AI Damage1989 Ford Club Wagon reliability: common problems
Owners of the 1989 Ford Club Wagon filed 8 complaints with NHTSA, most often about fuel system and electrical system. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 8
What fails most often
- 1 Fuel system 38% of all complaints
- 2 Electrical system 25% of all complaints
- 3 Engine and cooling 25% of all complaints
- 4 Tires 25% of all complaints
- Fuel system: 3 complaints (38% of all).
- Electrical system: 2 complaints (25% of all).
- Engine and cooling: 2 complaints (25% of all).
- Tires: 2 complaints (25% of all).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel system | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine and cooling | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Tires | 2 | 0 | 0 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
There is a recall from ford on this model having the same safety problem and it says the is a fire hazard, but mine was manufactured in 11-1988. The recall is for these models manufactured from 2-1989 thru 2-1991. Is there a way this is covered by the recall?
The consumer's vehicle has a fuel overflow problem identical to the one described in safety recall 91s39. The manufacturer indicated that the vehicle had been repair under recall 91s39 and that he warranty on the work had expired.
Replacement tires on a 1989 ford club wagon, tire size p23575r16. While driving 65 mph tread separated on right rear tire. Exhaust pipe was damaged where the flap of the tires tread impacted the pipe, needed replaced, firestone tire, consumer did not specify size, dot number, or model of tire.
General tire p235 75 r15 experienced tread separation, causing damage to the van fenders where the tread beat against it.
I am concerned about recent recall of ford products because of possibility of fire due to a faulty ignition switch. It appears that vans were not included.
I am concerned about the recent recall of ford products because of a possibility of fire due to a faulty ignition switch. It appears vans were not included.
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
Comparison
By complaint count this model year ranks 11,054 of 32,257 model years in the NHTSA data (top 34% most complained about).
On average one model year of the Club Wagon has 10 complaints (17 years in the data). This year has 8, below average.
What to check before buying
- Fuel system. Fuel smell, leaks, rough running, fuel-system codes.
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
- Engine and cooling. Radiator and fan after a frontal hit, coolant level and condition, overheating.
- Tires. Tire age by DOT code, bulges, wear pattern.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 1989 Ford Club Wagon?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: fuel system, electrical system, engine and cooling. Total complaints: 8. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: smoke, burning smell, fire (50%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 1989 Ford Club Wagon?
NHTSA lists 0 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.
Should I buy a 1989 Ford Club Wagon from a US auction?
Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.
Other 1989 models
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-06.