1990 Ford Tempo engine and engine cooling problems
19 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the engine and engine cooling on the 1990 Ford Tempo — 14% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“1.) rough idle, and oil light intermittently comes on when idling and only goes off when accelerating, but often stalls out, and doesn't want to re-start. (had oil changed twice to get excess gas out of it from trying to start it.) had to tow car three times. Paid $1,000 to try to get it fixed, but…”
filed Mar 8, 2003
“While traveling on highway alternator belt snapped without prior warning, and vehicle shut down. Dealership was aware of problem.*ak”
filed Apr 1, 2002
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related service bulletins
Ford motor company now recommends sae 5w-30 viscosity grade for servicing any ford gasoline-powered vehicle regardless of model year. *tt
99816 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued May 3, 1999
Engine and Engine Cooling problems in other Tempo years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 1994 Tempo | 45 | 28% |
| 1993 Tempo | 61 | 27% |
| 1992 Tempo | 45 | 26% |
| 1991 Tempo | 31 | 28% |
| 1989 Tempo | 26 | 21% |
| 1988 Tempo | 26 | 21% |
| 1987 Tempo | 14 | 26% |
| 1986 Tempo | 2 | 6% |
| 1985 Tempo | 7 | 23% |
Other reported problem areas on the 1990 Ford Tempo
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.