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!!!
1990 Ford Tempo electrical problems
46 complaints (35% of all complaints for this car). 4 crashes reported.
- owner complaints
- 46
- of this car's complaints
- 35%
- crashes
- 4
- recalls
- 1
Which part fails
- Ignition18
- Ignition: switch13
- Alternator/generator/regulator8
- Wiring: front underhood3
- Wiring: interior/under dash2
- Wiring2
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+
Ford Tempo electrical problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 1990 Ford Tempo electrical
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
Related recalls
Electrical system: ignition
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the ignition switch.
Recall number 96V071000 · Recall details
What 1990 Ford Tempo owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
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
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.
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. She won't even let me replace the engine in it cause she says she will not drive that car that could go up in flames or doesn't have seatbelt that work cause ford don't know how to make something that works proper she feels the ford company has done nothing but endangered many adults and childrens lives with these problems and says someone otta take control over this matter sincerely [xxx] and [xxx]. *ak parts of this document have been redacted to protect personally identifiable information pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).
96 v 071 000/electrical system ignition: vehicle would stall while driving at highway speed or while pulling off from a stop position. Manufacturer was notified, and informed consumer that vehicle was covered under that recall. But, dealer refused to honor recall. *ak
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.
Generator ignited a spark, and coating on roof caught on fire. Mechanic said that it looked like ther was problem with harness connector. Consumer felt its was a manufacturer' defect.
This vehicle has a stalling problem when coming to a stop sign or intersection. Dealer has been contacted.*ak the consumer says that ignition system was replaced and there is no more stalling problem.
While making a left hand turn consumer came to stop and vehicle stalled resulting in being hit on left rear door and vehicle spun around. Consumer was told by mechanic rear axle was bent due to this accident. Consumer contacted ford, and was informed that they would pay for damage to vehicle, apprximately $1300. Vehicle has been stalling for the last 30000 miles. *ak the consumer says the estimate for damage to the vehicle is much more. The consumer also states that this vehicle was lemon and had changed hands five times.
While driving about 20 MPH engine stalled without prior warning while making a left turn, and was side crashed by another vehicle from the upcoming traffic. Currently, problem was coming back. 2 transmissions have been replaced on this vehicle. Vehicle experiencing an oil leak. *ak
Questions about the 1990 Ford Tempo electrical
Does the 1990 Ford Tempo have electrical problems?
Owners have filed 46 complaints about the electrical of the 1990 Ford Tempo, 35% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.
At what mileage do 1990 Ford Tempo electrical problems start?
Not enough complaints include the mileage to tell.
Was there a recall on the 1990 Ford Tempo electrical?
Yes, 1 recall: 96V071000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Ford Tempo have the most electrical problems?
The Ford Tempo model years with the most electrical complaints are 1990 (46 complaints), 1992 (43 complaints) and 1993 (37 complaints).
Other 1990 Ford Tempo problems
Seat belts 28Brakes 21Engine 19Steering 12Lights 6Acceleration 4Transmission 4Seats 3Tires 3Visibility 3Body 2Suspension 2Airbags 1Fuel system 1
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