1989 Ford Tempo problems
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Common 1989 Ford Tempo problems
The Ford Tempo, produced from 1984 to 1994, is known for its reliability, durability, and fuel economy. However, there are some common problems that owners have reported over the years.
One of the most significant issues with the Ford Tempo is engine problems, which account for 13 out of 23 complaints made by owners over six model years.
Another issue that some Ford Tempo owners have reported is vibration, which has been reported in the 1993 Tempo. This problem can be caused by various factors, including worn-out suspension components, uneven tire wear, or imbalanced wheels.
Oil leaks are also a common problem with the Ford Tempo, with one complaint reported in the 1998 Tempo. Oil leaks can be caused by various factors, including worn-out gaskets, damaged seals, or cracked engine blocks.
The Ford Tempo's fuel system has also been a source of complaints, with three out of 23 complaints made by owners over six model years related to fuel system issues. These issues include fuel leaks, which can be caused by damaged fuel lines or faulty fuel pumps.
The cooling system is another area where the Ford Tempo has had problems, with three out of 23 complaints related to cooling system issues. These problems can include overheating, which can be caused by a faulty thermostat, a damaged radiator, or low coolant levels.
Transmission problems have also been reported in the Ford Tempo, with two out of 23 complaints related to transmission issues. These problems can include slipping, jerking, or difficulty shifting.
In 1996, Ford issued a safety recall of 8.7 million vehicles, including the Ford Tempo, due to a faulty ignition switch that could cause fires, even when the engine was off. The recall affected Ford and Mercury vehicles made between 1988 and 1993.
In summary, the Ford Tempo has had several common problems reported by owners, including engine issues, vibration, oil leaks, fuel system problems, cooling system issues, transmission problems, and faulty ignition switches. However, it is worth noting that the Ford Tempo has also been praised for its reliability, durability, and fuel economy, making it a popular choice for many drivers.
Why did Ford discontinue the tempo?
End of production
By 1993 Ford had been losing money on the Tempo for a decade. While the Tempo had long been a loss leader for Ford, the incoming Contour was based on the Mondeo, one of the most expensive cars in Ford's European lineup.
When did they stop making Ford Tempo?
May 20th 1994
Farewell to Ford Tempo and Mercury Topaz | May 20th 1994 | Today in Ford Motor Company History. On May 20th, 1994, a significant chapter in automotive history came to a close as the final Ford Tempo and Mercury Topaz models rolled off the production line at the Kansas City Ford Assembly Plant.
What Ford motor to stay away from?
The 5.4-liter Triton engine is a member of Ford's Modular V8 engine family, introduced in 1997. The three-valve version produced from 2002 to 2008 is the most problematic and one of the most unreliable Ford engines. Although it produced decent power (295-390 hp), the engine had several glitches.
What was Mercury's version of the Ford Tempo?
So the cars gotten new skins. And a few mechanical tweaks. But is the new car different enough to change its reputation as one of Ford's. Least exciting models. While certainly not BMWs the 88 tempo
Why did Ford discontinue the tempo?
End of production
By 1993 Ford had been losing money on the Tempo for a decade. While the Tempo had long been a loss leader for Ford, the incoming Contour was based on the Mondeo, one of the most expensive cars in Ford's European lineup.
When did they stop making Ford Tempo?
May 20th 1994
Farewell to Ford Tempo and Mercury Topaz | May 20th 1994 | Today in Ford Motor Company History. On May 20th, 1994, a significant chapter in automotive history came to a close as the final Ford Tempo and Mercury Topaz models rolled off the production line at the Kansas City Ford Assembly Plant.
What was Mercury's version of the Ford Tempo?
So the cars gotten new skins. And a few mechanical tweaks. But is the new car different enough to change its reputation as one of Ford's. Least exciting models. While certainly not BMWs the 88 tempo
How much horsepower does a 1985 Ford Tempo have?
Specifications for Ford Tempo 2-door 2.0 D Manual, 53hp, 1985.
