1989 Ford Mustang
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Ford › Mustang › 1989
These records cover every 1989 Ford Mustang. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
5 recalls name the 1989 Ford Mustang. Newest first.
Dope, inc. IS recalling 42,540 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. these headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." these lamps do not contain…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Dope, inc. Will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. the safety recall began on july 28, 2009. owners may contact dope, inc. At 1-626-272-1798.
Sabersport IS recalling 16,270 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. these headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." these lamps do not contain…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Sabersport will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. the safety recall began on may 11, 2009. owners may contact sabersport at 1-909-598-7589.
K2 motor IS recalling 1,921 aftermarket headlamps of various models sold for use on the above listed vehicles. these headlamps are missing the amber side reflex reflector which fails to conform with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."
Risk and remedy
Risk
Without the amber side reflex reflectors, the lighting visibility may be affected, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
Remedy
K2 motor will notify owners and offer a full refund. the recall began on decemeber 17, 2008. owners may contact K2 motor at 1-909-839-2992.
Certain ck motorsports combination headlights, clear corner, bumper, and side marker lights sold as replacement lamps for use on the passenger vehicles listed above. some combination lamps that are not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to conform to federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
Remedy
Ck motorsport will notify owners and replace the noncompliant lamps free of charge. the recall began on july 1, 2006. owners may contact ck motorsport at 1-909-610-7211.
The ignition switch could experience an internal short circuit.
Risk and remedy
Risk
This condition could cause overheating, smoke, and possibly fire in the steering column area of the vehicle.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the ignition switch.
Owner complaints
109 complaints3 involved a crash33 involved a fire9 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Tires › Sidewall
I have had the outside sidewall separate from the rest of the tire on two occasions, with these tires. The first time was in May of 2021, the second on June 1, 2023. I currently have the tire that separated on June 1st. Both times I was on the highway driving around 70 when the car began to…
I have had the outside sidewall separate from the rest of the tire on two occasions, with these tires. The first time was in May of 2021, the second on June 1, 2023. I currently have the tire that separated on June 1st. Both times I was on the highway driving around 70 when the car began to shake violently, as if I was on an exaggerated rumble strip. I was able to pull into the emergency lane and change to a spare. The first time I assumed maybe the tire was low on air and didn't report it, however now after having a second tire do the exact same thing believe they are defective. Tire size is 225/55/16, for full disclosure I did purchase the tires and wheels off craigslist, however they were in very good condition. I Believe Granada is a Les Schwab brand. Picture of both tires are attached.
- Exterior lighting · Seat belts · Vehicle speed control
Seat belts pull out and latch however the cross body portion does not recede back into frame, only continues to loosen and not retract this happens at any time you ate using the seat belts, happens with front and passenger seat belts, either stopped. Driving, breaking or excelling. Its all the…
Seat belts pull out and latch however the cross body portion does not recede back into frame, only continues to loosen and not retract this happens at any time you ate using the seat belts, happens with front and passenger seat belts, either stopped. Driving, breaking or excelling. Its all the time . My best guess IS that the seat belt mechanism IS old and wore out. speedometer stopped working about 8 months ago. At that time there was 131,000 original miles on the motor. no idea why the speedometer just stopped working as I was driving in town going about 35 miles per hour. overdrive stopped working. No warning, no occasional slips. Just stopped working while switching into overdrive it would not engage at all. Have to keep the car under 50 miles per hour as car won't shift into next gear. my guess IS change transmission. looking for one now to either rebuild it or get a new one. switches, driver side switch would not catch the window to roll up or down,, then the switch plate would stick and started smoking. I replaced the switch twice now within the last year. interior lighting for speedometer gages are no lights. Unable to see gages. ***i do realize the car IS 31 years old now. And may just be old age getting to my foxbody. *** thank you
- Exterior lighting
My wife was driving the mustang and following me at night. she had the fog lamps turned on along with the headlamps and the lights went out. she ran off the road before she could stop, but did not cause any damage. the lights kept flickering on and off staying off for several seconds. we…
My wife was driving the mustang and following me at night. she had the fog lamps turned on along with the headlamps and the lights went out. she ran off the road before she could stop, but did not cause any damage. the lights kept flickering on and off staying off for several seconds. we finished the trip we were on with just the headlamps and they did not flicker. we did not bring the car back to town until august and I took it to immel motors ford dealer in fredericksburg, tx. they could find nothing wrong with it. after we got it out it continued to flicker if we used the fog lamps so we quit using them. I recently found that there IS a tsb 891711 aug 89 that identifies that problem. I believe it affects more than just the 1989 mustangs. I also believe this IS a serious safety issue and would not be surprised to find out that it has caused many accidents and possibly even deaths. I was told by ford that there was not a recall and that I would be responsible for paying to repair it, but immel motors does not know what to do to repair the issue. I believe this should have been recalled a long time ago. I know that there are still a lot of vehicles out there being affected. *tr
- Electrical system › Ignition · Engine
TL* the contact owns a 1989 ford mustang. The contact stated that the ignition key became extremely hot. The contact had not taken vehicle to dealer to get a diagnosed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 120,000.
