1985 Ford Tempo
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1981 | 2 |
| 1983 | 0 |
| 1984 | 14 |
| 1985 | 30 |
| 1986 | 31 |
| 1987 | 53 |
| 1988 | 126 |
| 1989 | 124 |
| 1990 | 133 |
| 1991 | 110 |
| 1992 | 176 |
| 1993 | 227 |
| 1994 | 161 |
| 1995 | 3 |
| 1996 | 2 |
| 1997 | 2 |
| 1998 | 1 |
| 1999 | 1 |
| 2000 | 1 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
17% of complaints: electrical system — 5 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE IN THE IGNITION SYSTEM WHILE THE CAR WAS BEING DRIVEN. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19960423
UPON PARKING, MOMENTS LATER FOUND ENGINE AND DASH ON FIRE, FOR NO APPARENT REASON. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19960422
13% of complaints: electrical system — 4 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
OIL LEAKS FROM INTAKE MANIFOLD.
NHTSA ODI report, 20021213
10% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 3 distinct reports on file.
10% of complaints: steering — 3 distinct reports on file.
CRASH10% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 3 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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.
Campaign 85V145000 — check if this car was fixed
SEATBACK FAILURE
STALLING
HALFSHAFT FAILURE
SPEED CONTROL MALFUNCTION
SEAT BELT SEPARATION
REAR BRAKE SYSTEM FAILURE
REAR BRK ADJUSTER FAILURE
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 VEHIC
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.
Campaign 07E064000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 85V134000 — check if this car was fixed
REAR SUSPENSION CONTROL ARM-TO-SPINDLE ATTACHMENT BOLTS MAY BE SUBJECT TO FRACTURE DURING USE OF CAR.
Remedy: REPLACE REAR SUSPENSION BOLTS AS NECESSARY.
Campaign 85V086000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1985 Ford Tempo — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 85V134000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 85V086000 (suspension) has been completed.
- Verify recall 85V145000 (suspension) has been completed.
- Verify recall 07E064000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST 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:ignition:switch, accounting for 17% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1985 Ford Tempo have?
4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.