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We found the following complaints for FORD TEMPO (1989)

Read complaints for FORD TEMPO (1989)


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.

On three occasions the alternator overheated and had to be replaced.

Sitting at a drive through and front of the car started to smoke open the hood and there was a fire.ttan automotive shop owner stated that ford's alternator connector wires are defective.

Alternator wiring harness melted because of a short.

Alternator failed.

Lock cylinder failed causing driver to be shocked when key was inserted into ignition.

Went to pioneer ford to get problem fix but in repairing this problem they broke drivers seat and made car unsafe to drive and refused to repair it they said just because the vehical was over 10 years old they were not resposible

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.

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.

Consumer states that the ignition module is defective.

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.

Consumer states that the ignition module is defective.

While driving vehicle stalls unexpectedly which may cause a crash.dealer cannot determinecause.however, it is a common problem.the vehicle heated up after a 50 mile trip.

Vehicle fire in the ignition caused by short circuit.tt

Car stalled after starting forward from a stopped position, causing accident. *dsh

While driving, vehicle stalled due to thick ignition module that failed, consumer feels there should be a recall.

Purchase car used had to replace the fuel pump three times and replaced motor mount one time and replaced the starter two times .tttfi replaced.tp sensor replaced.egr valve replaced.inner tie rod end replaced.

Fuller ford 96v071. Dealer charges owner $81.65 for a diagnostic test before performing the recall order.

Possible ignition switch failure after recall (95s28) repair performed resulting in vehicle fire.nlm

Had recall work done, wiped memory of radio and clock, battery needs constantly to be jumped.

Experienced ignition switch malfunction, key wouldn't turn to start, after replacing ignition switch experienced fire which started in extremely cold conditions, noticed smoke coming from igniton switch, then steering column caught fire, vehicle was totalled.

Vehicle will stall at any given time.problem usually happens whenvehicle 0verheats.contacted dealer, and dealer noted thatproblem could beignition switch.

Ignition switch failed prior to recall. (third vehicle on 509613, 601624)

Ignition switch shorted, causing fire. *dsh

Auto burst into flames after being driven about 5 miles and parked for approx 15mins. Ignition problem in steering column.tt

Ignition switch caught fire while driving the vehicle, smoke emitting from steering column area.tt

While driving smoke started coming from steering column area; vehicle previously repaired under recall #96v071000; ignition switch.

96v-071, recall related, ignition switch failure, electrical short while driving vehicle, resulting in engine compartment fire under the hood.

When driving in hot weathervehicle stalls, and won't start back up for at least 30 minutes. Mechanic replaced ignition, and problem still exists.

Purchase car used had to replace the fuel pump three times and replaced motor mount one time and replaced the starter two times .tt

Purchase car used had to replace the fuel pump three times and replaced motor mount one time and replaced the starter two times .tttfi replaced.tp sensor replaced.egr valve replaced.inner tie rod end replaced.

Electrical system fire, wiring harness caught fire, and alternator was burned.

Electrical system fire, wiring harness caught fire, and alternator was burned.

Consumer was driving and car caught on fire, burning the whole car,did not know from where the fire came .please describe .

Electrical short vehicle caught fire.tt

When starting smoke came from the steering column. Learned later that the smoke wasdue 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.

Consumer letter concerning the settlement in a class action suit against ford motor company. The vehicle caught on fire.

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.

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.

Engine fan failed.

Purchase car used had to replace the fuel pump three times and replaced motor mount one time and replaced the starter two times .tttfi replaced.tp sensor replaced.egr valve replaced.inner tie rod end replaced.

Oil leaking from valve cover gasket, repaired, however oil leak is still present, oil leak has damaged the motor.

Motor mounts crackedtwice, causing loss of control, and may have resulted in an accident.please provide further information and vin#.

Clutch failed twice,transmission failed, brake system malfuctioned, automatic seat belt retractor failed, exhaust system replaced, oil pan gasket replaced.tt

Purchase car used had to replace the fuel pump three times and replaced motor mount one time and replaced the starter two times .tt

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.

Engine fire.

Engine fire. (ohio traffic crash report).

Engine compartment fire. *sd

Engine compartment fire. *sd

On 22-mar-97, whiledriving up a hill 30 seconds away from driver's home there was lots of smoke in hood area. Consumer then backed the vehicle into her garage got out and opened hood, there were flames underneath,consumer then closed hood and fire stopped shortly there after.

