1989 Ford E250 problems

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The Ford E-Series (also known as the Ford Econoline, Ford Econovan or Ford Club Wagon) is a range of full-size vans manufactured and marketed by the Ford Motor Company. Introduced for 1961 as the replacement of the Ford F-Series panel van, four generations of the model line have been produced. Marketed for both cargo and passenger transport configurations, the E-Series has been designed with multiple design variations for both retail and commercial sale, including vans, and commercial-grade cutaway van chassis and stripped chassis (a chassis without bodywork).

With over 8.2 million units sold since 1961, the Ford E-Series is the third-best selling van line in history (outranked only by the Ford Transit and Volkswagen Transporter). Ford retired the E-Series passenger and cargo vans after 2014, replacing them with the Ford Transit. As of current production, the E-Series remains offered exclusively in cutaway and stripped-chassis configurations. In 2021, the model line entered its 60th year of production (becoming the second current Ford line to do so).

The E-Series (cutaway/stripped chassis) is assembled by Ford at its Ohio Assembly facility (Avon Lake, Ohio), which has produced the model line since 1975. Prior to its closure, Lorain Assembly (Lorain, Ohio) assembled the model line from 1961 to 2005.

1989 Ford E250

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Common 1989 Ford E250 problems

The Ford E250 1989 is known for several common problems, primarily related to the Fuel System, Equipment, Engine, Transmission, Steering, Brakes, Wheels, Frame, and Seats. Here are some of the issues in detail:

  • Fuel System: The Fuel System has had the most recalls, with 21 issues reported.
  • Engine: The engine has experienced 11 recalls, with issues like engine stalling and rough idle.
  • Transmission: The Transmission has had 7 recalls, with problems such as long cranking times and loss of fuel pressure overnight.
  • Steering: The Steering system has faced 4 recalls, with issues like power steering failure and loss of steering control.
  • Brakes: The Brakes have had 3 recalls, with problems like brake failure and reduced braking performance.
  • Wheels: Only 1 recall has been reported for the Wheels, related to wheel separation and loss of vehicle control.
  • Frame: The Frame has had 1 recall, concerning frame corrosion and potential structural failure.
  • Seats: The Seats have also had 1 recall, due to seat belt failure and potential injury during a crash.

These issues can affect the overall performance and safety of the Ford E250 1989. It is essential to address these problems promptly to ensure the vehicle remains in good working condition.

1989 Ford E250 engine

How many miles per gallon does a Ford e250 get?

The E-250 averages around 13 miles per gallon, while the E-150 averages 14 miles per gallon.

How long do Ford Econoline vans last?

What is the realistic life expectancy for a well-maintained gasoline cargo van such as a Ford econoline? If it doesn't rust away, a well maintained van can last INDEFINITELY, compared to what it costs to buy a NEW van to replace your old one.

What engine is in a Ford e250?

The Ford E-250 cargo vans are built on a rugged platform and offer large interiors with vast cargo capacities. The Ford E-250 comes with a standard 225-hp 4.6-liter Triton V8 with an optional 255-hp 5.4-liter Triton V8. Both engines are mated to a four-speed automatic transmission.

How much weight can a E-250 hold?

Commercial Cargo Van 2006 Ford E-250 Specs

Performance
Payload3,435 lbs.
Maximum towing capacity5,600 lbs.
Drive typerear-wheel
Turning radius24.0 ''

What engine is in a Ford e250?

4.6-liter Triton V8

The Ford E-250 cargo vans are built on a rugged platform and offer large interiors with vast cargo capacities. The Ford E-250 comes with a standard 225-hp 4.6-liter Triton V8 with an optional 255-hp 5.4-liter Triton V8. Both engines are mated to a four-speed automatic transmission.

How many miles per gallon does a Ford e250 get?

The E-250 averages around 13 miles per gallon, while the E-150 averages 14 miles per gallon.

How much weight can a E-250 hold?

Commercial Cargo Van 2006 Ford E-250 Specs

Performance
Payload3,435 lbs.
Maximum towing capacity5,600 lbs.
Drive typerear-wheel
Turning radius24.0 ''

How big is the gas tank on a Ford e250?

