1989 FORD TEMPO

1 recalls — 50 complaints

96V071000 Apr 25, 1996
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
THE IGNITION SWITCH COULD EXPERIENCE AN INTERNAL SHORT CIRCUIT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH.
7,900,000 vehicles affected
STRUCTURE:BODY May 12, 2014
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. *TR
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL Mar 3, 2008
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.
Crash 1 injured
SEAT BELTS Jan 23, 2007
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. *NM
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING Apr 24, 2006
CONSUMER LETTER CONCERNING THE SETTLEMENT IN A CLASS ACTION SUIT AGAINST FORD MOTOR COMPANY. *TS THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. *JB
Fire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Sep 27, 2004
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.*AK
Fire
UNKNOWN OR OTHER Apr 22, 2004
BATTERY DRAIN---UNKNOWN CAUSE
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC Mar 4, 2004
CONSUMER HAD TO USE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. TOOK VEHICLETO A MECHANIC, AND BRAKING SYSTEM WAS REPLACED. *AK
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:CONCEALMENT DEVICES Aug 22, 2003
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. *AK
UNKNOWN OR OTHER May 19, 2003
CONSUMER INQUIRED ABOUT ANY RECALLS ON 1989 FORD TEMPO.*AK *JB
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR Apr 3, 2003
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.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL May 14, 2002
WHILE DRIVING, CONSUMER STATES THAT THE GAS PEDAL FEELS STICKY AND IS HARD TO PUSH. *TT
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION May 14, 2002
CONSUMER STATES THAT THE IGNITION MODULE IS DEFECTIVE. *SLC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE Jan 31, 2002
WHILE DRIVING, VEHICLE STALLED DUE TO THICK IGNITION MODULE THAT FAILED, CONSUMER FEELS THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL. *TT
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL Jan 31, 2002
WHILE DRIVING, CONSUMER STATES THAT THE GAS PEDAL FEELS STICKY AND IS HARD TO PUSH. *TT
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION Dec 27, 2001
CONSUMER STATES THAT THE IGNITION MODULE IS DEFECTIVE. *SLC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH Nov 2, 2001
VEHICLE WILL STALL AT ANY GIVEN TIME. PROBLEM USUALLY HAPPENS WHEN VEHICLE 0VERHEATS. CONTACTED DEALER, AND DEALER NOTED THAT PROBLEM COULD BE IGNITION SWITCH. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE Jan 9, 2001
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
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION Dec 28, 2000
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. *YH
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE Dec 4, 2000
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.*AK
UNKNOWN OR OTHER Nov 1, 2000
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. *AK
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM Sep 22, 2000
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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION Sep 22, 2000
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.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL Sep 22, 2000
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.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE Sep 8, 2000
REAR MAIN SEAL IN THE ENGINE FAILED CAUSING FIRE. *YH
Fire 1 injured
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH Sep 6, 2000
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.*AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE Sep 6, 2000
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.*AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE Aug 30, 2000
IN 1989 WE PAID $40,000 FOR A NEW MOTORHOME THAT IS DEFECTIVE AND UNSAFE AND FORD REFUSES TO FIX THE PROBLEM. WE HAVE HAD REPEATED FAILURES DURING WARM WEATHER AS IT APPEARS THE SYSTEM VAPORLOCKS AND STALLS THE VEHICLE. THE LASTEST FAILURES HAPPENED ON OUR VACATION LAST WEEK AND WERE VERY DANGEROUS. ONE STALL OCURRED ON A TWO LANE MOUNTAIN ROAD WITH NO SHOULDER AND ON CURVES. WE BLOCKED THE LANE AND HAD TO DIRECT TRAFFIC AROUND TO AVOID A TERRIBLE HEADON. ANOTHER FAILURE WE COULD NOT GET IT OFF THE ROAD AND IT BLOCKED BOTH LANES. VERY DANGEROUS FOR US AND OTHERS. WE HAVE SPENT ABOUT $1000 OVER THE YEARS DOING WHAT FORD RECOMMENDED AND IT DID NOT WORK. MOTORHOME MAGAZINE HAS HAD NUMEROUS ARTICLES ABOUT THIS OVER THE YEARS AND STILL FORD WILL NOT HELP THEIR CUSTOMERS. WE RECIEVED INFORMATION ABOUT A LAW SUIT WHERE PEOPLE WERE KILLED BUT HAVE NOT HEARD THE OUTCOME. UPON SPEAKING TO A FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE REP. TODAY, SHE SAID SHE RECEIVES 40-50 CALLS A DAY REGARDING THIS PROBLEM AND STILL FORD WILL NOT DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. WE ARE FACED WITH DONATING THIS MOTORHOME AS WE CANNOT SELL IT IN GOOD CONSCIENCE TO ANYONE. FORD SHOULD NOT BE ABLE TO GET AWAY WITH THIS AND IGNORE A DESIGN FLAW IN THEIR PRODUCT. PLEASE HELP US TO GET FORD'S ATTENTION AND TO TAKE CARE OF THIS PROBLEM. THEY APPARENTLY DO NOT MAKE THE 460 ENGINE ANYMORE DUE TO THE PROBLEMS. WHAT HAPPENS TO THOSE OF US WHO ALREADY HAVE ONE?
