1989 Ford Tempo Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 33about this part
- Share
- 27%of 124 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 99,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 33 complaints about the electrical system of the 1989 Ford Tempo, 27% of the 124 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 99,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 12 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10013933, filed 2003-04, 99,000 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #716260, filed 1999-12“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10093168, filed 2004-09“When starting smoke came from the steering column. Learned later that the smoke was due to a short in the electrical harness under the dash. Repairs were made by independent repair shop ( repairs were done on both harness under the hood and under the dash). Manufacturer was notified.”
NHTSA complaint #832686, filed 1999-02“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #731582, filed 2000-09Related recalls
- 96V071000Apr 25, 1996The ignition switch could experience an internal short circuit.Covers: Ford Tempo 1988–1993, Thunderbird 1988–1993, Mercury Cougar 1988–1993 +12 more
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 1994 | 19 | 12% |
| 1993 | 37 | 16% |
| 1992 | 43 | 24% |
| 1991 | 22 | 20% |
| 1990 | 46 | 35% |
| 1989 | 33 | 27% |
| 1988 | 50 | 40% |
| 1987 | 28 | 53% |
| 1986 | 15 | 48% |
| 1985 | 13 | 43% |
| 1984 | 11 | 79% |
Other parts of the 1989 Ford Tempo
26 complaintsSeat belts
20 complaintsBrakes
17 complaintsExterior lighting
16 complaintsSteering
8 complaintsVehicle speed control
8 complaintsBody and structure
5 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
5 complaintsFuel system
4 complaintsOther or unknown
3 complaintsSeats
2 complaintsSuspension
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1989 Ford Tempo
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology