. RETURNS GAS TO UNUSED TANK CAUSING OVERFLOW AT FUEL TANK FILLER CAP. *JB
06/01/2007 · Suspension
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1989 FORD F150. ON MAY 29, 2007, THE CONTACT'S WIFE HEARD A LOUD BANG WHILE DRIVING AND THE VEHICLE DROPPED. THE CAUSE OF FAILURE WAS LATER DIAGNOSED AS A ROTTED OUT REAR LEAF SPRING MOUNTING BRACKET. THE SPRING DROPPED APPROXIMATELY THREE INCHES AND WAS HANGING FROM THE BOLT THAT WAS PROTRUDING FROM THE FRAME. THE CURRENT AND FAIL…
04/06/2007 · Wheels / tires
TL* - THE CONTACT OWNS A 1989 FORD F150. ON JUNE 5, 1998 A SET OF 4 NEW GOODYEAR EAGLE GT2 TIRES , SIZE M+S P255/70R15 108S WERE INSTALLED ON THE VEHICLE WITH AN ODOMETER READING OF 75,808 MILES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER TWO YEARS ALL FOUR TIRES BEGAN TO SHOW VISIBLE CRACKS ABOUT 1 1/2 INCHES FROM THE RIM AROUND THE BEAD AREA OF THE TIRE. THE CONT…
03/12/2007 · Fuel system
DUAL FUEL TANK SELECTOR VALVE APPEARS TO BE FORCING EXTRA FUEL INTO FRONT TANK WHILE REAR TANK IS SELECTED CAUSING IT TO OVERFLOW AND LEAK OUT OF THE FILLER CAP. CALLED DEALER AND THEY STATE NO RECALL FOR THIS VEHICLE VIN. IT IS A 1989 F-150 REGULAR CAB, LONG BOX WITH 5.8L EFI ENGINE, DUAL TANKS, MILEAGE IS ONLY 43000. *JB
02/07/2007 · Fuel system
TL*- THE CONTACT OWNS A 1989 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT NEVER RECEIVED RECALL NOTICES REGARDING THE TANK GASOLINE STORAGE SELECTOR DEVICE (NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 91V146000). THE DUAL FUEL TANK SELECTOR VALVE MAY MALFUNCTION AND CAUSE AN OVERFILL CONDITION IN ONE OF THE FUEL TANKS, RESULTING IN AN OVERFLOW OF FUEL PAST THE FILLER CAP. THE DRIVER CALLED TH…
05/22/2006 · Fuel system
RE: RECALL 91V146000, FORD MOTOR COMPANY, 1989-1991 F150 TRUCKS... NOT EXACTLY A COMPLAINT... MORE OF A "CORRECTION"... FORD SAYS THIS RECALL HAS A BEGINNING DATE OF MANUFACTURE OF MARCH 1, 1989, NOT FEBRUARY 28, 1989... (PER FORD CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE)... *JB
08/30/2005 · Fuel system
1989 F150 4 WD, RECALL 91S39, THIS VEHICLE IS DOING JUST WHAT THE RECALL SAYS, BUT FORD SAYS VEHICLE NOT BUILT WITHIN SPECIFIC TIME. CAN NOT USE BOTH TANKS BECAUSE VEHICLE SPURTS GASOLINE BACK AT YOU. THIS IS AND CONTINUES TO BE A DANGEROUS PROBLEM THAT WE KEEP AN EYE ON, BUT FORD SEEMS TO IGNORE. PLEASE HELP GET IT FIXED UNDER THE RECALL. *JB