Standard Powertrain

Available PowertrainStandard WheelsAvailable Wheels
4.6L - 8,900 lbs. GVWR / 3,470 maximum payload 5.4L - 9,000 lbs. GVWR / 3,480 maximum payloadTwin I-beam IFS - 5,000 lbs. capacitySemi-floating, Dana 9.75" - 5,520 lbs. capacity
Front Disc BrakesRear Disc Brakes33-gallon Midship Fuel tank

1989 Ford E250 car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Ford E250 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

  • Fuel system problems
  • Gasoline problems
  • Electrical system problems
  • Seats problems
  • Engine and engine cooling problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1989 Ford E250 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1989 Ford E250 complaints

The NHTSA has received 7 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1989 Ford E250.

2008-06-17

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2008-04-15
  • VIN: 1FDFE24H1KH
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
  • Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1989 FORD E250. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE DUAL FUEL TANK SELECTOR VALVES WERE NOT WORKING PROPERLY. THE CONTACT ALSO SMELLED GASOLINE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. HE CALLED THE DEALER IN REFERENCE TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 91V146000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:AUXILIARY TANK:SELECTOR DEVICES) AND WAS REFERRED TO THE MANUFACTURER. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT FORD DOES NOT KEEP ANY RECALL INFORMATION FROM THE PAST TEN YEARS. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 41,000. UPDATED 07/09/08 *BF UPDATED
1997-05-27

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1997-05-27
  • VIN: 1FMHE21GXKH
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
  • Summary: SMELL OF FUEL WHILE DRIVING, FUEL TANK SELECTOR VALVE MALFUNCTIONED, CAUSING FUEL TO POUR OUT THROUGH FUEL FILLER CAP,COULD CAUSE FIRE. *AK
1996-12-06

SEATS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Number Of Injuries: 3
  • Number Of Deaths: 2
  • Crash: 1
  • VIN: 1FTFE24Y7KH
  • Components: SEATS
  • Summary: SEAT TRACKS BENT IN ACCIDENT, CAUSING SEAT TO DISLODGE FROM TRACKS.
1996-04-24

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1994-03-01
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: ELECTRICAL SHORT OR SHOCK IN THE IGNITION SWITCH, CAUSING THE HEAD LIGHTS ON THE VEHICLE TO TURN OFF THE CRUISE CONTROL IS TURN ON. *AK
1996-04-19

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-01-12
  • Fire: 1
  • VIN: 1FTFE24H6KH
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: INTERIOR VEHICLE FIRE WHICH TOTALLY MELTED DASHBOARD, STEERING WHEEL AND COLUMN. *AK
1996-01-26

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-12-01
  • VIN: 1FTFE24N3KH
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: THE OIL PAN RUSTED FROM THE VEHICLE. TT
1995-10-04

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: RIGHT BRAKE CALIPER HOSE COLLAPSED, HEATING UP THE BRAKE FLUID UP, RESULTING IN THE BRAKE FAILURE, HOSE NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. TT

1989 Ford E250 recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1989 Ford E250.

1991-09-04
  • Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  • Components: 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.
1990-06-01
  • Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  • Components: 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.
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Additional sources

More sources of information about 1989 Ford E250 problems:

I am working on a 1989 ford e250 van with a 5.8L engine. My ...
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Q&A: Rust on 1989 Ford Coachmen E250 Econoline V8 5.8L Camper
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Sep 27, 2018 ... It's nearly 30's years okd, everything has the potential to be an issue. Also the N/A 7.3L isn't exactly a powerhouse, and it probably has the ...

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1989 3/4 ton E-250 problem - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/357334-1989-3-4-ton-e-250-problem.html

Mar 19, 2005 ... 1968-Present E-Series Van/Cutaway/Chassis - 1989 3/4 ton E-250 problem - Hear is my problem.I have a 1989 E-250 3/4 ton van that cuts out ...

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E250 1978
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1989 Ford E250 photo