1989 Ford Ford truck problems
The Ford F-Series is a series of light-duty trucks marketed and manufactured by Ford Motor Company since the 1948 model year. The F-Series is marketed as a range of full-sized pickup trucks positioned above the midsize Ranger but below the larger Super Duty in the Ford truck lineup. Alongside the F-150 (introduced in 1975), the F-Series also includes the Super Duty series (introduced in 1999), which includes the heavier-duty F-250 through F-450 pickups, F-450/F-550 chassis cabs, and F-600/F-650/F-750 Class 6–8 commercial trucks.
History
The F-Series was first introduced in 1948 as a replacement for a previous pickup model line based on car platforms.
The most popular version of the model line is the F-150 pickup truck, currently in its fourteenth generation (introduced for the 2021 model year). From 1953 to 1983, the entry-level F-Series pickup was the 1⁄2 ton F-100. Starting in 1984, the F-150 became the entry-level. The F-150 has a long-running high-performance off-road trim level introduced for 2010, the (SVT) Raptor currently consisting of three generations. Production of the F-150 SVT Raptor ended in 2014 and it was planned to be succeeded by a new F-150 Raptor, which is based on the thirteenth and fourteenth generation F-150.
The F-Series trucks have been developed into a wide range of design configurations. Alongside medium-duty trucks and "Big Job" conventional trucks (the forerunners of the Ford L-series), the model line has been marketed as a chassis-cab truck and a panel van (a predecessor of the Ford E-Series). The F-Series has served as the platform for various full-sized Ford SUVs, including the Ford Bronco, Ford Expedition/Lincoln Navigator, and Ford Excursion. The F-Series has been marketed by its three North American brands: by Mercury as the M-Series (in Canada from 1948 to 1968), and by Lincoln in the 2000s, as the Blackwood and the later Mark LT (2010s for the latter in Mexico only).
Since 1977, the F-Series has remained the best-selling pickup truck line in the United States; it has been the best-selling vehicle overall since 1981. The F-Series has been the best-selling truck in Canada for over fifty years. As of the 2018 model year, the F-Series generated $41 billion (~$49 billion in 2023) in annual revenue for Ford. By January 2022, the F-Series models have sold over 40 million units. Currently, Ford manufactures the F-Series in four facilities in the United States.
Social links
Common 1989 Ford Ford truck problems
The 1989 Ford F-150 is known for several common problems that owners have reported. Here are some of the most frequently mentioned issues:
- Window Lift Motor Gears: Another common problem with the 1989 Ford F-150 is the failure of the gears in the window lift motors. This issue can be caused by wear and tear on the gears or the motor itself, and can be resolved by replacing the gears or the motor. However, accessing the screws holding the motor in place can be difficult, as it may require drilling or cutting holes to reach them.
- Fuel Pump Failure: The 1989 Ford F-150 is known for fuel pump failures, particularly in trucks that have been used for towing or have been backed into the water. The fuel pumps are located in the tanks, and replacing them can be a difficult and time-consuming process. It is important to check the condition of the fuel pumps before purchasing a 1989 Ford F-150, as failure of both fuel pumps can be a significant issue.
- Suspension Problems: Owners of 1989 Ford F-150s have reported problems with the front suspension system, particularly weak leaf springs along the front of the vehicle. This issue can cause the truck to pull to one side or the other, and can be resolved by replacing the leaf springs with newer, stronger ones.
- Alternator Belt: On 1990 to 1994 model F-150s, the alternator belt has been the subject of numerous complaints. A telltale sign of trouble is when the engine makes chirping or squealing noises, which can indicate that the pulley for the air conditioner or the power-steering is askew.
- Automatic Transmission: If the TR/MLP sensor is faulty, the transmission is liable to fall out of alignment, causing the engine to flare as the truck shifts into fourth gear. This issue has been reported most commonly in 1994-1995 model F-150s. On 1990-1993 models, flare-up issues with the transmission have also been reported, particularly when shifting between the second and third gears. This issue has been attributed to distorted valve plates.
- Ball Joints: On 1990-1996 Ford F-150s, the ball joints have been particularly vulnerable to water exposure. If exposed, the ball joints are liable to expire prematurely, requiring replacement. This issue can be particularly problematic in 4x4 models, as the ball joints are critical to the proper functioning of the 4x4 system.
In summary, the 1989 Ford F-150 is known for a variety of common problems, including hard starting, window lift motor gear failure, fuel pump failure, suspension problems, alternator belt issues, automatic transmission problems, and ball joint failures. Owners of these trucks are advised to be aware of these issues and to take appropriate steps to maintain their vehicles and address any problems that may arise.
Is the 1989 Ford F-150 a good truck?
These things are extremely reliable, will go a few hundred thousand miles (if they've been well serviced with virtually no repair). The F150 (Lariat I currently have) rides very comfortably and solidly regardless of the load or road. F250 and 350's really ride rough.
What was the worst years for the Ford F-150?
The worst model years of the Ford F-150 are 2018, 2010 - 2016, 2004 - 2005, and 1997 - 2002. This is based on reported problems, consumer feedback and ratings from major automotive review sites.
What year Ford truck is most reliable?
The most reliable model years for the F-150, not including 2021 or later, include: 2011, 2012, 2014, 2018, 2019, and 2020.
What engine is in a 1989 Ford F-150?
