MYRModel Year Report

1990 Ford Tempo

● Typical for this model
1990 Ford Tempo
RENDERED 2026-09-16T12:13:16.653Z

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, 1990 highlighted. 1981: 2 complaints 1981 1983: 0 complaints 1984: 14 complaints 1985: 30 complaints 1985 1986: 31 complaints 1987: 53 complaints 1988: 129 complaints 1988 1989: 126 complaints 1990: 135 complaints 1990 1991: 116 complaints 1991 1992: 177 complaints 1993: 231 complaints 1994: 163 complaints 1994 1995: 3 complaints 1996: 2 complaints 1997: 2 complaints 1997 1998: 1 complaints 1999: 1 complaints 2000: 1 complaints 2000
1990: 135 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 35%

35% of complaints: electrical system — 47 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing ignition and switch.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

JUST AFTER PULLING INTO THE DRIVEWAY, THE CONSUMER SMELLED SMOKE . HE OPENED THE HOOD AND NOTICED THE TOP OF THE ALTERNATOR PLUG WAS BURNING FOLLOWED BY WIRING BURNING ACROSS TO THE BATTERY.

NHTSA ODI report, 20040812

SEAT BELTS 21%

21% of complaints: seat belts — 29 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing buckle assembly and webbing.

CRASH INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

UPON IMPACT, DURING REAR END COLLISION WHILE STOPPED, REAR LAP BELT BUCKLE DISENGAGED, ALSO FRONT PASSENGER LAP BELT STICKS WHEN PRESS RELEASE BUTTON. TT

NHTSA ODI report, 19950523

AUTOMATIC SEAT BELTS FAILED IN AN ACCIDENT. TT

NHTSA ODI report, 19950201

SERVICE BRAKES 16%

16% of complaints: service brakes — 22 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic and air.

CRASH FIRE
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 16%

16% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 21 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing gasoline and engine.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

1.) ROUGH IDLE, AND OIL LIGHT INTERMITTENTLY COMES ON WHEN IDLING AND ONLY GOES OFF WHEN ACCELERATING, BUT OFTEN STALLS OUT, AND DOESN'T WANT TO RE-START.

NHTSA ODI report, 20030308

REPLACED OIL PAN GASKET DUE TO AN OIL LEAK. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 19940203

STEERING 9%

9% of complaints: steering — 12 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing tie rod assembly and hydraulic power assist system.

CRASH

SAFETY TIMELINE

I 19891227 — EA (closed 19911231)

FAILED PASSIVE RESTRAINT

R 19901105 — air bags

THREADED INFLATOR COMPONENTS MAY HAVE BEEN DAMAGED DURING ASSEMBLY WHICH MAY ALLOW COMPONENTS TO SEPARATE WHEN INFLATOR RECEIVES A SIGNAL TO DEPLOY THE AIR BAG.

Remedy: REPLACE AIR BAG MODULES CONTAINING POTENTIALLY DEFECTIVE INFLATORS.

Campaign 90E043001 — check if this car was fixed

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

1990 Ford Tempo — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (47 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for seat belts issues (29 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for service brakes issues (22 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 90E043001 (air bags) has been completed.
  • 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 1990 Ford Tempo reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1990 Ford Tempo is rated "typical".

What are the most common problems with the 1990 Ford Tempo?

The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 35% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1990 Ford Tempo have?

2 recalls on file for this model year.

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