1989 Ford Ranger
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Ford › Ranger › 1989
These records cover every 1989 Ford Ranger. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
3 recalls name the 1989 Ford Ranger. Newest first.
Certain pro-a motors corner lamps, turn signals, and headlights sold as replacement lamps for use on certain 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
Pro-a motors will notify owners and offer to repurchase the lamps. the recall began on april 3, 2006. owners may contact pro-a motors at 323-838-2988.
Equipment description: aftermarket brake rotors for use on certain ford and mazda trucks. cracked castings caused cracks to appear on the outer diameter of the rotor hat or around the stud hole.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Loss of braking can result.
Remedy
Aimco will reimburse consumers/installers for the cost of replacement rotors and installation. consumers are requested to return to the location where the rotors were originally purchased/installed for replacement.
Front wheel bearing adjusting nut retaining keys may be missing from front axle assemblies, allowing the nut to loosen.
Risk and remedy
Risk
This could result in detachment of the wheel and hubassembly from the axle, loss of vehicle control, and an accident.
Remedy
Install retaining keys in front wheel hub assemblies where missing.
Owner complaints
73 complaints6 involved a crash14 involved a fire2 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Engine · Fuel/propulsion system · Suspension
Vehicle body and structural frame have abnormal corrosion and rust and critical components have failed. Cab IS attached to frame with four bolts. The metal around the front left bolt had completely rusted away. Cab IS therefore only held down now by three bolts. Right front coil spring tower rotted…
Vehicle body and structural frame have abnormal corrosion and rust and critical components have failed. Cab IS attached to frame with four bolts. The metal around the front left bolt had completely rusted away. Cab IS therefore only held down now by three bolts. Right front coil spring tower rotted and was subject to complete failure which would cause the right front of the vehicle to fall down onto the shock absorber. Tire would have been thrust into fender well and steering would been comprimised. Repaired in 2006. Gas tank mounting straps rusted away subjecting the tank to fall from vehicle. Repaired in 2005. Left rear leaf spring attach bracket (shackle) rusted and broke, causing vehicle to fall onto end of leaf spring, which IS no longer attached. Engine oil pick up screen became clogged with deteriorated oil pan gasket material. Engine became starved of oil and seized up while driving in heavy traffic, causing a major hazard. Engine was replaced in 2016.
- Electrical system › Ignition · Engine
TL* the contact owns a 1989 ford ranger. While driving at low speeds, the vehicle stalled and the check engine warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was able to be restarted. The contact, a certified independent mechanic, diagnosed the vehicle as having secondary ignition failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 64,000.
- Tires › Tread/belt
TL* the contact owns a 1989 ford ranger equipped with hercules h/p 4000 tires, size: 215/70r14 (na). The contact stated that the front driver side tire was cracking and experienced tread separation. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was recommended to replace all the tires. The tires were…
TL* the contact owns a 1989 ford ranger equipped with hercules h/p 4000 tires, size: 215/70r14 (na). The contact stated that the front driver side tire was cracking and experienced tread separation. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was recommended to replace all the tires. The tires were replaced, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate tire failure mileage was 150 and the vehicle failure mileage was 50,400.
- Tires
Tl*the contact owns a 1989 ford ranger. the vehicle has firestone fr380 tires, size p215/70/r14. the contact noticed that the tires were almost flat. upon further investigation, he noticed that the tread lines were becoming loose and appeared to be peeling off. the failure mileage on the tires was 12,781. the failure mileage on the vehicle was 118,000.
- Fuel system, gasoline
1989 ford ranger. Failed smog test for the first time. Told new test for seal in gas filler down tube results in pretty much all vehicles of this type failing california smog test. Suggested file complaint as this should be a recall from manufacturer (ford) to correct this defect. *Tr
- Electrical system
Electrical failure under hood right side randomly burst into flames in my garage.....= = engine compartment toast...fan blade in a puddle on the floor along with most of the grille and head lamp.=.garage----smoke damaged,,,,,pushed it out when I smelled something burning fire dept put it out. *tr
- Electrical system
Tl*the contact owns a 1989 ford ranger. while driving 55 mph, the vehicle burst into flames. the contact stated that he immediately parked and evacuated the vehicle. the fire department and sheriff arrived at the scene. the vehicle could not be transported to a dealer. the vin and engine size…
Tl*the contact owns a 1989 ford ranger. while driving 55 mph, the vehicle burst into flames. the contact stated that he immediately parked and evacuated the vehicle. the fire department and sheriff arrived at the scene. the vehicle could not be transported to a dealer. the vin and engine size were unknown. there was no current mileage because the vehicle was destroyed. the failure mileage was 82,000. updated 09/18/07 *tr
- Service brakes, hydraulic · Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
On a relatively cold and rainy evening, I parked my vehicle in a parking lot and attended an event lasting a couple of hours. after the event I returned to my vehicle to leave. I was travelling about 15 mph through the parking lot and came to a corner, and approaching the corner applied the…
On a relatively cold and rainy evening, I parked my vehicle in a parking lot and attended an event lasting a couple of hours. after the event I returned to my vehicle to leave. I was travelling about 15 mph through the parking lot and came to a corner, and approaching the corner applied the brakes to slow down. when I first touched the brakes they grabbed hard, sending me into a slide which sent my vehicle through a fence. in addition, the rear anti-lock braking system did nothing to help. I believe this to be related to nhtsa item number 601043, ford tsb #985a36. I talked to the dealer shortly after this happened, and they said this was a known problem with many ford trucks and that there was no solution other than to expect such a brake condition any time it IS cold and wet and use brakes/accelerator simultaneously to warm/dry brakes.
