Model year record

1989 Ford Tempo

1 recall campaign on file for this model year. 168 owner complaints on file.

Ford Tempo, 1988–1994 generation
Pictured: the 1988–1994 generation. IFCAR, Public domain · Wikimedia Commons

Recalls

Recall campaignNHTSA 96V071000

Electrical system: ignition

Component
Electrical system: ignition
Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected
7,900,000
Reported to NHTSA
1996-04-25
Owners notified
1996-06-07

Defect description

THE IGNITION SWITCH COULD EXPERIENCE AN INTERNAL SHORT CIRCUIT.

Safety risk

THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE OVERHEATING, SMOKE, AND POSSIBLY FIRE IN THE STEERING COLUMN AREA OF THE VEHICLE.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH.

Owner complaints

A complaint is one person's report to a federal agency. It is not a finding.

ComponentComplaintsMedian mileage
Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline21—
Exterior lighting: headlights14—
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: drum14—
Electrical system: ignition: switch12—
Seat belts1072,000 mi
Electrical system: ignition9—
Seat belts: front: retractor6—
Vehicle speed control699,200 mi
Electrical system: alternator/generator/regulator599,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: engine5—
Steering: linkages: tie rod assembly5—
Structure: body: door4—
Electrical system: ignition: module3—
Electrical system: wiring3—
Seat belts: front: buckle assembly3—
Unknown or other399,500 mi
Electrical system: starter assembly2—
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system: fan2—
Exterior lighting: headlights: concealment devices2—
Seat belts: front: anchorage2—
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components2—
Steering: steering wheel/handle bar2—
Vehicle speed control: accelerator pedal2—
Electrical system1—
Electrical system: wiring: front underhood1—
Electrical system: wiring: interior/under dash1—
Engine and engine cooling1—
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system1—
Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline: belts and associated pulleys1—
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system1—
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control: catalytic convertor1—
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control: gas recirculation valve (EGR valve)1—
Fuel system, gasoline1—
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump1—
Fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system1—
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly1—
Parking brake: conventional1—
Power train1—
Power train: automatic transmission1—
Power train: automatic transmission: cooling unit and lines1—
Power train: automatic transmission: gear position indication (PRNDL)1—
Power train: axle assembly: axle shaft1—
Power train: clutch assembly1—
Seats1—
Seats: front assembly: recliner1—
Service brakes, air: disc: caliper1—
Service brakes, hydraulic1—
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: caliper1—
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: drum: wheel cylinders1—
Steering: linkages1—
Structure: body1—
Suspension: front1—
Vehicle speed control: linkages1—
Wheels: hub1—

The 1988 model has roughly the same number of complaints as this one. The 1990 model has roughly the same number of complaints as this one. These figures reflect raw complaint counts, not failure rates. Higher-selling model years naturally receive more complaints.

Other Ford Tempo model years

All Ford Tempo recalls by year

Safety recall repairs are provided free of charge by franchised dealers, regardless of vehicle age or mileage. This page displays aggregated data for the model year. To check recall status for a specific vehicle, search its VIN at nhtsa.gov.