1990 Ford Tempo
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.
- Complaints
- 135
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 3
- Top problem
- Electrical system
Campaigns on file for 1990
Opened by NHTSA
35% of complaints
Complaints per year
1990: 135 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
35% · 47 reportsMost commonly citing ignition and switch.
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, 2004-08-12
Seat belts
21% · 29 reportsMost commonly citing buckle assembly and webbing.
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.…
NHTSA ODI report, 1995-05-23
Automatic seat belts failed in an accident. Tt
NHTSA ODI report, 1995-02-01
Service brakes
16% · 22 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic and air.
Engine and engine cooling
16% · 21 reportsMost commonly citing gasoline and engine.
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, 2003-03-08
Replaced oil pan gasket due to an oil leak.
NHTSA ODI report, 1994-02-03
Steering
9% · 12 reportsMost commonly citing tie rod assembly and hydraulic power assist system.
Safety timeline
2 recalls · 3 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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I
1989-12-27Engineering analysisClosed 1991-12-31 Failed passive restraint
-
R
1990-11-05Air bags90E043001 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.
-
I
1996-01-11Defect petitionClosed 1996-01-19 Rear brake system failure
-
I
1996-01-19Preliminary evaluationClosed 1996-05-28 Rear brk adjuster failure
-
R
1996-06-07Electrical system96V071000 The ignition switch could experience an internal short circuit.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the ignition switch.
Buy-smart checklist
1990 Ford Tempo — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Electrical system: 47 reports on file for this year.
- Seat belts: 29 reports on file for this year.
- Service brakes: 22 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 90E043001 · Air bags
- Recall 96V071000 · Electrical system
Other years of this model
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 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.