MYRModel Year Report

1989 Ford Tempo

● Typical for this model
1989 Ford Tempo
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:42:54.637Z

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
126
Recalls
1

Campaigns on file for 1989

Investigations
4

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Electrical system

27% of complaints

Complaints per year

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

1989: 126 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19812
19830
198414
198530
198631
198753
1988129
1989126
1990135
1991116
1992177
1993231
1994163
19953
19962
19972
19981
19991
20001

Known problem areas

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

Electrical system

27% · 34 reports

Most commonly citing switch and ignition.

CRASHFIREINJURY
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, 2004-09-27

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 1995-05-18

Also filed under Fuel system, gasoline

Engine and engine cooling

25% · 31 reports

Most commonly citing gasoline and engine.

FIREINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Consumer letter concerning the settlement in a class action suit against Ford motor company. *ts the vehicle caught on fire.

NHTSA ODI report, 2006-04-24

Motor mount broke due to corrosion.

NHTSA ODI report, 1994-09-14

Seat belts

16% · 20 reports

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, 1995-01-10

Service brakes

14% · 18 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic and air.

Exterior lighting

13% · 16 reports

Most commonly citing headlights and concealment devices.

Safety timeline

1 recall · 4 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. I
    1989-12-27Engineering analysisClosed 1991-12-31 Failed passive restraint
  2. I
    1991-11-27Engineering analysisClosed 1992-11-24 Seat belt separation
  3. I
    1996-01-11Defect petitionClosed 1996-01-19 Rear brake system failure
  4. I
    1996-01-19Preliminary evaluationClosed 1996-05-28 Rear brk adjuster failure
  5. R
    1996-06-07Electrical system96V071000 The ignition switch could experience an internal short circuit.

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the ignition switch.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1989 Ford Tempo — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Electrical system: 34 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine and engine cooling: 31 reports on file for this year.
  • Seat belts: 20 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 96V071000 · Electrical system
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

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 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.