MYRModel Year Report

1989 Ford Tempo

● Typical for this model
1989 Ford Tempo
RENDERED 2026-08-02T13:15:30.935Z

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

Complaints per year, Ford Tempo Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1989 highlighted. 1981: 2 complaints 1981 1983: 0 complaints 1984: 14 complaints 1985: 30 complaints 1985 1986: 31 complaints 1987: 53 complaints 1988: 126 complaints 1988 1989: 124 complaints 1989 1990: 133 complaints 1991: 110 complaints 1991 1992: 176 complaints 1993: 227 complaints 1994: 161 complaints 1994 1995: 3 complaints 1996: 2 complaints 1997: 2 complaints 1997 1998: 1 complaints 1999: 1 complaints 2000: 1 complaints 2000
1989: 124 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19812
19830
198414
198530
198631
198753
1988126
1989124
1990133
1991110
1992176
1993227
1994161
19953
19962
19972
19981
19991
20001

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 15%

15% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 18 distinct reports on file.

FIRE INJURY
EXTERIOR LIGHTING 11%

11% of complaints: exterior lighting — 14 distinct reports on file.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC 10%

10% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 12 distinct reports on file.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 10%

10% of complaints: electrical system — 12 distinct reports on file.

FIRE
SEAT BELTS 8%

8% of complaints: seat belts — 10 distinct reports on file.

INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

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

NHTSA ODI report, 19950110

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 engine and engine cooling issues (18 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for exterior lighting issues (14 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (12 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 96V071000 (electrical system) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

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 engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline, accounting for 15% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1989 Ford Tempo have?

1 recall on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.