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Body and structurePart report

1989 Ford Tempo Body and structure Problems

Complaints
5about this part
Share
4%of 124 total for the year
Median mileage
—not reported
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the body and structure of the 1989 Ford Tempo, 4% of the 124 complaints for this model year.

Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“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.”

NHTSA complaint #10587763, filed 2014-05

“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

“Whenever opening driver's side door there is a noise, the noise began in may. Since then it has progressed, also, the passenger's side door is now making the same noise. Consumer will provide VIN# later along with other missing information. She did not have on hand at this time.”

NHTSA complaint #826908, filed 1998-08

“Whenever the driver's side door is opened there is always a loud noise. Took vehicle to dealer & service manager checked. The mechanic heard & located the source of the noise. Told consumer vehicle out of warranty & repairs were not done.”

NHTSA complaint #826331, filed 1998-08

“The power door lock on the rear passenger's side is in the lock position and will not unlock. The door cannot by opened manually. The dealer is aware of the problem. The problem has not been corrected.”

NHTSA complaint #826206, filed 1998-08

Body and structure: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
199442%
199363%
199242%
199111%
199022%
198954%
198822%
198712%

Other parts of the 1989 Ford Tempo

Electrical system
33 complaints
Engine cooling
26 complaints
Seat belts
20 complaints
Brakes
17 complaints
Exterior lighting
16 complaints
Steering
8 complaints
Vehicle speed control
8 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
5 complaints
Fuel system
4 complaints
Other or unknown
3 complaints
Seats
2 complaints
Suspension
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