NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Gasoline
2124.4%
Drum
1416.3%
Headlights
1416.3%
Switch
1214.0%
Ignition
910.5%
Retractor
67.0%
Alternator/Generator/Regulator
55.8%
TIE ROD Assembly
55.8%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Jan 1995peak 13May 2014
NHTSA investigations into the 1989 Ford Tempo
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
PE96005Opened 19 Jan 1996Closed 28 May 1996SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
REAR BRK ADJUSTER FAILURE
1984 - 1991 FORD TEMPO/MERCURY TOPAZ
DP96002Opened 11 Jan 1996Closed 19 Jan 1996SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
REAR BRAKE SYSTEM FAILURE
EA91052Opened 27 Nov 1991Closed 24 Nov 1992SEAT BELTS
SEAT BELT SEPARATION
EA90008Opened 27 Dec 1989Closed 31 Dec 1991SEAT BELTS
FAILED PASSIVE RESTRAINT
WE HAVE RECEIVED NUMEROUS REPORTS WHICH ALLEGE A MALFUNCTION OR FAILURE OF THE PASSIVE RESTRAINT SYSTEM.ADDITIONAL REPORTS ALLEGE THAT THE PASSIVE RESTRAINT SYSTEM FAILED TO RESTRAIN/ADEQUATELY PROTECT THE OCCUPANT DURING AN ACCIDENT
Recalls on the 1989 Ford Tempo
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
96V071000
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
THE IGNITION SWITCH COULD EXPERIENCE AN INTERNAL SHORT CIRCUIT.
Risk: THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE OVERHEATING, SMOKE, AND POSSIBLY FIRE IN THE STEERING COLUMN AREA OF THE VEHICLE.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 1995212834,368 units in Canada
Electrical
A SHORT CIRCUIT COULD DEVELOP IN THE IGNITION SWITCH THAT COULD LEAD TO OVERHEATING, SMOKE, AND POSSIBLY FIRE IN THE STEERING COLUMN OF THE VEHICLE. THIS CONDITION MAY OCCUR WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN USE OR UNATTENDED. CORRECTION: IGNITION SWITCH WILL BE REPLACED WITH A REVISED DESIGN SWITCH.
Recall 1995197243,095 units in Canada
Engine
EXTENDED HIGHWAY OPERATION DURING VERY LOW AMBIENT TEMPERATURES (-20 DEGREES CENTIGRADE OR BELOW) MAY RESULT IN ICE FORMING IN THE POSITIVE CRANKCASE VENTILATION (PCV) SYSTEM. IF THIS OCCURS, THE CRANKCASE MAY BECOME PRESSURIZED, WHICH COULD FORCE OIL OUT OF THE ENGINE. IF THE OIL IS FORCED PAST THE ROCKER COVER GASKET, IT COULD CONTACT THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD, WHICH POTENTIALLY COULD RESULT IN A FIRE. CORRECTION: DEALERS WILL INSTALL REVISED, COOLANT HEATED PCV SYSTEMS.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 99,200 milesDewitt, VACrash1 injured
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
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.
NHTSA complaint #10219949 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Duluth, MNFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
CONSUMER LETTER CONCERNING THE SETTLEMENT IN A CLASS ACTION SUIT AGAINST FORD MOTOR COMPANY. *TS THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE.
NHTSA complaint #10156250 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Marinette, WIFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ontario,, CAFire1 injured
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
REAR MAIN SEAL IN THE ENGINE FAILED CAUSING FIRE.
NHTSA complaint #782495 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Colorado Springs, COCrash
STEERING:LINKAGES
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.
NHTSA complaint #722961 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Syracuse, NYFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
ENGINE FIRE. YH
NHTSA complaint #549404 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Barnegat, NJ
STRUCTURE:BODY
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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 99,200 milesDewitt, VACrash1 injured
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
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.
NHTSA complaint #10219949 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 72,000 milesMacon, GA
SEAT BELTS
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.
NHTSA complaint #10179485 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Duluth, MNFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
CONSUMER LETTER CONCERNING THE SETTLEMENT IN A CLASS ACTION SUIT AGAINST FORD MOTOR COMPANY. *TS THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE.
NHTSA complaint #10156250 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Marinette, WIFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 99,500 milesToledo, OR
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
BATTERY DRAIN---UNKNOWN CAUSE
NHTSA complaint #10069471 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Buffalo, NY
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
CONSUMER HAD TO USE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. TOOK VEHICLETO A MECHANIC, AND BRAKING SYSTEM WAS REPLACED.
NHTSA complaint #10061366 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Deltona, FL
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:CONCEALMENT DEVICES
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.
NHTSA complaint #10034424 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Aquilla, TX
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
CONSUMER INQUIRED ABOUT ANY RECALLS ON 1989 FORD TEMPO.*AK
NHTSA complaint #10019547 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 99,000 milesBristol, TN
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR
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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Howard City, MI
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
CONSUMER STATES THAT THE IGNITION MODULE IS DEFECTIVE. *SLC
NHTSA complaint #563816 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Akron, OH
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
WHILE DRIVING, CONSUMER STATES THAT THE GAS PEDAL FEELS STICKY AND IS HARD TO PUSH.
NHTSA complaint #563989 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Akron, OH
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE
WHILE DRIVING, VEHICLE STALLED DUE TO THICK IGNITION MODULE THAT FAILED, CONSUMER FEELS THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL.
NHTSA complaint #563989 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Akron, OH
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
WHILE DRIVING, CONSUMER STATES THAT THE GAS PEDAL FEELS STICKY AND IS HARD TO PUSH.
NHTSA complaint #563989 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Howard City, MI
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
CONSUMER STATES THAT THE IGNITION MODULE IS DEFECTIVE. *SLC
NHTSA complaint #563816 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Akron, OH
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
VEHICLE WILL STALL AT ANY GIVEN TIME. PROBLEM USUALLY HAPPENS WHEN VEHICLE 0VERHEATS. CONTACTED DEALER, AND DEALER NOTED THAT PROBLEM COULD BE IGNITION SWITCH.
NHTSA complaint #898669 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tulare, CA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
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
NHTSA complaint #877761 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Slingerlands, NY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
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.
NHTSA complaint #877112 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bloomington, IN
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
OAK Ridge, TN
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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.
NHTSA complaint #735343 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Havertown, PA
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
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.
NHTSA complaint #731582 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Havertown, PA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
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.
NHTSA complaint #731582 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Havertown, PA
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #731582 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ontario,, CAFire1 injured
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
REAR MAIN SEAL IN THE ENGINE FAILED CAUSING FIRE.
NHTSA complaint #782495 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
East Troy, WI
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #869691 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.