1989 Ford Tempo car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Ford Tempo problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Electrical system problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Seat belts problems
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1989 Ford Tempo vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1989 Ford Tempo
The NHTSA has received 155 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1989 Ford Tempo. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1989 Ford Tempo vehicles.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-05-15
- VIN: 1 1FAPP31XO
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: THE CAR HAS MAJOR LEAKING ISSUES. EVERY TIME IT RAINS/SNOWS/SLEETS/HAIL IT LEAKS INTO THE CAR THROUGH THE DRIVERS SIDE INTO THE ROOF AND ONCE THAT AREA IS SOAKED IT STARTS TO DRIP SLOWLY ONTO THE SEAT AND FLOOR. THERE IS ALSO A LEAK IN THE TRUNK ON THE PASSENGER SIDE, OR AT LEAST THAT IS WHERE THE WATER ACCUMULATES UNTIL A SMALL PUDDLE HAS FORMED IN THE WELL THAT HOLDS THE SPARE TIRE. AND IT SEEMS TO ALSO SPREAD INTO THE BACKSEAT AND GATHERS IN THE BACKSEAT FOOTWELL BEHIND THE DRIVER'S SEAT. *TR
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-01-09
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 2FAPP36X0KB
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1989 FORD TEMPO. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, IT SUDDENLY ACCELERATED TO AN UNKNOWN SPEED. THE VEHICLE CRASHED THROUGH THE GARAGE WALL AND EVENTUALLY STOPPED AND SHUT OFF AFTER A HALF MILE. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED AND DRIVEN BACK TO THE GARAGE. THE WINDSHIELD WAS DAMAGED AND THE DRIVER SUSTAINED SCRATCHES. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 99,200.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-07-01
- VIN: 1FAPP38S7KK
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: 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 2/22/2007 - THE CONSUMER FEELS THAT THE SEAT BELT SUPPORT WAS MADE FROM AN INFERIOR PLASTIC WHICH BECAME BRITTLE. *NM
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1901-01-01
- Fire: 1
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: CONSUMER LETTER CONCERNING THE SETTLEMENT IN A CLASS ACTION SUIT AGAINST FORD MOTOR COMPANY. *TS THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. *JB
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-09-25
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1FABP57U2KG
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: 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 STEERING COLUMN.*AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: CONSUMER HAD TO USE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. TOOK VEHICLETO A MECHANIC, AND BRAKING SYSTEM WAS REPLACED. *AK
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-03-15
- VIN: 1FAPP39S1KK
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: BATTERY DRAIN---UNKNOWN CAUSE
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-08-22
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: HEAD COVERS ATTACHMENT ON THE HEADLIGHTS CAUSE LESS VISIBILITY WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING. INTERMITTENTLY THE LIGHT WILL APPEAR TO BE NORMAL. FAILURE IS UNDETERMINED AT THIS TIME. *AK
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: CONSUMER INQUIRED ABOUT ANY RECALLS ON 1989 FORD TEMPO.*AK *JB
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-04-03
- VIN: 1FAPP36X0KK
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EQUIPMENT