- Electrical system › Ignition · Electrical system › Starter assembly
Tl*the contact owns a 1989 ford mustang. whenever the key IS inserted into the ignition to start the engine, the vehicle will not start on the first attempt. the contact must remove the key from the ignition and retry in order for the vehicle to start. he discovered nhtsa campaign ID number…
Tl*the contact owns a 1989 ford mustang. whenever the key IS inserted into the ignition to start the engine, the vehicle will not start on the first attempt. the contact must remove the key from the ignition and retry in order for the vehicle to start. he discovered nhtsa campaign ID number 96v071000 (electrical system:ignition); however, the dealer stated that his vin was not included in the recall. the failure mileage was 123,000 and current mileage was 125,000. updated 6/16/08 *cn the starter and relay were replaced.
- Vehicle speed control
I just filed a complaint 10-15-06, and after going over my accident that involved my 1989 mustang on 11-05,, I do believe that the wreck could have been related to the fautly equiment that IS in my car,, like I said in my first form I tried to have this fixed within a week or so of purchacing the…
I just filed a complaint 10-15-06, and after going over my accident that involved my 1989 mustang on 11-05,, I do believe that the wreck could have been related to the fautly equiment that IS in my car,, like I said in my first form I tried to have this fixed within a week or so of purchacing the car,,and it did the same thing before I got home from the ford dealership. Might I add it went to a ford dealer to be fixed..i really feel as though this IS a big issuse and I think ford should be responable to find out what IS the problem not at my expesne I hope to hear from someone about this matter... I thought my car was the only one that was doing this (accelerates on its own, faster and faster until you turn the car off and back on again then it IS normal again) until I saw your web site and readed the complaits on the 1989 mustang,,, please help,,, thank you sherry cook. *nm
- Fuel system, other › Fuel injection system
While driving out of no where the car will accerator on its own,,this happens randomly,,some times not for a week,, and ten times in one day,, I feel it IS very dangerous,,it dont just jump up and stop,,it will keep doing it and go faster until I turn the car off and restart the car,,i had a ford…
While driving out of no where the car will accerator on its own,,this happens randomly,,some times not for a week,, and ten times in one day,, I feel it IS very dangerous,,it dont just jump up and stop,,it will keep doing it and go faster until I turn the car off and restart the car,,i had a ford dealer replace the thottle body,,however before I made it home it did the same thing,,this costed me 500.00 and the car IS still doing it up to present day..i have also had to buy more starters than normal because I am always restarting my car while driving,, I push in clutch and turn key off while a second and restart the car and let out the clutch,,like I said this puts alot of people in harms way and I feel as though this IS a very important recall,, I tryed to have it fixed on my own however I do feel that ford IS reposiable for this problem..
- Electrical system › Ignition
The vehicle experienced the same problem as stated in recall #96 v 071 000, however the vehicle identification number was not included in the recall.*jb
- Seats
While driving, and when consumer hit brakes, driver's seat fully reclined, distracting consumer view while driving. Dealer notified.*ak
- Electrical system · Electrical system › Ignition
When pressure IS applied on steering wheel it causes electrical system and vehicle to shutdown while driving. Dealer and manufacturer have not been notified at this time. Feel free to provide any further information.*ak
- Seat belts › Front › Anchorage
While driving and with no warning consumer hit brakes and driver's side seat belt will not stay in locked position. Dealer notified. *akthe drivers side belt was replaced, but would not work after installation. *jg
- Seat belts › Front
Front passenger lap seat belt will not stay in locked position ,and IS causing consumer not to have a seat belt on while driving. Dealer notified.*ak
- Electrical system › Ignition
Consumer states under hot weather conditions the vehicles ignition will spark and click. consumer has replaced switch 3 times. please provide any further information.*jb
- Electrical system › Ignition
Under hot conditions ignition sparks and clicks. dealer has replaced switch three times, and problem IS still occurring. please provide any further information.*ak
- Latches/locks/linkages › Hood › Latch
Consumer states hood latch will not work if hood IS not closed all the way.*jb
- Electrical system › Ignition
Received recall notice 96v071000. Contacted dealership and took vehicle on appointed date. After picking up vehicle, noticed ignition acted same as before going to dealer. Owner took ignition apart and contacted manufacturer for part number of replacement. Part was never replaced by dealership.*ak *tt
- Tires › Sidewall
Sidewall disintingrated, inner and outer, while going down the road. Nothing was in the road that was hit or anything. there were no bumps or debris in the road. The tire did not blow out, it just came apart.*ak (dot number: ej9ddmh127 tiresize: 22560r15)
- Seat belts › Front › Anchorage
Both driver's and passenger's shoulder belts do not retract properly or will either just hang up, causing loss of protection.*ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system › Hoses/lines/piping/fittings
Was driving vehicle 35mph when it started overheating. Hose had broken. then it stalled out while waiting at stop light. Contacted dealership, and informed by mechanic no resolution for problem which was getting worse.*ak
- Vehicle speed control
The vehicle experienced sudden acceleration on several occasions, the mechanic concluded that the throttle surging had damaged the transmission, which required repair also. *mjs
- Electrical system › Ignition
While traveling and without any indication vehicle stalled. dealer has been notified . Please provide further information.*ak
- Electrical system › Ignition
I have recently contacted ford about this problem and I was told that there was no problem. my friend has a 1988 mustang, who has had the same problem numerous times. I am an electrical engineer and know that this problem IS the result of a bad design (i.e. The ignition control module gets too…
I have recently contacted ford about this problem and I was told that there was no problem. my friend has a 1988 mustang, who has had the same problem numerous times. I am an electrical engineer and know that this problem IS the result of a bad design (i.e. The ignition control module gets too hot, which causes the transistors to function improperly). this IS a real problem and I hope it doesn't take many lives to figure this out. thank you, josh shaw
- Electrical system › Ignition
When slowing down to make left or right turns, the engine of the vehicle surges and cuts off with no warning resulting in the loss of power steering and brakes. problem most often occurs when the engine IS hot and the air conditioning IS on.
