Defect
THE IGNITION SWITCH COULD EXPERIENCE AN INTERNAL SHORT CIRCUIT.
Consequence
THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE OVERHEATING, SMOKE, AND POSSIBLY FIRE IN THE STEERING COLUMN AREA OF THE VEHICLE.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH.
1989 Ford Tempo problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 168 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 4.2 times the median Tempo year — the 1989 model ranks #6 of 19 Tempo years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across electrical system (37), engine (34), and brakes (21), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
168
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
4
Investigations
5
Crash-involved
26
Fires reported
6
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 1989 compare to other Tempo years?
What are the most common 1989 Ford Tempo problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 37 | 22% | ▼ down |
| Engine | 34 | 20% | — flat |
| Brakes | 21 | 13% | ▲ up |
| Seat Belts | 21 | 13% | — flat |
| Lighting | 16 | 10% | ▲ up |
| Speed Control | 9 | 5% | ▲ up |
| Steering | 8 | 5% | ▲ up |
| Transmission | 6 | 4% | — flat |
| Body & Structure | 5 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Fuel System | 4 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Other | 3 | 2% | ▲ up |
| Seats | 2 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Suspension | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Tires & Wheels | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
Does the 1989 Ford Tempo have recalls?
1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“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. INSPECTION OF THE VEHICLE AFTER THE FIRE SHOWS THAT THE FIRE APPEARED TO HAVE STARTED IN THE…”
“ON 22-MAR-97, WHILE DRIVING UP A HILL 30 SECONDS AWAY FROM DRIVER'S HOME THERE WAS LOTS OF SMOKE IN HOOD AREA. CONSUMER THEN BACKED THE VEHICLE INTO HER GARAGE GOT OUT AND OPENED HOOD, THERE WERE FLAMES UNDERNEATH, CONSUMER THEN CLOSED HOOD AND FIRE STOPPED SHORTLY THERE AFTER. *AK”
“ODOMETER READING IS NOT REGISTERING MILES, AND SPEEDOMETER IS NOT READING MPH. VEHICLE RUNS HOT, ELECTRONIC FAN IN COOLING SYSTEM DOES NOT OPERATE PROPERLY. ALSO, EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE OCCURS WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED, AND AUTOMATIC LOCK ON DRIVER'S SIDE DOES NOT OPERATE PROPERLY. DEALER…”
“TL*- THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SEAT BELT SUPPORT ON THE 1989 FORD TEMPO HAD DISENGAGED ON DRIVER'S SIDE AND FRONT PASSENGER SIDE. THE CONTACT TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER , AND THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY WOULDN'T BE ABLE TO FIX THE VEHICLE UNDER WARRANTY BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS TOO OLD. *AK UPDATED…”
“WHILE DRIVING, LIGHTS WERE VERY DIM; VEHICLE'S HEADLAMP AREA GOT WET, HAD HEADLAMP CHANGED; LIGHT HOLDER CELL IS MELTING; CA NOT KEEP LIGHT AREA FROM GETTING WET; BEEN TO DEALERSHIP SEVERAL TIMES; DEALER CANNOT FIND/FIX PROBLEM. *AK”
1989 Ford Tempo — common questions
Is the 1989 Ford Tempo reliable?
NHTSA data argues against it: 168 complaints put the 1989 model at #6 of 19 Tempo years. It is one of the Tempo years to avoid.
What are the most common 1989 Tempo problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (37 complaints), engine (34 complaints), brakes (21 complaints).
Does the 1989 Ford Tempo have recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1989 Ford Tempo. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
Is the 1989 Ford Tempo under NHTSA investigation?
NHTSA opened 4 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.
Which Ford Tempo years should you avoid?
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Tempo years to avoid are 1993, 1992, 1994, 1988, 1990, 1989, 1991, 1987. The cleanest record among Tempo years belongs to 1983.
Related
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.