1990 Ford Tempo Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 46about this part
- Share
- 35%of 133 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 83,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 46 complaints about the electrical system of the 1990 Ford Tempo, 35% of the 133 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 83,000 miles. 4 of these say a crash was involved and 22 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.
“Car has repeatable problem of not starting...have had it towed, due to this, numerous times, spent thousands of dollars trying to get it fixed, etc. Only to discover that it has two ignition defects...potentially... Since the car was not new when I bought it 3 years ago, I have no recourse but to bear the cost of repairs myself. I am outraged that Ford got away with not recalling these vehicles!!!”
NHTSA complaint #10096145, filed 2004-10, 83,000 miles“I had to have my ignition modual replaced because my car would stall on me while going down the road. I read in the paper today that Ford is fighting the recall on this exact problem. I have e-mailed Ford in hopes of rectifing this situation, but thought I would also contact you for help. Thank you for your help.”
NHTSA complaint #750462, filed 2001-08“Stalls without warning. Once on expressway, most on 4 lane 55 MPH roads. Many situations could have caused serious accidents. After sitting at roadside for about 2 hours it would start right up. Tried a number of remedies before hearing of the possible recall in california. It was a used functional car so we did all of the do it yourself remedies like dry gas, new starter, etc. All of the situations in the articles about the recalls described my instances to a t.”
NHTSA complaint #733168, filed 2000-10“Replaced seatbelt and they do the same thing lock in the buckle position when wife put in ditch she had to squeze to get outeven when open door would not release the heater control has been burnt 3 times and currently is burnt again then the ignition has been replaced under a recall and that dings now when the key isn't even in it nice recall I went to the dealer about the seatbelts they told me it would cost about 300.00 per door to fix my wife was quite upset about it wrote Ford motor a letter they never ecnolledge it. …”
NHTSA complaint #755056, filed 2001-11“While driving 40mph and without warning, engine stalled, consumer applied brakes and vehicle did not stop resulting in a collision, which totaled vehicle. Prior to the accident vehicle shut off 4 times, dealer replaced battery, alternator, plugs/wires, and starter but this did not correct the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #8004990, filed 2002-03Related 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 1990 Ford Tempo
28 complaintsBrakes
21 complaintsEngine cooling
19 complaintsSteering
12 complaintsExterior lighting
6 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
4 complaintsVehicle speed control
4 complaintsSeats
3 complaintsTires
3 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
3 complaintsBody and structure
2 complaintsSuspension
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1990 Ford Tempo
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 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