5.0L V8
Four-wheel-drive improvements included the addition of automatic locking hubs for the F-150 in 1989. Models with the 5.0L V8 also had an option of a "Touch Drive" electronic transfer case.
How reliable are old Ford trucks?
Ford F-Series pickups have been the best-selling trucks in the country since 1977. If you take care of them, these long-lasting trucks can run for decades, reaching 200,000 miles or more. Models 25+ years old are sturdy enough to be your daily driver, unlike other classic cars you can buy but only drive occasionally.
What is the best year to buy a Ford truck?
Best Ford F-150 Trucks to Buy Used
- 2018 Ford F-150. The 2018 Ford F-150 is recognized as the most modern model on the market but comes with a heftier price tag. ...
- 2012 Ford F-150. ...
- 2019 Ford F-150. ...
- 2009 Ford F-150. ...
- 2015 Ford F-150.
What was the worst years for the Ford F-150?
The worst model years of the Ford F-150 are 2018, 2010 - 2016, 2004 - 2005, and 1997 - 2002. This is based on reported problems, consumer feedback and ratings from major automotive review sites.
What engine is in a 1989 Ford F-150?
Specifications for Ford F-150 Regular Cab 5.0 V8 EFI 188hp, 1989 8th Generation (1987 - 1991)
1989 Ford Ford truck car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Ford Ford truck problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Tires problems
- Vehicle speed control problems
- Electrical system problems
- Steering problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1989 Ford Ford truck vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1989 Ford Ford truck complaints
The NHTSA has received 6 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1989 Ford Ford truck.
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-12-14
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1989 FORD TRUCK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TIRE VALVE STEMS WERE REPLACED IN DECEMBER OF 2007. IN DECEMBER OF 2008, THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE VALVE STEM MALFUNCTIONED. IN JANUARY OF 2009, WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE VALVE STEM FAILED. THE VALVE STEMS WERE TECH INTERNATIONAL, MODEL TR 413. THE SERIAL NUMBER, PART NUMBER, PURCHASE DATE, AND VIN WERE UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,000.
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-08-15
- VIN: 1FTHF25G6KP
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: DUNLOP GRAND TREK TIRE BLEWOUT.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-04-15
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: THROTTLE DOES NOT RETURN TO IDLE WHEN I LET UP ON GAS PEDAL, INSTEAD R.P.M. INCREASES TO 2400 R.P.M. ONLY AFTER DRIVING ABOUT 8 MILES DOES THE PROBLEM OCCUR.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-09-05
- VIN: 1FMEU15H9KL
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: THE IGNITION MODULE HAS FAILED 12 TIMES. WE HAVE HAD TO PULL OFF THE ROAD IN 10 SECONDS AND HAVE BEEN UNDER CONSTANT DANGER FROM TRAFFIC IN EACH EVENT. THE IGNITION MODULE FAILS BECAUSE IT GETS TOO HOT. AFTER TWO HOURS WE CAN CONTINUE ON OUR WAY OR GET IGNITION MODULE REPLACED. THE FIRST FOUR TIMES WE DID NOT KNOW WHAT CAUSED IT AND SPENT OVER $1,000 TRYING TO FIND PROBLEM. AT ANY TIME ON ANY TRIP WE COULD BE KILLED AS COMPLETE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE IS LOST AND IN THE EVENT WE CANNOT GET OFF THE ROAD (WHICH HAPPENED IN 9/96 AND WAS THE MOST SERIOUS INSTANTANCE) THERE WILL BE AN ACCIDENT OR FATALITY. WE ARE RETIRED AND CANNOT AFFORD TO BUY A NEW VEHICLE NOR CAN WE IN GOOD CONSCIOUS SELL IT PRIVATELY DUE TO THE MAJOR POTENTIAL PROBLEM OF ACCIDENT OR DEATH. LETTER FOLLOWS.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: POWER STEERING PUMP FAILED.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1993-09-09
- Number Of Injuries: 3
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1FTFF25N6KP
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: CRUISE CONTROL DEFECTIVE, CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL/ACCIDENT/INJURIES.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1989 Ford Ford truck problems:
1989 F-150 Common Problems - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums
Jan 11, 2006 ... Ball joints up front, tie rods and drag link usually wear out on these trucks and the radius arm bushings. Pretty much crawl under the front end ...
My Extremely Reliable 1989 Ford F-150 Had Another Problem And It ...
Jul 24, 2023 ... The most recent example of this phenomenon has once again rendered my truck immobile in my driveway, but at least what's wrong is very easy to ...
89 300 straight six issues!!!!! - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums
Mar 11, 2010 ... 1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks - 89 300 straight six issues!!!!! - ok well here we go... i have a 1989 f150 straight six. from ...
What to look for when buying a 87-96 F150 - Ford F150 Forum ...
Nov 6, 2014 ... ... truck what the major and common problems are and tips on getting a good vehicle. So... I figured we needed a thread to reference...
1989 5.0 EFI, TWO PROBLEMS - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums
Aug 18, 2020 ... 1968-Present E-Series Van/Cutaway/Chassis - 1989 5.0 EFI, TWO PROBLEMS - Hi All....My E-150 XLT Club Wagon 5.0 EFI has only 65k miles and ...
Other years of Ford Ford truck
Are you having problems with your 1989 Ford Ford truck?
Leave your review of 1989 Ford Ford truck