1989 Ford Ltd problems

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The Ford LTD (pronounced ell-TEE-dee) is a range of automobiles manufactured by Ford for the 1965 to 1986 model years. Introduced as the highest trim level of the full-size Ford model range (then the Ford Galaxie 500), the LTD moved the Ford range upmarket, offering options and features previously reserved for Mercury and Lincoln vehicles. For much of its production life, the LTD competed against the Chevrolet Caprice (atop the Chevrolet Impala); the Mercury Marquis served as its divisional counterpart from 1967 until 1986.

For its first three generations, the LTD served as the largest Ford vehicle in North America. Initially debuting as a two-door and four-door hardtop sedans, the LTD range at various times would also include two-door and four-door pillared sedans, a two-door convertible, and a five-door station wagon (in woodgrain trim, as the LTD Country Squire). In South America, Ford manufactured the 1966 Ford Galaxie 500 into the 1980s using the Ford LTD nameplate.

From 1977 to 1979, the full-size LTD was joined by the intermediate-segment Ford LTD II (replacing the Ford Torino/Gran Torino range). For 1979, the LTD was downsized; while remaining a full-size car, it became externally smaller than the LTD II. For 1983, the LTD became a mid-size car as it replaced the Ford Granada, with the previous full-size car renamed the Ford LTD Crown Victoria (renamed Ford Crown Victoria for 1992).

For 1986, the mid-size LTD was replaced by the Ford Taurus as Ford expanded its use of front-wheel drive vehicles, with both lines sold for 1986.

1989 Ford Ltd

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Common 1989 Ford Ltd problems

Based on the complaints and issues reported by owners of the 1989 Ford LTD Crown Victoria, several common problems can be identified:

  • Engine and Cooling System:
    • Cooling System Concerns: Owners have reported problems with the cooling system, which can impact the engine's performance and overall vehicle operation.
  • Transmission Troubles:
    • Transmission Fluid Leaks: Leakage of transmission fluid has been highlighted as a common issue, leading to performance problems and potential transmission failure.
    • Transmission Pump Failure: Complaints suggest issues with the transmission pump, resulting in burnt transmission fluid, whining noises, and difficulties in gear shifting.
    • Transmission Shifting Delays: Owners have experienced shifting delays, grinding noises, and other transmission-related issues affecting the car's performance.
  • Power Train and Driveline Concerns:
    • Automatic Transmission Problems: Complaints include issues with the automatic transmission, such as driveline and differential unit problems.
  • Vehicle Speed Control:
    • Accelerator Pedal Issues: Reports of problems with the accelerator pedal and vehicle speed control have been mentioned by owners.

These common problems with the 1989 Ford LTD Crown Victoria can significantly impact the car's reliability, performance, and overall driving experience. Regular maintenance, timely inspections, and addressing these issues promptly can help in ensuring the longevity and optimal functioning of this classic vehicle.

1989 Ford Ltd engine

What was the worst year for the Crown Victoria?

Reliability has been a staple in the Ford Crown Victoria's reputation over the years. This comes from Ford's sturdy design, emphasizing durability and easy maintenance. However, reliability wasn't always consistent for the car. The worst year for Crown Victoria in terms of reliability was arguably 2008.

How many miles will a Crown Vic last?

Anything can happen at any age or mileage, but generally speaking, the 4.6 OHC modular engine as installed in most Crown Vics, Grand Marquis, and Town Cars are good for a minimum of 300K miles with an oil change every 6K miles.

Why do people like the Crown Vic?

The Crown Vic was a very stable platform. Mine was very reliable as long it was taken care of. There was also ample room. I also loved how the rear-wheel drive car excelled at driving in snow and ice.

How much horsepower does a 1989 Ford Crown Victoria have?

Specifications for Ford LTD Crown Victoria Wagon 5.8 V8 Automatic, 183hp, 1989.

What was the worst year for the Crown Victoria?

Reliability has been a staple in the Ford Crown Victoria's reputation over the years. This comes from Ford's sturdy design, emphasizing durability and easy maintenance. However, reliability wasn't always consistent for the car. The worst year for Crown Victoria in terms of reliability was arguably 2008.

Why are Crown Vics so reliable?

The P71 package is what made the Crown Victoria an American car legend. This package gave external oil coolers to the transmission and transmission and a higher capacity alternator. This made the car the most durable vehicle on the road, and every police force in America was trying to get their hands on one.

Why do people love the Crown Vic?

Reliability – The operating lifespan of a properly-maintained Crown Victoria easily exceeded 200,000 miles. Cost – Its plain features, reusable and readily available parts, and long production cycles meant it was inexpensive to buy and operate, costing nearly 70% less to own and operate than today's vehicles.

How long will a Crown Victoria last?

Anything can happen at any age or mileage, but generally speaking, the 4.6 OHC modular engine as installed in most Crown Vics, Grand Marquis, and Town Cars are good for a minimum of 300K miles with an oil change every 6K miles.