- Summary: SINCE 2000, MY 1989 FORD TEMPO HAD BROKEN DOWN FOUR TIMES, TWICE IN HEAVY TRAFFIC. EACH TIME, I HAVE BEEN TOLD THE PROBLEM WAS WITH THE ALTERNATOR, AND I HAD IT REPLACED. NOW, IN APRIL OF 2003, THE ALTERNATOR IS ABOUT TO DIE YET AGAIN. MY CAR HAS 99,000 MILES AND IS DRIVEN LESS THAN 10,000 MILES PER YEAR. FIVE ALTERNATORS IN THREE YEARS IS NOT FROM NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR ON A CAR. I BELIEVE THERE IS A DEFECT IN THE FORD TEMPO SYSTEM THAT NEEDS TO BE INVESTIGATED. AND I SEE FROM OTHER FILED COMPLAINTS I AM NOT THE ONLY PERSON WHO HAS HAD THIS PROBLEM.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1FAP3P6XXKK
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING, VEHICLE STALLED DUE TO THICK IGNITION MODULE THAT FAILED, CONSUMER FEELS THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL. *TT
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1FAP3P6XXKK
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING, CONSUMER STATES THAT THE GAS PEDAL FEELS STICKY AND IS HARD TO PUSH. *TT
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1FAP3P6XXKK
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING, CONSUMER STATES THAT THE GAS PEDAL FEELS STICKY AND IS HARD TO PUSH. *TT
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: CONSUMER STATES THAT THE IGNITION MODULE IS DEFECTIVE. *SLC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: CONSUMER STATES THAT THE IGNITION MODULE IS DEFECTIVE. *SLC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-10-01
- VIN: 1FAP3P6XXKK
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: VEHICLE WILL STALL AT ANY GIVEN TIME. PROBLEM USUALLY HAPPENS WHEN VEHICLE 0VERHEATS. CONTACTED DEALER, AND DEALER NOTED THAT PROBLEM COULD BE IGNITION SWITCH. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 2FAPP26X1KB
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: CONSUMER STATED VEHICLE SHUTS DOWN WHEN ENGINE GETS HOT, CONSUMER STATES THIS HAPPENS ALMOST EVERY TIME VEHICLE IS DRIVEN AND USUALLY OCCURS AT A SIGNAL LIGHT OR STOP SIGN. *SLC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 2FAPP36X4KB
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE STALLS UNEXPECTEDLY WHICH MAY CAUSE A CRASH. DEALER CANNOT DETERMINE CAUSE. HOWEVER, IT IS A COMMON PROBLEM. *AK THE VEHICLE HEATED UP AFTER A 50 MILE TRIP. *YH
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: FILL IN
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: ANY TIME AT A STOP LIGHT OR STARTING TO MOVE OR GOING AROUND CORNERS VEHICLE WOULD STALL OUT FOR NO REASON. PROBLEM IS INTERMITTENT. HAVE TAKEN TO DEALERSHIP NUMEROUS TIMES. MECHANIC CAN NOT DUPLICATE OR RESOLVE PROBLEM.*AK
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 2FAPP36X6KB
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: THIS SEEMS TO HAPPEN WHEN THE CAR IS WARM ONLY. I HAVE BEEN STRANDED MANY TIMES. THIS IS NOT ONLY EXPENSIVE BUT A PROBLEM OF PERSONAL SAFETY. NO SAFETY DEFEC TLISTED IN SUMMARY. *AK
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1FAPP36X5KK
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: AFTER VEHICLE IS OPERATED AT CONTINUOUS HIGH SPEEDS (60MPH) VEHICLE WILL STALL WHEN APPROACHING A STOP SIGN, RED LIGHT ETC. VEHICLE WILL RESTART IMMEDIATELY, BUT WILL CONTINUE TO STALL AT NEXT STOP. I CONSIDER THIS TO BE DANGEROUS BECAUSE FOLLOWING TRAFFIC IS NOT EXPECTING THE STALL, AND GETTING THROUGH AN INTERSECTION CAN BE ADVENTUROUS. VEHICLE HAS HAD A MAJOR TUNEUP, (INCLUDING WIRES ROTOR ETC), THROTTLE BODY CLEANING, FUEL INJECTOR CLEANING BUT THE PROBLEM PERSISTS. I HEARDTHAT NHSTA WAS TRYING TO GET FORD TO RECALL THIS MODEL BECAUE THE IGNITION MODULE WAS PLACED TOO CLOSE TO THE ENGINE AND WAS SUBJECTED TO INTENSE HEAT, LEADING TO STALLING.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: WHEN DRIVING IN HOT WEATHER VEHICLE STALLS, AND WON'T START BACK UP FOR AT LEAST 30 MINUTES. MECHANIC REPLACED IGNITION, AND PROBLEM STILL EXISTS.*AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1992-08-14
