1989 Ford Econoline
Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1989 Ford Econoline is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 1 on record.
1989 Ford Econoline at a glance
Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.
1989 Ford Econoline recalls 2
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.
Fix: REPLACE THE DUAL FUEL TANK SELECTOR VALVE.
UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, THE SNAP RING THAT LOCATES THE PARK GEAR ON THE OUTPUT SHAFT OF THE TRANSMISSION MAY FRACTURE.
Fix: INSTALL IMPROVED SNAP RING AND REVISED TRANSMISSION EXTENSION HOUSING.
Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 4 Nov 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.
1989 Ford Econoline common problems
The most-reported problem areas across all 35 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.
Investigations & service bulletins
NHTSA defect investigations 1
FUEL EXPULSION Closed
NHTSA #EA91031 · Vehicle Speed Control · opened Jun 1991 · closed Nov 1991An investigation means NHTSA is examining a possible defect — it is not a recall, and many close without one.
Manufacturer service bulletins 37
Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered. Showing the 10 most recent of 37.
SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT HEATER CORE LEAKS. *SLC
Bulletin 01156 · Visibility · Aug 2001SUBJECT REGARDING CONTAMINATION FROM PRIOR TRANSMISSION CONCERNS OR EXCESS WEAR MAY BE TRAPPED IN THE TRANSMISSION FLUID COOLING SYSTEM. *TT
Bulletin 002310 · Power Train · Nov 2000TRANSMISSION- E40D/4R100-1989-99-MAIN CONTROLS, SEPARATOR PLATES AND SEPARATOR PLATE GASKETS USAGE CHART. YD
Bulletin 98168 · Power Train · Apr 2000VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE SOLID PARTICLE CONTAMINANTS FROM PRIOR TRANSMISSION CONCERNS OR EXCESS WEAR, MAY BE TRAPPED IN THE TRANSMISSION FLUID COOLING SYSTEM IS NOT PROPERLY FLUSHED, FLUID IN-LINE FILTER KIT. *MJS
Bulletin 0038 · Power Train · Feb 2000INFORMATION REGARDING THE NEW TRANSMISSION COOLER FLUSHER- SERVICE TIP. *MJS
Bulletin 0015 · Power Train · Jan 2000SUBJECT ON A WIRE HARNESS TERMINAL REPAIR KIT AVAILABLE FOR REPAIRING ELECTRICAL WIRING HARNESSES. *TT
Bulletin 99222 · Electrical System · Oct 1999INFORMATION ON IDENTIFYING NON-APPROVED / ALTERNATE REFRIGERANTS WHICH COULD CAUSE SAFETY, AND PERFORMANCE CONCERNS IF INSTALLED IN FORD A/C SYSTEMS. *TT
Bulletin 99196 · Equipment · Sep 1999INFORMATION ON THE NEW FLUSH AND FILL TOOL AVAILABLE THROUGH ROTUNDA. *TT
Bulletin 99152 · Power Train · Jul 1999FORD MOTOR COMPANY NOW RECOMMENDS SAE 5W-30 VISCOSITY GRADE FOR SERVICING ANY FORD GASOLINE-POWERED VEHICLE REGARDLESS OF MODEL YEAR. *TT
Bulletin 99816 · Engine And Engine Cooling · May 1999FORD MOTOR COMPANY HAS RELEASED A NEW ELECTRICAL GREASE ( F8AZ - 19G208-AA ) TO REDUCE THE POSSIBILITY OF MOISTURE CORROSION AT THE TERMINALS. *YC
Bulletin 98246 · Electrical System · Dec 1998Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the ECONOLINE. Model-year data, not specific to one car.
Canadian recalls 2
Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 1989 Ford Econoline. Relevant if the car was first sold in, or imported from, Canada.
Fuel System
ON VEHICLES WITH DUAL FUEL TANKS, THE DUAL FUNCTION FUEL RESERVOIR (DFR) MAY MALFUNCTION ALLOWING SUPPLY FUEL TO BE DRAWN FROM ONE TANK AND A PORTION OF THE UNUSED FUEL TO BE RETURNED TO THE OTHER TANK. AS A RESULT, THE OTHER TANK COULD POSSIBLY BE OVERFILLED, RESULTING IN OVERFLOW OF FUEL PAST THE FILLER CAP. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, THE POTENTIAL FOR A FIRE MAY…
Transport Canada #1991170 · Dec 1991Powertrain
A SNAP RING WHICH LOCATES THE PARK GEAR ON THE OUTPUT SHAFT OF THE TRANSMISSION MAY FRACTURE AND ALLOW THE PARK GEAR TO SLIDE REARWARD. THIS WOULD MAKE IT IMPOSSIBLE TO ENGAGE THE PARK GEAR AND COULD RESULT IN VEHICLE MOVEMENT EVEN THOUGH THE GEAR SELECTOR IS PLACED IN THE PARK POSITION. CORRECTION: AFFECTED VEHICLES WILL HAVE THE SNAP RING REPLACED WITH AN IMPROVED SNAP RING.…
Transport Canada #1990077 · May 1990Source: Transport Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls Database.
About the Ford Econoline
The Ford E-Series is a range of full-size vans produced by the Ford Motor Company since 1961. Introduced as a replacement for the Ford F-Series panel van, the line has spanned four generations. Sold in both retail and commercial markets, the E-Series has been offered as passenger and cargo vans, as well as in cutaway and stripped-chassis configurations.
From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.