1989 FORD MUSTANG — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data

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N/A

Safety Rating

127

Owner Complaints

3 Crashes 34 Fires

5

Recalls

ACTIVE RECALL

0

Service Bulletins

1

Investigation

Overview of the 1989 FORD MUSTANG

The 1989 FORD MUSTANG has received a total of 127 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There have been 5 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS, EXTERIOR LIGHTING. The most commonly reported problems involve the Electrical Systemignitionswitch (15 complaints), Electrical Systemignition (13 complaints), and Seat Beltsfrontretractor (13 complaints).

Recalls for the 1989 FORD MUSTANG

NHTSA has recorded 5 recalls for the 1989 FORD MUSTANG, potentially affecting up to 7,987,907 vehicles.

Recall 09E025000 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

| 42,540 vehicles affected

Defect: 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 THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Consequence: 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.

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Recall 09E012000 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING

| 16,270 vehicles affected

Defect: 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 THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Consequence: 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.

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Recall 08E050000 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

| 1,921 vehicles affected

Defect: 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."

Consequence: 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.

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Recall 06E049000 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING

| 27,176 vehicles affected

Defect: 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.

Consequence: 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.

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Recall 96V071000 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

| 7,900,000 vehicles affected

Defect: THE IGNITION SWITCH COULD EXPERIENCE AN INTERNAL SHORT CIRCUIT.

Consequence: THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE OVERHEATING, SMOKE, AND POSSIBLY FIRE IN THE STEERING COLUMN AREA OF THE VEHICLE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH.

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Owner Complaints for the 1989 FORD MUSTANG

127 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 1989 FORD MUSTANG. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.

Electrical Systemignitionswitch
Complaints: 15 12 Fires 1 Injury
Electrical Systemignition
Complaints: 13 3 Fires
Seat Beltsfrontretractor
Complaints: 13 1 Crash 3 Injuries
Vehicle Speed Control
Complaints: 8 1 Crash 1 Injury
Electrical Systemwiring
Complaints: 7 5 Fires
Seats
Complaints: 6
Engine And Engine Coolingenginegasoline
Complaints: 4 3 Fires
Electrical Systemalternatorgeneratorregulator
Complaints: 3 2 Fires
Electrical Systemwiringfront Underhood
Complaints: 3 3 Fires
Electrical Systemwiringinteriorunder Dash
Complaints: 3 2 Fires
Latcheslockslinkageshoodlatch
Complaints: 3
Seat Beltsfrontanchorage
Complaints: 3
Structurebodydoor
Complaints: 3
Structureframe And Members
Complaints: 3
Electrical System
Complaints: 2 1 Fire
Electrical Systemwiringfuses And Circuit Breakers
Complaints: 2 1 Fire 3 Injuries
Exterior Lighting
Complaints: 2
Exterior Lightingheadlights
Complaints: 2 1 Fire
Fuel System Gasolinestoragetank Assembly
Complaints: 2 3 Injuries
Seat Belts
Complaints: 2 1 Crash
Seatsfront Assemblyrecliner
Complaints: 2 1 Injury
Structurebody
Complaints: 2
Tiressidewall
Complaints: 2
Unknown Or Other
Complaints: 2
Electrical Systemstarter Assembly
Complaints: 1
Engine
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingcooling Systemfan
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingcooling Systemhoseslinespipingfittings
Complaints: 1
Equipmentelectrical
Complaints: 1 1 Fire
Fuel System Gasolinedelivery
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Otherfuel Injection System
Complaints: 1
Latcheslockslinkagesdoorslatch
Complaints: 1
Power Trainautomatic Transmission
Complaints: 1
Power Trainclutch Assemblypedalhand Levermotorcycle
Complaints: 1
Power Traindrivelinedifferential Unit
Complaints: 1
Seat Beltsfront
Complaints: 1
Seat Beltsfrontbuckle Assembly
Complaints: 1
Steering
Complaints: 1
Suspensionrear
Complaints: 1
Suspensionrearshock Absorber
Complaints: 1
Vehicle Speed Controllinkages
Complaints: 1
Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac System
Complaints: 1
Visibilitysunmoon Roof Assembly
Complaints: 1

Most Recent Complaints

#11526271 | TIRES:SIDEWALL | | N/A miles
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.
#11361416 | EXTERIOR LIGHTING | | 131,000 miles
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
#11361416 | SEAT BELTS | | 131,000 miles
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
#11361416 | VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | | 131,000 miles
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
#10651659 | EXTERIOR LIGHTING | | 82,000 miles
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

View all Electrical Systemignitionswitch complaints →

Safety Rating for the 1989 FORD MUSTANG

NHTSA has not yet tested the 1989 FORD MUSTANG in its New Car Assessment Program.

Technical Service Bulletins for the 1989 FORD MUSTANG

No technical service bulletins have been reported for this vehicle.

NHTSA Investigations for the 1989 FORD MUSTANG

NHTSA has opened 1 investigation into potential safety defects in the 1989 FORD MUSTANG.

Investigation PE89133 — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:LINKAGES Closed

Opened:

UNDERDASH FIRES

Other Model Years of the FORD MUSTANG

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Other FORD Models

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