STEERING:LINKAGES May 31, 2000
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. *AK
Crash
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH Dec 28, 1999
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. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION Dec 20, 1999
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. *AK
STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY Nov 29, 1999
FRONT END TIE ROD FAILED CAUSING CONSUMER TO LOOSE CONTROL OF VEHICLE. NLM
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE Oct 29, 1999
ENGINE FIRE. YH
Fire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE Oct 29, 1999
ENGINE FIRE. YH
Fire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE Oct 29, 1999
ENGINE FIRE. YH
Fire
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:CONCEALMENT DEVICES Oct 22, 1999
CONSUMER STATES THE PLASTIC COVER AROUND THE HEADLIGHTS IS CORRODED AND IT WILL NOT LET LIGHT SHINE THROUGH AND THE CONSUMER FEELS ITS VERY UNSAFE
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER Oct 12, 1999
WHILE DRIVING CAR SUDDENLY STOPPED AND COULDN'T GO FORWARD. TOOK THE WHEEL OFF,AND SAW THART CALIPER PIN BROKE WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO STOP. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH Sep 21, 1999
POSSIBLE IGNITION SWITCH FAILURE AFTER RECALL (95S28) REPAIR PERFORMED RESULTING IN VEHICLE FIRE. NLM
Fire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION Sep 17, 1999
WHILE DRIVING ALONG CITY STREET THE MOTOR JUST STOPPED, NO WARNING OR ANYTHING.TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A MECHANIC AND WAS TOLD THAT IT IS THE IGNITION COIL MODULE. *AK
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS Jul 27, 1999
PLASTIC COVER OF HEADLIGHT WILL NOT STAY CLEAR AFTER 5-6 YRS, CAUSING POOR VISIBILITY . *AK
WHEELS:HUB Jul 9, 1999
WHILE TURNING OFF ONTO HIGHWAY AT 25 MP REAR WHEEL HUB CAME OFF. DEALER/ MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. CAN NHTSA PROVIDE HELP OR ADDITION INFORMATION ON THIS MATTER. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE Jun 8, 1999
REAR MAIN SEAL IN THE ENGINE FAILED CAUSING FIRE. *YH
Fire 1 injured
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM May 25, 1999
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.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE May 4, 1999
WHILE DRIVING FOR A PERIOD OF TIME ENGINE JUST SHUTS DOWN. POWER STEERING/BRAKING SYSTEM GO OUT, AND ENGINE SHUTS DOWN. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE Mar 29, 1999
OIL LEAKING FROM VALVE COVER GASKET, REPAIRED, HOWEVER OIL LEAK IS STILL PRESENT, OIL LEAK HAS DAMAGED THE MOTOR.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DRUM Mar 25, 1999
THE DEFECTIVE REAR BRAKING SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONED, CAUSING THE BRAKES TO DETEORIATE IN THE BRAKE CALIPER. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *AK
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS Mar 8, 1999
HEADLIGHTS ARE SO DIM, CAN NOT SEE AT NIGHT WITH THEM ON. SAME PROBLEM WITH OTHER TEMPOS.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE Feb 26, 1999
MOTOR MOUNTS CRACKED TWICE, CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL, AND MAY HAVE RESULTED IN AN ACCIDENT. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION AND VIN#. *AK
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR Feb 17, 1999
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. *AK
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL Feb 17, 1999
THE CAR ACCELERATES WHEN FOOT IS ON THE BRAKE. ITS AS IF THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS SET WHEN IT WASN'T. I HAVE HAD THIS HAPPEN TO ME SEVERAL TIMES, AND IN TRANSPORT OF A YEAR OLD CHILD, AND MY MOTHER IS ON OXYGEN, AND WHEEL CHAIR BOUND. I MYSELF AM DISABLED, AND HAVE NO WAY TO PAY TO HAVE THIS PROBLEM FIXED, OR TO SELL THIS CAR. MY AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE HAS TOLD ME THEY WILL NO LONGER INSURE MY CAR, AS THIS IS A WELL KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THIS YEAR OF FORD. I CALLED FORD, AND THEY HAVE TOLD ME THAT THERE WILL BE NO RECALL ON THIS, THAT THE CAR IS 10YEARS OLD, THERE WILL NOT BE ANYTHING DONE BY THEM. I CAN'T GET RID OF THIS CAR, NOR CAN I BUY ANOTHER ONE. WHAT AM I SUPOSE TO DO? I REFUSE TO DRIVE THIS CAR, AS WHEN IT ACCERATES, THERE REALLY IS NO WAY OF STOPPING IT, AND I AM AFRAID I WILL KILL SOMEONE, OR MY FAMILY WILL BE KILLED. THIS IS A REAL PROBLEM, AND I CAN ASSURE YOU THAT I AM NOT PRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL INSTEAD OF THE BRAKE PEDAL. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION Feb 17, 1999
LOCK CYLINDER FAILED CAUSING DRIVER TO BE SHOCKED WHEN KEY WAS INSERTED INTO IGNITION.