1989 Ford F350 recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-20. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
5 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 F350.
- 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 F350.
- 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 F350.
- 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. Brakes
What's wrong, in plain English: Anything that slows the car down. Treat brake recalls as urgent. A REVISED BRAKE LINING NOISE INSULATOR RESULTED IN A DECREASE IN THE THERMAL INSULATION BETWEEN THE BRAKE LINING AND THE FRONT BRAKE CALIPER PISTON. THIS CAUSED GREATER HEAT TRANSFER TO THE CALIPER PISTONS WITH THE POTENTIAL TO OVERHEAT THE BRAKE FLUID AND DIMINISH BRAKE EFFECTIVENESS DURING SEVERE BRAKING CONDITIONS.
What could happen: INCREASED STOPPING DISTANCES AND INABLILITY TO HOLDVEHICLES ON A STEEP GRADE RESULTS IN INCREASED RISK OF ACCIDENT IN THE EVENT OFA SUDDEN STOP OR WHEN CONSTANT BRAKING IS NEEDED TO MANEUVER THROUGH AREAS WITHSTEEP GRADES.
The fix: ADD SNAP-IN INSULATORS THAT ATTACH TO EACH OF THE FRONT BRAKE CALIPER PISTONS. IN ADDITION, VEHICLES WITH 7.5 L ENGINES WILL HAVE INSULATION ADDED TO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT BRAKE LINES.
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 F350.
- Book a repair at any authorized Ford dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 92V026000.
- 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: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DRUM:SHOES/LININGS
Summary: A REVISED BRAKE LINING NOISE INSULATOR RESULTED IN A DECREASE IN THE THERMAL INSULATION BETWEEN THE BRAKE LINING AND THE FRONT BRAKE CALIPER PISTON. THIS CAUSED GREATER HEAT TRANSFER TO THE CALIPER PISTONS WITH THE POTENTIAL TO OVERHEAT THE BRAKE FLUID AND DIMINISH BRAKE EFFECTIVENESS DURING SEVERE BRAKING CONDITIONS.
Consequence: INCREASED STOPPING DISTANCES AND INABLILITY TO HOLDVEHICLES ON A STEEP GRADE RESULTS IN INCREASED RISK OF ACCIDENT IN THE EVENT OFA SUDDEN STOP OR WHEN CONSTANT BRAKING IS NEEDED TO MANEUVER THROUGH AREAS WITHSTEEP GRADES.
Remedy: ADD SNAP-IN INSULATORS THAT ATTACH TO EACH OF THE FRONT BRAKE CALIPER PISTONS. IN ADDITION, VEHICLES WITH 7.5 L ENGINES WILL HAVE INSULATION ADDED TO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT BRAKE LINES.
Notes: SYSTEM: BRAKES; FRONT BRAKE LINING.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: F250 AND F350 TRUCKS WITH 7.3 L DIESEL AND 7.5 L EFIENGINES ; F250 AND F350 4X4 MODELS WITH 5.8 L EFI ENGINES.NOTE: FORD RECOMMENDS VEHICLE OPERATORS DO NOT EXCEED THE GCWR AND GVWR OF THEIRVEHICLES, AND PROPER MAINTENANCE OF THE BRAKES ON THESE VEHICLES AND ANY TRAILERPARTICULARLY WHEN OPERATING IN MOUNTAINOUS AREAS WITH LONG, STEEP GRADES.
5. 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 F350.
- 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 F350 owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Brakes (11), Hydraulic (11), Wheels / tires (8), Fuel system (7), Electrical system (7).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (8)
11/04/2005 · Wheels / tires
I WAS RETURNING HOME FROM PHOENIX. I WAS TRANSITIONING FROM THE 101 FREEWAY,TO THE 60 EASTBOUND. ALMOST WHERE THE CONCRETE BARRIERS COME TO A POINT AND END, MY LEFT FRONT TIRE CUT LOOSE OF IT'S TREAD. I BRIEFLY SAW THAT IT WENT TOWARDS, AND IN BETWEEN THE CONCRETE BARRIERS. THE TIRE DID NOT GO FLAT. WHEN THE TREAD LEFT, IT TORE UP THE INNER FENDER PLA…
02/16/2002 · Suspension
ALMOST DAILY FRONT LEFT WHEEL SHIMMY AT 35-55 MPH. FIRST STARTED ABOUT 1991 AND OCCASIONALLY FIXED BY ALIGNMENT, WHEEL BALANCING, TIRE ROTATION, DUAL FRONT STEERING STABILIZERS, BUT RECENTLY THE PROBLEM HAS WORSENED. I AM UNABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE AT HIGHWAY SPEED FOR FEAR OF THE WHEEL SHIMMY OCCURING AT THE 35-55 MPH RANGE. WHEN SHIMMY STARTS I CAN TURN…
09/06/2001 · Fuel system · fire
CONSUMER STATES THE CHOKE PLATE IN THE INTAKE MANIFOLD GETS SO HOT, IT MELTS THE FUEL LINE AND IGNITES FUEL, BURNING THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.
09/06/2001 · Fuel system · fire
CONSUMER STATES THE CHOKE PLATE IN THE INTAKE MANIFOLD GETS SO HOT, IT MELTS THE FUEL LINE AND IGNITES FUEL, BURNING THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.
08/21/2001 · Electrical system
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
01/10/2001 · Electrical system
VEHICLE STALLS INTERMITTENTLY AT ANY SPEED. AFTER 30-45 MINUTES, IT WILL START AGAIN. MODUL RELAY SWITCH HAS BEEN REPLACED 9 TIMES.*AK
12/28/2000 · Wheels / tires
CONSUMER NOTICED A 2 FEET SPLIT IN TREAD, WHICH EXPOSED THE TIRE CONSTRUCTION,NO AIR WAS LOST ,TIRE REPLACED BY FIRESTONE,COULD HAVE RESULTED IN A ROLL OVER, ACCORDING TO THE BERKSHIRE EAGLE GOODYEAR IS CONDUCTING A SILENT RECALL ON THIS TIRE. LOCAL DEALER SAYS AT IS A WORSE PROBLEM FOR TREAD SPLITS.*AK (DOT NUMBER: MDORNJHV TIRESIZE: LT23585R16)
11/22/2000 · Wheels / tires
LARGE AREA OF TREAD SEPERATION A ROAD CONTACT SURFACE AREA. *AK (TIRESIZE: 235-85-R16)( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: 235-85-R16 )