1989 Ford Tempo
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Ford › Tempo › 1989
These records cover every 1989 Ford Tempo. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
1 recall names the 1989 Ford Tempo. Newest first.
The ignition switch could experience an internal short circuit.
Risk and remedy
Risk
This condition could cause overheating, smoke, and possibly fire in the steering column area of the vehicle.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the ignition switch.
Owner complaints
124 complaints5 involved a crash21 involved a fire5 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Structure › Body
The car has major leaking issues. Every time it rains/snows/sleets/hail it leaks into the car through the drivers side into the roof and once that area IS soaked it starts to drip slowly onto the seat and floor. There IS also a leak in the trunk on the passenger side, or at least that IS where the…
The car has major leaking issues. Every time it rains/snows/sleets/hail it leaks into the car through the drivers side into the roof and once that area IS soaked it starts to drip slowly onto the seat and floor. There IS also a leak in the trunk on the passenger side, or at least that IS where the water accumulates until a small puddle has formed in the well that holds the spare tire. And it seems to also spread into the backseat and gathers in the backseat footwell behind the driver's seat. *tr
- Vehicle speed control
Tl*the contact owns a 1989 ford tempo. when the vehicle was started, it suddenly accelerated to an unknown speed. the vehicle crashed through the garage wall and eventually stopped and shut off after a half mile. the vehicle was restarted and driven back to the garage. the windshield was…
Tl*the contact owns a 1989 ford tempo. when the vehicle was started, it suddenly accelerated to an unknown speed. the vehicle crashed through the garage wall and eventually stopped and shut off after a half mile. the vehicle was restarted and driven back to the garage. the windshield was damaged and the driver sustained scratches. there were no warning indicators prior to the failure. the current and failure mileages were 99,200.
- Seat belts
TL*- the contact stated that the seat belt support on the 1989 ford tempo had disengaged on driver's side and front passenger side. the contact took vehicle to dealer , and the dealer stated that they wouldn't be able to fix the vehicle under warranty because the vehicle was too old. *Ak updated 2/22/2007 - the consumer feels that the seat belt support was made from an inferior plastic which became brittle. *nm
- Engine and engine cooling
Consumer letter concerning the settlement in a class action suit against ford motor company. *ts the vehicle caught on fire. *Jb
- Electrical system
Automobile caught on fire in the parking lot while I was working. Two police officers heard the ignition clicking, but couldn't see a car with an individual in it. Shortly after the car was in flames. Inspection of the vehicle after the fire shows that the fire appeared to have started in the steering column.*ak
- Unknown or other
Battery drain---unknown cause
- Service brakes, hydraulic
Consumer had to use the emergency brake to stop the vehicle. Took vehicleto a mechanic, and braking system was replaced. *ak
- Exterior lighting › Headlights › Concealment devices
Head covers attachment on the headlights cause less visibility without prior warning. intermittently the light will appear to be normal. failure IS undetermined at this time. *Ak
- Unknown or other
Consumer inquired about any recalls on 1989 ford tempo.*ak *jb
- Electrical system › Alternator/generator/regulator
Since 2000, my 1989 ford tempo had broken down four times, twice in heavy traffic. each time, I have been told the problem was with the alternator, and I had it replaced. now, in april of 2003, the alternator IS about to die yet again. my car has 99,000 miles and IS driven less than 10,000 miles…
Since 2000, my 1989 ford tempo had broken down four times, twice in heavy traffic. each time, I have been told the problem was with the alternator, and I had it replaced. now, in april of 2003, the alternator IS about to die yet again. my car has 99,000 miles and IS driven less than 10,000 miles per year. five alternators in three years IS not from normal wear and tear on a car. I believe there IS a defect in the ford tempo system that needs to be investigated. and I see from other filed complaints I am not the only person who has had this problem.
- Electrical system › Ignition › Module · Vehicle speed control › Accelerator pedal
While driving, vehicle stalled due to thick ignition module that failed, consumer feels there should be a recall. *tt
- Electrical system › Ignition
Consumer states that the ignition module IS defective. *slc
- Electrical system › Ignition › Switch
Vehicle will stall at any given time. problem usually happens when vehicle 0verheats. contacted dealer, and dealer noted that problem could be ignition switch. *Ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline
Consumer stated vehicle shuts down when engine gets hot, consumer states this happens almost every time vehicle IS driven and usually occurs at a signal light or stop sign. *slc
- Electrical system › Ignition
While driving vehicle stalls unexpectedly which may cause a crash. dealer cannot determine cause. however, it IS a common problem. *ak the vehicle heated up after a 50 mile trip. *yh
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline
Any time at a stop light or starting to move or going around corners vehicle would stall out for no reason. problem IS intermittent. Have taken to dealership numerous times. Mechanic can not duplicate or resolve problem.*ak
- Unknown or other
This seems to happen when the car IS warm only. I have been stranded many times. This IS not only expensive but a problem of personal safety. No safety defec tlisted in summary. *ak
- Electrical system › Ignition · Fuel system, gasoline › Fuel injection system · Vehicle speed control
After vehicle IS operated at continuous high speeds (60mph) vehicle will stall when approaching a stop sign, red light etc. Vehicle will restart immediately, but will continue to stall at next stop. I consider this to be dangerous because following traffic IS not expecting the stall, and getting…
After vehicle IS operated at continuous high speeds (60mph) vehicle will stall when approaching a stop sign, red light etc. Vehicle will restart immediately, but will continue to stall at next stop. I consider this to be dangerous because following traffic IS not expecting the stall, and getting through an intersection can be adventurous. Vehicle has had a major tuneup, (including wires rotor etc), throttle body cleaning, fuel injector cleaning but the problem persists. I heardthat nhsta was trying to get ford to recall this model becaue the ignition module was placed too close to the engine and was subjected to intense heat, leading to stalling.
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline
Rear main seal in the engine failed causing fire. *Yh
- Electrical system › Ignition › Switch · Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline
When driving in hot weather vehicle stalls, and won't start back up for at least 30 minutes. Mechanic replaced ignition, and problem still exists.*ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline
In 1989 we paid $40,000 for a new motorhome that IS defective and unsafe and ford refuses to fix the problem. we have had repeated failures during warm weather as it appears the system vaporlocks and stalls the vehicle. the lastest failures happened on our vacation last week and were very…
In 1989 we paid $40,000 for a new motorhome that IS defective and unsafe and ford refuses to fix the problem. we have had repeated failures during warm weather as it appears the system vaporlocks and stalls the vehicle. the lastest failures happened on our vacation last week and were very dangerous. one stall ocurred on a two lane mountain road with no shoulder and on curves. we blocked the lane and had to direct traffic around to avoid a terrible headon. Another failure we could not get it off the road and it blocked both lanes. very dangerous for us and others. we have spent about $1000 over the years doing what ford recommended and it did not work. motorhome magazine has had numerous articles about this over the years and still ford will not help their customers. we recieved information about a law suit where people were killed but have not heard the outcome. upon speaking to a ford customer service rep. Today, she said she receives 40-50 calls a day regarding this problem and still ford will not do anything about it. we are faced with donating this motorhome as we cannot sell it in good conscience to anyone. ford should not be able to get away with this and ignore a design flaw in their product. please help us to get ford's attention and to take care of this problem. they apparently do not make the 460 engine anymore due to the problems. what happens to those of us who already have one?
- Steering › Linkages
Front right tie rod snapped in two pieces. causing loss of steering. right tire was uncontrollable. causing vehicle to swerve sharply into curb. potential for serious injury but was on a "get on" ramp to freeway. so was very lucky because no uncoming traffic and no pedestrian traffic. vehicle was never involved in any previous accident. *Ak
- Electrical system › Wiring › Interior/under dash
When starting smoke came from the steering column. Learned later that the smoke was due to a short in the electrical harness under the dash. Repairs were made by independent repair shop ( repairs were done on both harness under the hood and under the dash). Manufacturer was notified. *ak
- Electrical system › Ignition
Recall on this vehicle (1989 ford tempo) was issued at 1996, but we never received any notification from manufacturer. Contacted manufacturer by phone on 12/20/1999. Manufacturer's customer representative told me that I will not receive any free remedy from this 1996 recall on my vehicle (1989 ford…
Recall on this vehicle (1989 ford tempo) was issued at 1996, but we never received any notification from manufacturer. Contacted manufacturer by phone on 12/20/1999. Manufacturer's customer representative told me that I will not receive any free remedy from this 1996 recall on my vehicle (1989 ford tempo) since the recall IS closed and my vehicle IS not under any warranty. Contacted nhtsa office by phone on 12/20/1999 and was given advise of filing safety complaint about this matter. *ak
- Steering › Linkages › Tie rod assembly
Front end tie rod failed causing consumer to loose control of vehicle. nlm
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Rear brk adjuster failure
1984 - 1991 ford tempo/mercury topaz
- Rear brake system failure
There is no summary currently available
- Seat belt separation
There is no summary currently available
- Failed passive restraint
We have received numerous reports which allege a malfunction or failure of the passive restraint system.additional reports allege that the passive restraint system failed to restrain/adequately protect the occupant during an accident
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.
- 6089681Subject on a wire harness terminal repair kit available for repairing electrical wiring harnesses.
- 3012200Unknown
- 623988Information regarding transmission fluid usage charts. *Slc
- 623944Some vehicles may exhibit heater core leaks. *Slc
- 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.
- 605564Issues concerning the malfunction of the indicator lamp.
- 604059Ford motor company has released a new electrical grease ( F8AZ - 19g208-aa ) to reduce the possibility of moisture corrosion at the terminals.
- 601343A new silicone gasket and sealant.
- 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.
- 601012The use of petroleum-based grease as a lubricant in servicing disc brakes IS no longer acceptable.
- 601010Recommended guidelines for towing behind recreational vehicles.
- 600586Front and rear bumpers made of xenoy plastic have had the conductive primer removed from service parts.
- 53660Vehicles exhibiting a "squeaking" or "chirping" from the blower motor at low blower motor speeds.
- 51990Blower motor- "chirping" or "squeaking" from blower motor at low speeds.
- 51945Fluid- transmission fluid usage charts.
- 51735Rear engine mount concerns.
- 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.
- 46460Certain 1989 model tempo & topaz cars equipped w/ 2.3L hsc engines built from 5/31/89 at kansas city & 6/22/89 at oakville through the end of the 1989 model year and all 1990 through 1994 tempo & topaz cars equipped with 2.3L hsc engines that are currently registered in the following states: ak, mt, nd, mn, wi, mi (upper peninsula), ny, me, vt, nh. The positive crankcase ventilation (pcv) system may freeze causing the crankcase to pressurize which could force oil out of the crankcase through the dipstick tube or past some other gasket or seal of the engine.
- 41025A revised service windshield wiper motor IS now available.
- 40073Blower motor chirp or squeak from blower motor at low speeds.
- 39900Roughness concern during brake application.
- 39717Wiper motor replacement - upgraded service kits.
- 39237Revised wiper motor.
- 39128Delayed and/or intermittent no upshift of 1-2 gear.
- 37800New revised clutch seals to correct a no reverse in extreme cold weather conditions.
- 37772The tv plunger valve position may be incorrect causing vehicles to have an intermittent no 1-2 upshift problem or cold/hard accelerator pedal effort.
- 37760Vehicles may exhibit the lack of reverse in extreme cold conditions.
Every Ford Tempo model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.