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.
1990 Ford Tempo electrical system problems
The 1990 Ford Tempo has 53 electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA — 30% of the year's total, and up sharply from the prior model year.
53
Electrical System complaints
30%
Share of year
4
Crash-involved
1
Related recalls
Electrical System complaints by year
Related recalls
What owners report
“VEHICLE PARKED IN DRIVEWAY. HORN WAS BLARING & OWNER LOOKED OUT WINDOW & NOTICED VEHICLE IN FLAMES. WAS TOLD FIRE OCCURRED NEAR IGNITION SWITCH AREA. CALLED DEALER & INFORMED UNDER RECALL (#96V071000). WILL REPAIR IGNITION SWITCH & WIRING HARNESS ONLY & NOTHING ELSE. OWNER NEVER RECEIVED NOTICE.…”
Common questions
How many electrical system complaints does the 1990 Ford Tempo have?
NHTSA has 53 complaints about the 1990 Ford Tempo electrical system — 30% of all complaints filed for that model year.
Are there recalls for the 1990 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.