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 electrical system problems
The 1989 Ford Tempo has 37 electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA — 22% of the year's total, and down from the prior model year.
37
Electrical System complaints
22%
Share of year
1
Crash-involved
1
Related recalls
Electrical System complaints by year
Related recalls
What owners report
“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…”
Common questions
How many electrical system complaints does the 1989 Ford Tempo have?
NHTSA has 37 complaints about the 1989 Ford Tempo electrical system — 22% of all complaints filed for that model year.
Are there recalls for the 1989 Ford Tempo electrical system?
Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign for this model year is tied to the electrical system: 96V071000.
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.