1989 Ford Tempo Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 26about this part
- Share
- 21%of 124 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 26 complaints about the engine cooling of the 1989 Ford Tempo, 21% of the 124 complaints for this model year. 8 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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 contacted several times, and cannot remedy the problems incurred. Problems still exist. Provide further information.”
NHTSA complaint #834793, filed 1999-02“After driving some distance, car will stall and fail to start until it cools down, especially in warm weather. Problem is ongoing and spasmodic. Restart after cooling down is always without any problem. Engine cooling system has been flushed, refilled and works perfectly.”
NHTSA complaint #706838, filed 1999-05“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.”
NHTSA complaint #810322, filed 1997-03“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.”
NHTSA complaint #875946, filed 2000-12“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.”
NHTSA complaint #877761, filed 2001-01Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 1994 | 45 | 28% |
| 1993 | 61 | 27% |
| 1992 | 45 | 26% |
| 1991 | 31 | 28% |
| 1990 | 19 | 14% |
| 1989 | 26 | 21% |
| 1988 | 26 | 21% |
| 1987 | 14 | 26% |
| 1986 | 2 | 6% |
| 1985 | 7 | 23% |
| 1984 | 1 | 7% |
Other parts of the 1989 Ford Tempo
33 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 28, 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