1989 Ford Tempo

● Typical for this model

1989 Ford Tempo
RENDERED 2026-09-17T04:42:23.240Z

This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

1989: 126 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
1981	2
1983	0
1984	14
1985	30
1986	31
1987	53
1988	129
1989	126
1990	135
1991	116
1992	177
1993	231
1994	163
1995	3
1996	2
1997	2
1998	1
1999	1
2000	1

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 27%

27% of complaints: electrical system — 34 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing switch and ignition.

CRASH FIRE INJURY

Show complaint excerpts

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 20040927

SITTING AT A DRIVE THROUGH AND FRONT OF THE CAR STARTED TO SMOKE OPEN THE HOOD AND THERE WAS A FIRE. TT AN AUTOMOTIVE SHOP OWNER STATED THAT FORD'S ALTERNATOR CONNECTOR WIRES ARE DEFECTIVE. *SLC

NHTSA ODI report, 19950518

Also filed under FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 25%

25% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 31 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing gasoline and engine.

FIRE INJURY

Show complaint excerpts

CONSUMER LETTER CONCERNING THE SETTLEMENT IN A CLASS ACTION SUIT AGAINST FORD MOTOR COMPANY. *TS THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. *JB

NHTSA ODI report, 20060424

MOTOR MOUNT BROKE DUE TO CORROSION. *TW

NHTSA ODI report, 19940914

SEAT BELTS 16%

16% of complaints: seat belts — 20 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing retractor and buckle assembly.

INJURY

Show complaint excerpts

AUTOMATIC SEAT BELT ON DRIVER SIDE STICKS AND DO NOT OPERATE PROPERLY. TT

NHTSA ODI report, 19950110

SERVICE BRAKES 14%

14% of complaints: service brakes — 18 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic and air.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING 13%

13% of complaints: exterior lighting — 16 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing headlights and concealment devices.

SAFETY TIMELINE

I 19891227 — EA (closed 19911231)

FAILED PASSIVE RESTRAINT

I 19911127 — EA (closed 19921124)

SEAT BELT SEPARATION

I 19960111 — DP (closed 19960119)

REAR BRAKE SYSTEM FAILURE

I 19960119 — PE (closed 19960528)

REAR BRK ADJUSTER FAILURE

R 19960607 — electrical system

THE IGNITION SWITCH COULD EXPERIENCE AN INTERNAL SHORT CIRCUIT.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH.

Campaign 96V071000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1989 Ford Tempo — pre-purchase inspection

Test/inspect for electrical system issues (34 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (31 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for seat belts issues (20 reports on file for this year).
Verify recall 96V071000 (electrical system) has been completed.

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 1985 ▲ 1986 ▲ 1987

WORST YEARS

◆ 1993 ◆ 1992 ◆ 1994

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 1989 Ford Tempo reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1989 Ford Tempo is rated "typical".

What are the most common problems with the 1989 Ford Tempo?

The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 27% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1989 Ford Tempo have?

1 recall on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.