MYRModel Year Report

1985 Ford Tempo

▲ Better than typical
1985 Ford Tempo
RENDERED 2026-11-01T14:46:01.907Z

This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints
30
Recalls
4

Campaigns on file for 1985

Investigations
7

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Electrical system

43% of complaints

Complaints per year

1981: 2 complaints 1981 1983: 0 complaints 1984: 14 complaints 1985: 30 complaints 1985 30 1986: 31 complaints 1987: 53 complaints 1988: 129 complaints 1988 1989: 126 complaints 1990: 135 complaints 1991: 116 complaints 1991 1992: 177 complaints 1993: 231 complaints 1994: 163 complaints 1994 1995: 3 complaints 1996: 2 complaints 1997: 2 complaints 1997 1998: 1 complaint 1999: 1 complaint 2000: 1 complaint 2000
1981: 2 complaints 1981 1983: 0 complaints 1984: 14 complaints 1985: 30 complaints 1985 30 1986: 31 complaints 1987: 53 complaints 1988: 129 complaints 1988 1989: 126 complaints 1990: 135 complaints 1990 1991: 116 complaints 1992: 177 complaints 1992 1993: 231 complaints 1994: 163 complaints 1994 1995: 3 complaints 1996: 2 complaints 1996 1997: 2 complaints 1998: 1 complaint 1998 1999: 1 complaint 2000: 1 complaint 2000
1981: 2 complaints 1981 1983: 0 complaints 1983 1984: 14 complaints 1984 1985: 30 complaints 1985 30 1986: 31 complaints 1986 1987: 53 complaints 1987 1988: 129 complaints 1988 1989: 126 complaints 1989 1990: 135 complaints 1990 1991: 116 complaints 1991 1992: 177 complaints 1992 1993: 231 complaints 1993 1994: 163 complaints 1994 1995: 3 complaints 1995 1996: 2 complaints 1996 1997: 2 complaints 1997 1998: 1 complaint 1998 1999: 1 complaint 1999 2000: 1 complaint 2000

1985: 30 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19812
19830
198414
198530
198631
198753
1988129
1989126
1990135
1991116
1992177
1993231
1994163
19953
19962
19972
19981
19991
20001

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Electrical system

43% · 13 reports

Most commonly citing switch and module.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

The vehicle caught on fire in the ignition system while the car was being driven. Please describe.

NHTSA ODI report, 1996-04-23

Upon parking, moments later found engine and dash on fire, for no apparent reason.

NHTSA ODI report, 1996-04-22

Oil leaks from intake manifold.

NHTSA ODI report, 2002-12-13

Engine and engine cooling

23% · 7 reports

Most commonly citing engine and gasoline.

FIRE

Steering

13% · 4 reports

Most commonly citing steering wheel/handle bar and hose, piping, and connections.

CRASH

Vehicle speed control

10% · 3 reports

Fuel system, gasoline

10% · 3 reports

Most commonly citing fuel injection system and delivery.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

Plastic fuel lines fail, causing fire.

NHTSA ODI report, 1995-11-16

My 1985 Ford Tempo gl has 3 recalls and Ford says it doesn't.

NHTSA ODI report, 2011-02-09

Also filed under Power train

Safety timeline

4 recalls · 7 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. R
    1985-11-05Suspension85V145000 Rear supension control arm-to-spindle attachment bolts may be subject to fracture causing the rear spindle to separate during use of car.

    Remedy: Replace rear suspension bolts as necessary.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. I
    1986-03-26Engineering analysisClosed 1989-07-28 Seatback failure
  3. I
    1987-05-01Preliminary evaluationClosed 1988-01-21 Stalling
  4. I
    1988-03-18Preliminary evaluationClosed 1988-09-19 Halfshaft failure
  5. I
    1989-04-19Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-09-06 Speed control malfunction
  6. I
    1991-11-27Engineering analysisClosed 1992-11-24 Seat belt separation
  7. I
    1996-01-11Defect petitionClosed 1996-01-19 Rear brake system failure
  8. I
    1996-01-19Preliminary evaluationClosed 1996-05-28 Rear brk adjuster failure
  9. R
    2007-10-15Fuel system, gasoline07E064000 Certain federal-mogul aftermarket fuel pumps sold under the brand names of carter, accuflow, napa, truflow, parts depo, and parts master, shipped between August 2006 and July 2007 for use on the…

    Remedy: Federal-mogul will notify owners and replace the defective fuel pumps free of charge. The recall began on October 15, 2007. Owners can contact federal-mogul at 248-354-7700.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  10. R
    Date not on fileElectrical system85V134000 The unexpected open throttle causes an increase in engine speed which could result in loss of control of the car and a potential crash.

    Remedy: Replace electronic engine control processor, if necessary.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  11. R
    Date not on fileSuspension85V086000 Rear suspension control arm-to-spindle attachment bolts may be subject to fracture during use of car.

    Remedy: Replace rear suspension bolts as necessary.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1985 Ford Tempo — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Electrical system: 13 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine and engine cooling: 7 reports on file for this year.
  • Steering: 4 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 85V134000 · Electrical system
  • Recall 85V086000 · Suspension
  • Recall 85V145000 · Suspension
  • Recall 07E064000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years2 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 1985 Ford Tempo reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1985 Ford Tempo is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1985 Ford Tempo?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 43% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1985 Ford Tempo have?
4 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.