1990 Ford Tempo: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 133 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is electrical system (32% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall Apr 1996
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 133 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“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!!!”Owner report · Electrical System · Oct 2004
“Just after pulling into the driveway, the consumer smelled smoke . He opened the hood and noticed the top of the alternator plug was burning followed by wiring burning across to the battery. The terminal block on the left fender began burning and melting. *jb *nm”Owner report · Electrical System · Aug 2004
“The tread on all four tires separated while driving 60 mph (kelly metric radial size 18570r14). Please provide the dot number. *nlm”Owner report · Tires · May 2003
Show 7 more owner reports
“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.”Owner report · Electrical System · Dec 2001
“While at a stop sign another driver pulled along side of consumer and stated that brake lights were out. Consumer pressed brake pedal, and pedal went to the floor. Please provide any further information. *ak”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Dec 2001
“Brake lights are defective,. When stepping on brakes brake lights do not come on. Also, stopping distance has increased. *ak”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Dec 2001
“Vehicle cuts off without warning, but it will start back up again. Also, consumer can hear it when it is getting ready to cut, which gives her time to apply brakes and pull to side out of traffic.*ak”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Nov 2001
“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.*ak”Owner report · Electrical System · Jul 2001
“Consumer states as she was driving, vehicle began to stall, she then pulled over and that is when she saw that the vehicle was on fire, possibly engine related.(ohio traffic crash report#10-90-330)*jb”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jun 2001
“While at a stop sign or stop light, vehicle stalls at take off. Paint is peeling off of vehicle.*ak consumer also stated that the tfi ignition module was replaced after one incident where the vehicle would not start but did not help the problem, vehicle surges foward at times, it can move foward up an incline without pressing on the accelerator.*jb”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · May 2001
When filing, owners marked a crash in 16 of these complaints and injuries in 12 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
THREADED INFLATOR COMPONENTS MAY HAVE BEEN DAMAGED DURING ASSEMBLY WHICH MAY ALLOW COMPONENTS TO SEPARATE WHEN INFLATOR RECEIVES A SIGNAL TO DEPLOY THE AIR BAG.
Remedy: REPLACE AIR BAG MODULES CONTAINING POTENTIALLY DEFECTIVE INFLATORS.
THE IGNITION SWITCH COULD EXPERIENCE AN INTERNAL SHORT CIRCUIT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH.
How other years compare
Check your exact Tempo by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1990 Ford Tempo reliable?
NHTSA has 133 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 1990 Ford Tempo. The most complained-about area is electrical system (32% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1990 Ford Tempo problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 82,000 miles or less.
Does the 1990 Ford Tempo have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning air bags:frontal. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.