- VIN: 1FDKE30G7KH
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: IN 1989 WE PAID $40,000 FOR A NEW MOTORHOME THAT IS DEFECTIVE AND UNSAFE AND FORD REFUSES TO FIX THE PROBLEM. WE HAVE HAD REPEATED FAILURES DURING WARM WEATHER AS IT APPEARS THE SYSTEM VAPORLOCKS AND STALLS THE VEHICLE. THE LASTEST FAILURES HAPPENED ON OUR VACATION LAST WEEK AND WERE VERY DANGEROUS. ONE STALL OCURRED ON A TWO LANE MOUNTAIN ROAD WITH NO SHOULDER AND ON CURVES. WE BLOCKED THE LANE AND HAD TO DIRECT TRAFFIC AROUND TO AVOID A TERRIBLE HEADON. ANOTHER FAILURE WE COULD NOT GET IT OFF THE ROAD AND IT BLOCKED BOTH LANES. VERY DANGEROUS FOR US AND OTHERS. WE HAVE SPENT ABOUT $1000 OVER THE YEARS DOING WHAT FORD RECOMMENDED AND IT DID NOT WORK. MOTORHOME MAGAZINE HAS HAD NUMEROUS ARTICLES ABOUT THIS OVER THE YEARS AND STILL FORD WILL NOT HELP THEIR CUSTOMERS. WE RECIEVED INFORMATION ABOUT A LAW SUIT WHERE PEOPLE WERE KILLED BUT HAVE NOT HEARD THE OUTCOME. UPON SPEAKING TO A FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE REP. TODAY, SHE SAID SHE RECEIVES 40-50 CALLS A DAY REGARDING THIS PROBLEM AND STILL FORD WILL NOT DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. WE ARE FACED WITH DONATING THIS MOTORHOME AS WE CANNOT SELL IT IN GOOD CONSCIENCE TO ANYONE. FORD SHOULD NOT BE ABLE TO GET AWAY WITH THIS AND IGNORE A DESIGN FLAW IN THEIR PRODUCT. PLEASE HELP US TO GET FORD'S ATTENTION AND TO TAKE CARE OF THIS PROBLEM. THEY APPARENTLY DO NOT MAKE THE 460 ENGINE ANYMORE DUE TO THE PROBLEMS. WHAT HAPPENS TO THOSE OF US WHO ALREADY HAVE ONE?
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-06-06
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 2FAPP37X7KB
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: FRONT RIGHT TIE ROD SNAPPED IN TWO PIECES. CAUSING LOSS OF STEERING. RIGHT TIRE WAS UNCONTROLLABLE. CAUSING VEHICLE TO SWERVE SHARPLY INTO CURB. POTENTIAL FOR SERIOUS INJURY BUT WAS ON A "GET ON" RAMP TO FREEWAY. SO WAS VERY LUCKY BECAUSE NO UNCOMING TRAFFIC AND NO PEDESTRIAN TRAFFIC. VEHICLE WAS NEVER INVOLVED IN ANY PREVIOUS ACCIDENT. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-09-27
- VIN: 2FAPP36X9KB
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: RECALL ON THIS VEHICLE (1989 FORD TEMPO) WAS ISSUED AT 1996, BUT WE NEVER RECEIVED ANY NOTIFICATION FROM MANUFACTURER. CONTACTED MANUFACTURER BY PHONE ON 12/20/1999. MANUFACTURER'S CUSTOMER REPRESENTATIVE TOLD ME THAT I WILL NOT RECEIVE ANY FREE REMEDY FROM THIS 1996 RECALL ON MY VEHICLE (1989 FORD TEMPO) SINCE THE RECALL IS CLOSED AND MY VEHICLE IS NOT UNDER ANY WARRANTY. CONTACTED NHTSA OFFICE BY PHONE ON 12/20/1999 AND WAS GIVEN ADVISE OF FILING SAFETY COMPLAINT ABOUT THIS MATTER. *AK
1989 Ford Tempo recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1989 Ford Tempo.
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
- Summary: 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.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1989 Ford Tempo problems:
1989 Ford Tempo Reviews - Carsurvey.org
Faults: Alternator went out at 199,000, which was a factor and a common problem with the car, so after replacing the pig tail and alternator, no issues.
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