- Latches/locks/linkages › Hood › Latch
I had added oil the previous night, and I closed the hood. while driving to work the next morning (traveling over the hanover street bridge in baltimore), the hood suddenly flew up and back against the windshield. The hood had come loose before, but the safety latch might have caused it to stay…
I had added oil the previous night, and I closed the hood. while driving to work the next morning (traveling over the hanover street bridge in baltimore), the hood suddenly flew up and back against the windshield. The hood had come loose before, but the safety latch might have caused it to stay down. Also, I wasn't moving that fast. I was going 55mph over the bridge.i called ford and they said they wouldn't fix it because it wasn't under warranty. I've heard about this being a problem with mustangs, and I have seen evidence myself. I saw one in columbia, md that had the same crease in the middle of the hood (from the top of the windshield), and it also had the vent in front of the windshield busted out. IS this a mechanical failure? It seems so to me. I hope other people have reported this problem. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for your time. brian wheeler. *ak
- Electrical system › Alternator/generator/regulator · Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery
Fuel pump safety switch would engage on its own & car wouldn't start unless you hit the switch. alternator has been replaced 3 times and so has battery.
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Fuel line routing
There is no summary currently available
- Hood latch failures
There is no summary currently available
- Fr seat floor mount fails
There is no summary currently available
- Underdash fires
There is no summary currently available
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 6090087Information on identifying non-approved / alternate refrigerants which could cause safety, and performance concerns if installed in ford a/c systems.
- 6089681Subject on a wire harness terminal repair kit available for repairing electrical wiring harnesses.
- 3010500Unknown
- 623988Information regarding transmission fluid usage charts. *Slc
- 623944Some vehicles may exhibit heater core leaks. *Slc
- 616522Subject regarding contamination from prior transmission concerns or excess wear may be trapped in the transmission fluid cooling system.
- 613234Information regarding tsb 98-5a-12 (transaxle/transmission/transfer case-vehicles towed behind recreational vehicles-recommended guidelines) does not list towing information for certain model vehicles. *Mjs
- 612203Information regarding the new transmission cooler flusher- service tip. *Mjs
- 608431Information on the new flush and fill tool available through rotunda.
- 606420Ford motor company now recommends sae 5W-30 viscosity grade for servicing any ford gasoline-powered vehicle regardless of model year.
- 605573Subject regarding a new service center support that uses a thrust bearing (#3 and #4) in place of thrust washers has been released.
- 601343A new silicone gasket and sealant.
- 601312Information on a buzzing or rattle noise from the exhaust system.
- 601290Information on tire company telephone numbers for customer assistance.
- 601269Announcing the ford oem air conditioning retrofit kit availability.
- 601238Information on a new transmission fluid usage chart.
- 601012The use of petroleum-based grease as a lubricant in servicing disc brakes IS no longer acceptable.
- 51945Fluid- transmission fluid usage charts.
- 50997Transaxle - torque converter replacement guidelines and torque converter/transaxle cooling system cleaning procedures - service tip.
- 50940Windshield and interior glass - fog/film.
- 50908Torque converter - leak test procedure - service tip.
- 50905Wiring - electrical diode identification and service replacements.
- 46478The use of petroleum-based grease as a lubricant in servicing disc brakes IS no longer acceptable because it may be incompatible with the rubber material used in the disc brake system. If petroleum-based grease IS used to lubricate any part of the disc brake system, it could cause rubber parts to swell if lubricant contacts the rubber material.
- 41025A revised service windshield wiper motor IS now available.
- 39900Roughness concern during brake application.
- 39717Wiper motor replacement - upgraded service kits.
- 39222New torque-to-yield cylinder head bolt kit.
Every Ford Mustang model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.