MYRModel Year Report

1986 Ford Tempo

▲ Better than typical
1986 Ford Tempo
RENDERED 2026-08-02T09:38:20.309Z

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

Complaints per year, Ford Tempo Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1986 highlighted. 1981: 2 complaints 1981 1983: 0 complaints 1984: 14 complaints 1985: 30 complaints 1985 1986: 31 complaints 1986 1987: 53 complaints 1988: 126 complaints 1988 1989: 124 complaints 1990: 133 complaints 1991: 110 complaints 1991 1992: 176 complaints 1993: 227 complaints 1994: 161 complaints 1994 1995: 3 complaints 1996: 2 complaints 1997: 2 complaints 1997 1998: 1 complaints 1999: 1 complaints 2000: 1 complaints 2000
1986: 31 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19812
19830
198414
198530
198631
198753
1988126
1989124
1990133
1991110
1992176
1993227
1994161
19953
19962
19972
19981
19991
20001

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 13%

13% of complaints: electrical system — 4 distinct reports on file.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

INTERIOR SYSTEM FIRE, IGNITION SWITCH CAUGHT FIRE. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 19960226

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 13%

13% of complaints: electrical system — 4 distinct reports on file.

FIRE
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 6%

6% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 2 distinct reports on file.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

CONSUMER PUT CAR INTO REVERSE AND CAR ACCELERATED AND HIT A HOUSE PURCHASE CAR USED . TT

NHTSA ODI report, 19960129

STEERING 6%

6% of complaints: steering — 2 distinct reports on file.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC 6%

6% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 2 distinct reports on file.

SAFETY TIMELINE

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 19890906 — EA (closed 19901130)

SPEED CNTRL MALFUNCTION

I 19901217 — PE (closed 19910410)

FUEL PUMP FAILURE

I 19910712 — PE (closed 19911127)

SAFETY BELT CUT AT WEBBING

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

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1986 Ford Tempo — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (4 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 (2 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 07E064000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 1985 ▲ 1987 ● 1991

WORST YEARS

◆ 1993 ◆ 1992 ◆ 1994

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 1986 Ford Tempo reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1986 Ford Tempo is rated "better than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 1986 Ford Tempo?

The most-reported component is electrical system:ignition:switch, accounting for 13% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1986 Ford Tempo have?

1 recall on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.