The 1989 Ford Ranger has 1 NHTSA recall campaign affecting an estimated 25,000 vehicles. Recall repairs are always free at any authorized dealer. Owners have filed 88 complaints with NHTSA, most often about the engine and engine cooling. Last updated July 5, 2026.
FRONT WHEEL BEARING ADJUSTING NUT RETAINING KEYS MAY BE MISSING FROM FRONT AXLE ASSEMBLIES, ALLOWING THE NUT TO LOOSEN.
THIS COULD RESULT IN DETACHMENT OF THE WHEEL AND HUBASSEMBLY FROM THE AXLE, LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, AND AN ACCIDENT.
INSTALL RETAINING KEYS IN FRONT WHEEL HUB ASSEMBLIES WHERE MISSING.
Verbatim reports filed with NHTSA, lightly edited for readability and with personal information removed.
“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…”
“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…”
“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. 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…”
“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 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”
“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…”
“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…”
There is no summary currently available
Recall, complaint, and investigation records from official NHTSA datasets (FLAT_RCL, FLAT_CMPL, FLAT_INV), synced weekly. Counts reflect NHTSA records for the 1989 Ford Ranger as of July 5, 2026. Complaint narratives are consumer-submitted and unverified. This page contains ads and affiliate links. Full methodology.