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1989 Ford Tempo GLS 4dr Sedan

The 1989 Ford Tempo GLS 4dr Sedan is a 2.3-liter inline-4 sedan with a 5-speed manual and front-wheel drive. It starts at $10,246 MSRP and is rated at 22 mpg combined.

EPA fuel-economy estimates are 21 mpg city and 29 mpg highway (22 mpg combined).

The Tempo measures 176.0 inches long on a 99.9-inch wheelbase.

Spec Value
Vehicle
Body TypeSedan
PowertrainGas
Price
MSRP$10,246 ($26,854 *)
Engine
Engine Type2.3L HSO I4 (High Specific Output), naturally aspirated
Displacement2.3 L
Drivetrain
Drive TypeFront-Wheel Drive
Transmission
Transmission5-speed manual
Fuel Economy
City21 MPG
Highway29 MPG
Combined22 MPG
Recommended FuelRegular unleaded
Suspension
Front SuspensionIndependent -- MacPherson strut, lower lateral link triangulated by the front anti-roll bar
Rear SuspensionIndependent "Quadralink" -- coil-over MacPherson strut, two parallel lower lateral control links, and a radius rod per side
Brakes
Front Brake Disc9.3 in (236 mm) vented disc
Tires & Wheels
Wheels Front14 in (aluminum alloy)
Wheels Rear14 in (aluminum alloy)
Dimensions & Weight
Length176 in
Width68 in
Height52 in
Wheelbase99.9 in
Interior
Headroom Front37 in
Headroom Rear36 in
Legroom Front41 in
Legroom Rear36 in
Shoulder Room Front53 in
Shoulder Room Rear53 in
Hip Room Front48 in
Hip Room Rear48 in
* Amount adjusted for inflation to 2026 dollars

Safety & Recalls

NCAP safety ratings

Not crash-tested by NHTSA for this model year.

Recalls

1 recall on file with NHTSA for the 1989 Ford TEMPO. Not every recall applies to every trim or VIN — check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Apr 25, 1996 · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

THE IGNITION SWITCH COULD EXPERIENCE AN INTERNAL SHORT CIRCUIT.

Consequence: THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE OVERHEATING, SMOKE, AND POSSIBLY FIRE IN THE STEERING COLUMN AREA OF THE VEHICLE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH.

NHTSA campaign 96V071000

126 owner complaints to NHTSA for the 1989 Ford TEMPO

Owner Complaints

126 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1989 Ford TEMPO (5 mention a crash, 21 a fire, 5 an injury). See all on nhtsa.gov

Most-cited areas
Electrical System32
Engine And Engine Cooling27
Seat Belts18
Hydraulic15
Service Brakes15
Exterior Lighting12
A complaint can cite more than one area.
Most recent complaints
May 12, 2014 · Structure
“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…”
Mar 3, 2008 · Vehicle Speed Control Crash 1 injury
“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…”
Jan 23, 2007 · 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…”
Apr 20, 2006 · Engine And Engine Cooling Fire
“CONSUMER LETTER CONCERNING THE SETTLEMENT IN A CLASS ACTION SUIT AGAINST FORD MOTOR COMPANY. *TS THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. *JB”
Sep 27, 2004 · Electrical System Fire
“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…”

Complaints are unverified reports submitted to NHTSA by owners. They cover the whole model year, not a specific trim, and a count alone doesn't show how common a problem is.

Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov), matched as 1989 FORD TEMPO. US-market vehicles only; data cached for up to 7 days.

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