1985 Ford Tempo

▲ Better than typical

1985 Ford Tempo
RENDERED 2026-09-17T01:53:17.248Z

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 PER YEAR

1985: 30 complaints

View as data table

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

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

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

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 43%

43% of complaints: electrical system — 13 distinct reports on file, 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. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 19960423

UPON PARKING, MOMENTS LATER FOUND ENGINE AND DASH ON FIRE, FOR NO APPARENT REASON. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 19960422

OIL LEAKS FROM INTAKE MANIFOLD.

NHTSA ODI report, 20021213

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 23%

23% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 7 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing engine and gasoline.

FIRE

STEERING 13%

13% of complaints: steering — 4 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing steering wheel/handle bar and hose, piping, and connections.

CRASH

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 10%

10% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 3 distinct reports on file.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE 10%

10% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 3 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing fuel injection system and delivery.

FIRE

Show complaint excerpts

PLASTIC FUEL LINES FAIL, CAUSING FIRE.

NHTSA ODI report, 19951116

MY 1985 FORD TEMPO GL HAS 3 RECALLS AND FORD SAYS IT DOESN'T.

NHTSA ODI report, 20110209

Also filed under POWER TRAIN

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 19851105 — suspension

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

I 19860326 — EA (closed 19890728)

SEATBACK FAILURE

I 19870501 — PE (closed 19880121)

STALLING

I 19880318 — PE (closed 19880919)

HALFSHAFT FAILURE

I 19890419 — PE (closed 19890906)

SPEED CONTROL MALFUNCTION

I 19911127 — EA (closed 19921124)

SEAT BELT SEPARATION

I 19960111 — DP (closed 19960119)

REAR BRAKE SYSTEM FAILURE

I 19960119 — PE (closed 19960528)

REAR BRK ADJUSTER FAILURE

R 20071015 — fuel system, gasoline

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

R Date not on file — electrical system

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

R Date not on file — suspension

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 (13 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (7 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for steering issues (4 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

▲ 1986 ▲ 1987 ● 1991

WORST YEARS

◆ 1993 ◆ 1992 ◆ 1994

See all years ranked →

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 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.