While driving in stop/go traffic, vehicle overheated. 2) fan/heat system failed to operate under cold weather conditions. Please describe details.tt

Engine stalls.

When driving in hot weathervehicle stalls, and won't start back up for at least 30 minutes. Mechanic replaced ignition, and problem still exists.

Engine fails when steering wheel is turned fully in either direction. Not sure if this is maintenance problem or a defect involving the halfshaft.

While driving for a period of timeengine just shuts down.power steering/braking systemgo out, andengine shuts down. Dealer has been contacted.

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?

Any time at a stop light or starting to move or going around cornersvehicle would stall out for no reason.problem is intermittent. Have taken to dealership numerous times. Mechanic can not duplicate or resolveproblem.

While driving engine overheats and vehicle stalls/hesistates.

Rear main seal in the engine failed causing fire.

Rear main seal in the engine failed causing fire.

Intermittent stalling.

Intermittent stalling.

Engine fire.yh

Engine fire.yh

Engine fire.yh

Serpentine belt failed.

Clutch failed twice,transmission failed, brake system malfuctioned, automatic seat belt retractor failed, exhaust system replaced, oil pan gasket replaced.tt

Catalytic converter replaced due to rust.

Purchase car used had to replace the fuel pump three times and replaced motor mount one time and replaced the starter two times .tttfi replaced.tp sensor replaced.egr valve replaced.inner tie rod end replaced.

The headlight seems to have water build up and it is all built together. Want someone to look into this problem (can not see).tt

Head light lenses deteriorate over time, causing poor visibility.

Plastic cover of headlight will not stay clear after 5-6 yrs, causing poor visibility .

Moisture in the right headlight, causing inadequate lighting.

Headlights are so dim, can not see at night with them on.same problem with other tempos.

Head lamps fill with water,causing lights to dim.

The headlight seems to have water build up and it is all built together. Want someone to look into this problem. Can not see.tt

Water leaks into the headlights causing condensation and dim lights. Please describe.tt

Headlights are leaking water and not bright enough.

Headlight shorted due to water leak.

Overa period of time the headlight lens changes to a yellowish color,causing poor visibility.

Head light covers are plastic and can't be cleaned due to design because they are not glass.

Headlights fill with water, causing lights to dim.

While driving, lights were very dim; vehicle's headlamp area got wet, had headlamp changed; light holder cell is melting; ca not keep light area from getting wet; been to dealership several times; dealer cannot find/fix problem.

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

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.

Sitting at a drive through and front of the car started to smoke open the hood and there was a fire.ttan automotive shop owner stated that ford's alternator connector wires are defective.

Purchase car used had to replace the fuel pump three times and replaced motor mount one time and replaced the starter two times .tttfi replaced.tp sensor replaced.egr valve replaced.inner tie rod end replaced.

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.

While drivinggas fumes/odor come about, indicating there may be a fuel leak. But a mechanic could not determine the problem or fix it.please provide further information and vin#.

Parking brake will not hold.

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.

Clutch failed twice,transmission failed, brake system malfuctioned, automatic seat belt retractor failed, exhaust system replaced, oil pan gasket replaced.tt

Transmission fluid leaked out of the rubber connector hose and sprayed on the nearby hot exhaust system.

Transmission failed to shift from park position.

Upper bearing replaced.

Clutch failed twice,transmission failed, brake system malfuctioned, automatic seat belt retractor failed, exhaust system replaced, oil pan gasket replaced.tt

-the contact stated that the seat belt support onthe 1989 ford tempo had disengaged on driver'sside 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. Updated 2/22/2007 - the consumer feels that the seat belt support was made from an inferior plastic which became brittle.

Driver's automatic seat belt failed to disengage, tightening upon being worn. Husband had tocut her out of the belt.

Seatbelt track failed, seatbelt is locked in position.tt

Automatic seat belt on driver side sticks and do not operate properly.tt

Motorbelts track/motor failed twice. *dsh

The passenger'sside automatic seat belt will not retract. A very loud noise is experienced when opening and closing the doors, coming from the seat belt motor.

Drivers side w/passenger having premature failure of seat belt engaging around occupant. Please describe details.

Clutch failed twice,transmission failed, brake system malfuctioned, automatic seat belt retractor failed, exhaust system replaced, oil pan gasket replaced.tt

Consumer was in car cut it off open door the seat belt retractor wouldn't let person out of seat .tt

The passengers front automatic retractable seatbelt does not run along the track. Please describe.