1989 Ford Ltd car problems categorized by type of issue

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

  • Electrical system problems
  • Power train problems
  • Engine and engine cooling problems
  • Seats problems
  • Vehicle speed control problems

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

1989 Ford Ltd complaints

The NHTSA has received 10 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1989 Ford Ltd.

1998-07-16

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1993-10-11
  • VIN: 2FABP74F7KX
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: DIFFERENTIAL FAILED.
1998-07-16

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-11-14
  • VIN: 2FABP74F7KX
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: WATER PUMP FAILED.
1998-04-14

SEATS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1998-01-16
  • VIN: 2FABP74F2KX
  • Components: SEATS
  • Summary: DRIVER'S SEAT WOULD SEPARATE FROM THE TRACKS AND ANCHORS. THE DRIVER WOULD LOSE CONTROL OF VEHICLE TEMPORARILY. *AK
1997-11-05

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1997-10-06
  • VIN: 2FABP72F2KX
  • Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
  • Summary: WHEN DRIVING DOWN THE STREET THE GAS PEDAL GOT STUCK, AND THE ENGINE ROARED UP. APPLIED FOOT TO THE BRAKE PEDAL, AND PULLED OVER AND CALLED TOWING COMPANY. *AK
1997-02-11

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1997-01-01
  • Fire: 1
  • VIN: 2FABT79F6KX
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: UNDER THE HOOD ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE, ELECTRICAL SHORT, BATTERY LIGHT CAME ON, SAW SMOKE WHILE DRIVING , VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE. *AK
1996-04-30

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1994-02-26
  • Number Of Injuries: 1
  • Fire: 1
  • VIN: 2FABPY79FK4
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: ELECTRICAL SHORT IN THE IGNITION SWITCH, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO CATCH ON FIRE.*AK
1996-04-30

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1994-02-26
  • Number Of Injuries: 1
  • Fire: 1
  • VIN: 2FABPY79FK4
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: ELECTRICAL SHORT IN THE IGNITION SWITCH, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO CATCH ON FIRE.*AK
1996-04-22

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-06-25
  • Fire: 1
  • VIN: 2FABP74F5KX
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: ELECTRICAL SHORT, IGNITION SWITHCH FAILURE, VEHICLE WAS PARKED WHEN OPEN DOOR SAW SMOKE AND CAUGHT ON FIRE. *AK
1995-06-09

EQUIPMENT PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Components: EQUIPMENT
  • Summary: THE AIR CONDITIONER HOSE LEAK AND THE FREON LEAK OUT. TT
1995-02-22

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1993-10-12
  • VIN: 2FABP74F4KX
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: TRANSMISSION FAILED PRIOR TO SERVICE RECALL (93V-031). *AK
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Additional sources

More sources of information about 1989 Ford Ltd problems:

1989 Ford LTD Crown Victoria Transmission Issue | Ford Forums
1989 Ford LTD Crown Victoria Transmission Issue | Ford Forums
https://www.fordforums.com/threads/1989-ford-ltd-crown-victoria-transmission-issue.309700/

May 11, 2020 ... In either case, the entire car violently shakes and makes a terrible thunking sound. Once up to speed (about 20 mph), there are no issues. It ...

EEC-IV & EEC-V ECU Failure now is a Common Problem due to ...
EEC-IV & EEC-V ECU Failure now is a Common Problem due to ...
https://www.fullsizebronco.com/threads/eec-iv-eec-v-ecu-failure-now-is-a-common-problem-due-to-age.521565/

Apr 1, 2022 ... EEC-IV PCM Capacitor Leakage Problem - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums. 1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks - EEC-IV PCM Capacitor ...

1988 Ford LTD Crown Victoria Stalling Issue - Maintenance/Repairs ...
1988 Ford LTD Crown Victoria Stalling Issue - Maintenance/Repairs ...
https://community.cartalk.com/t/1988-ford-ltd-crown-victoria-stalling-issue/148987

Sep 18, 2019 ... For a car that's been sitting for years then put back into use, fuel system problems developing are a common problem reported here. Often to ...

What are some common problems with the Ford Taurus SHO? | SHO ...
What are some common problems with the Ford Taurus SHO? | SHO ...
https://shoforum.com/threads/what-are-some-common-problems-with-the-ford-taurus-sho.87692/

Apr 16, 2008 ... How reliable are these cars? Are there any common problems with these cars? I know it has the Yamaha v6 engine, is it a good engine? Any known ...

Should I buy this 1989 LTD crown Victoria LX for 5k? (53k miles, no ...
Should I buy this 1989 LTD crown Victoria LX for 5k? (53k miles, no ...
https://www.reddit.com/r/whatcarshouldIbuy/comments/pv89vd/should_i_buy_this_1989_ltd_crown_victoria_lx_for/

Sep 25, 2021 ... Should I buy this 1989 LTD crown Victoria LX for 5k? (53k miles, no problems what so ever, 5.0 v8 engine ,no defects in interior, only 1 owner).

Other years of Ford Ltd

ford ltd 1990 photo
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ford ltd 1991 photo
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ford ltd 1992 photo
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ford ltd 1993 photo
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ford ltd 1995 photo
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ford ltd 1996 photo
Ltd 1996
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