- Visibility › Rearview mirrors/devices › Exterior
Consumer states the outside mirrors blow out of position while driving 45mph and over, causing danger while changing lanes, the right side mirror does this only on hot days. *slc
- Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly
The main strap the hold the gas tank to the truck had rusted completely through. leaving only the front strap to hold the tank from falling onto the road (possibly being hit by the automobile behind me). I had both straps replace at my expense before any damage or injury occurred.*ak
- Fuel system, other › Fuel injection system
The fitting to the pressure regulator blew off due to the heat and pressure from the plastic gas line, which caused a fire. *slc
- Electrical system › Ignition
While driving and slowing down vehicle will die. When it dies it's hard to steer. consumer states that it could be the ignition module.*ak the engine stalls when turning sharp curve and when stopping at light. *yh
- Tires › Tread/belt
Tire tread separated from tire and damaged left front of veh 1. This loss involves firestone wilderness ht tires and then ni IS interested in pursuing subrogation. (Claim# 40-2069-856) *mw
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system
Truck quits in hiqh heat,ford no help.*ak
- Electrical system › Ignition
The ignition failed on a country road going uphill and around a bend in the road. Several vehicles stopped behind me, including a school bus, which was right behind me and would not pass me because of limited visability. After several unsuccessful attempts to sart my pickup three men came by in a…
The ignition failed on a country road going uphill and around a bend in the road. Several vehicles stopped behind me, including a school bus, which was right behind me and would not pass me because of limited visability. After several unsuccessful attempts to sart my pickup three men came by in a offerred to push me off of the roadway so that I no longer impeded traffic. I replace the ingnition module myself with an after market unit and have not had any more problems to date.*ak
- Tires › Tread/belt
Tires had proper inflation when tread separation caused loss of control and accident. *ak( dot number: tire size: r21570r14 )
- Tires
Left home in morning to go to work. In first 200 yards felt bump, bump, bump in steering. Stopped and looked at left front tire. Tread was separated from carcass for about six inches along edge of tire as part of a one foot long bulge about half the tread surface in width. Steel belt was showing in…
Left home in morning to go to work. In first 200 yards felt bump, bump, bump in steering. Stopped and looked at left front tire. Tread was separated from carcass for about six inches along edge of tire as part of a one foot long bulge about half the tread surface in width. Steel belt was showing in gap and some wires were broken. Had noticed previous day that steering pulled to the right. Tires are not worn out - about 1/8 in tread left. Bought truck used with 30K miles. Don't know if these are original tires or not. Have digital photos tell me where to send them.( dot number: w2hvm0019h tire size: p215/70r14 )
- Tires
No summary( dot number: tire size: r21570r14 )
- Tires
No summary( dot number: tire size: r21570r14 )
- Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly
Design of the fuel tank caused a crack in the fuel tank, resulting in a fuel leak which could cause a fire IS there was a source of ignition. dealer said there was a newer design of the fuel tank which contained fuel strap and a heat shield. manufacturer was not willing to help. please provide further information. *ak
- Suspension › Front › Springs › Leaf spring assembly
When backing out the driveway consumer noticed rust on the pavement. Inspected vehicle and noticedt that steel spring which IS attached to the suspension , rusted out. Consumer has contacted the dealer. Please provide any further details. *ak
- Electrical system › Wiring
Vehicle was placed in park position, turned off for around or about two hours when it caught fire due to an wire which shorted out. Consumer also vehicle was totalled. please provide any further details. 8AK
- Electrical system › Wiring › Front underhood
While driving approximately 40 mph driver smelled gas, pulled over and within 1 minute vehicle was engulfed by flames which started underneath hood. Vehicle was a total loss.
- Electrical system › Ignition › Switch
Engine died several times due to faulty ignition switch, broken crimp hooks that hold the plastic half of the switch to the metal half. Mjs
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
The rear wheels locked up while braking and trying to avoid hitting another vehicle causing consumers to loose control of the vehicle resulting in the truck sliding and hitting a bridge shoulder rail. nlm
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Whl separation/torque loss
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.
- 6090051Service tip information on revised oil pan gasket replacement procedure.
- 6089681Subject on a wire harness terminal repair kit available for repairing electrical wiring harnesses.
- 3055120Unknown
- 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.
- 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.
- 605577Information regarding comprehensive pull and drift diagnostic procedure developed to assist technicians with vehicle service.
- 605573Subject regarding a new service center support that uses a thrust bearing (#3 and #4) in place of thrust washers has been released.
- 604059Ford motor company has released a new electrical grease ( F8AZ - 19g208-aa ) to reduce the possibility of moisture corrosion at the terminals.
- 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.
- 601043A grabbing and/or sticking condition during the first few brake applications when the brakes are cold or in the morning after an overnight rain may occur on some vehicles.
- 601025A comprehensive pull and drift diagnostic procedure has been developed to assist technicians with vehicle service.
- 601012The use of petroleum-based grease as a lubricant in servicing disc brakes IS no longer acceptable.
- 601010Recommended guidelines for towing behind recreational vehicles.
- 51945Fluid- transmission fluid usage charts.
- 51689Frame- rivet replacement with bolts- service tips.
- 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.
- 45756High altitude transmission available.
- 39823Special field action - 94l04 - rangers equipped with 2.3L dual spark plug engines, may not have had the spark plugs changed at the proper interval. To assure that all 8 spark plugs are replaced at the appropriate interval, a service reminder label will be mailed to owners with instructions for attatchment.
Every Ford Ranger model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.