Passenger's seat belt failed.

Automaticseat belt failed.

The driver side seat belt buckle broke dealer the whole seat belt buckle .tt

Driver's seat lap belts will not unlatch.occupant had to climb out of seat belt to exit the vehicle.

Driver side seat belt would not open.ttconsumer stated button is still hooked will not push open, consumer had to be cut out of seat belt with a pair of scissors.

Driver/passenger seat belts failed to work properly. Sometimes belts would work when vehicle is started.when brakes applied, belts would go to original position. Bets also retract to original position while driving vehicle.

Nylon strap that retracts shoulder belt failed.

For the third time the driver's side seat belt retractor has stopped working . Please describe .

The front passenger side seat belt will not retract.

The front passenger side seat belt will not retract.

Motorbelt retractor failed.

Vehicle was hit from the rear and when the vehicle was struckdriver's seatbroke, vehicle not safe to drive.

Drivers seatbackfell backwards due to bolt failure while exiting shutting door. Driver had to use board to prop seat up. Bolt holding is a 1/2 inch.tt

The rear brake adjuster fell out of the vehicle while going highway speeds. Created rear wheel lock up.

Consumer had to use the emergency brake to stop the vehicle. Took vehicleto a mechanic, and braking systemwas replaced.

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.

Clutch failed twice,transmission failed, brake system malfuctioned, automatic seat belt retractor failed, exhaust system replaced, oil pan gasket replaced.tt

While drivingcar suddenly stopped and couldn't go forward.took the wheel off,and saw thart caliper pin broke which caused the vehicle to stop.

Rear brake adjusters failed, brakes must be adjusted manually. *dsh

The defective rear braking system malfunctioned, causing thebrakes to deteoriate in the brake caliper.please provide further details.

While driving experienced rear brake adjuster failure, when noticed grinding noise, then went to floor.

Rear brakes self adjusters inoperative; only front brakes work causing premature wear out/overheating, poor stopping.

Rear brakes self adjusters inoperative; only front brakes work causing premature wear out/overheating, poor stopping.

Rear brake adjuster pin failure, causing a loss of the emergency brakes.

Right rear brake adjuster failed. *dsh

Rear brake adjusters failed.

While driving experienced rear brake adjuster failure, when noticed grinding noise, then went to floor.

Hydraulic brakes; when applying brakes, rear brakes failed, causing tires to lock up.please describe.

Experienced rear brake adjuster failure, when fell out of position and poked hole through side of drum.

Brake failure, pedal is very low, replaced the rear brakes 6 times.

The rear brake adjuster fell out of the vehicle while going highway speeds. Created rear wheel lock up.

Brake shoes became loose. Pistons came out of the wheel cylinderdue to the rear brake adjuster.

Brake shoes became loose. Pistons came out of the wheel cylinderdue to the rear brake adjuster.

Steering column loose.

Steering column failed.

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.

Tie rod broke, causing loss of control.(other vehicle on 479568)*aw

Tie rods failed

Tie rod broke, causing loss of control.(2nd vehicle on 481651)*aw

Front end tie rod failed causing consumer to loose control of vehicle.nlm

Purchase car used had to replace the fuel pump three times and replaced motor mount one time and replaced the starter two times .tttfi replaced.tp sensor replaced.egr valve replaced.inner tie rod end replaced.

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.

Wheneveropeningdriver's side door there is a noise, the noise began inmay. 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.

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.

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.

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.

Misalignment causing tie rods ends to fail/premature wear of tires.

Consumer inquired about any recalls on1989 ford tempo.

Battery drain---unknown cause

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.

Purchase car used had to replace the fuel pump three times and replaced motor mount one time and replaced the starter two times .tttfi replaced.tp sensor replaced.egr valve replaced.inner tie rod end replaced.

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.

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.

Cruise control cable broke, causing sudden acceleration when vehicle moved in reverse. *sd

The car accelerates whenfoot 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 transportof ayear 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.

Sudden acceleration.

While driving, consumer states that the gas pedal feels sticky and is hard to push.

While driving, consumer states that the gas pedal feels sticky and is hard to push.

When putting the vehicle into reverse, the vehicle increased its speed, causing a collision. Speed unknown.

While turning off onto highway at 25 mp rear wheel hub came off. Dealer/ manufacturer were notnotified.can nhtsa provide help or addition information on this matter.




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