MYRModel Year Report

1986 Ford Tempo

▲ Better than typical
1986 Ford Tempo
RENDERED 2026-11-01T14:46:30.192Z

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
31
Recalls
1

Campaigns on file for 1986

Investigations
10

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Electrical system

48% of complaints

Complaints per year

1981: 2 complaints 1981 1983: 0 complaints 1984: 14 complaints 1985: 30 complaints 1986: 31 complaints 1986 31 1987: 53 complaints 1988: 129 complaints 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 1984 1985: 30 complaints 1986: 31 complaints 1986 31 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 1986: 31 complaints 1986 31 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

1986: 31 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

48% · 15 reports

Most commonly citing switch and ignition.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

Dt: the contact stated when exiting the vehicle she smelled an odd odor. Upon reentering and staring the vehicle white smoke came from under the hood. When checking under the hood she saw flames coming out. She immediately called 911.

NHTSA ODI report, 2005-12-14

Interior system fire, ignition switch caught fire.

NHTSA ODI report, 1996-02-26

Tl* the contact owns a 1986 Ford Tempo. The contact stated that the vehicle would not start. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where they advised him that the ignition module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired.

NHTSA ODI report, 2011-11-04

Service brakes

13% · 4 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic.

Power train

10% · 3 reports

Most commonly citing manual transmission and constant velocity joint.

FIRE

Vehicle speed control

6% · 2 reports
CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

Consumer put car into reverse and car accelerated and hit a house purchase car used . Tt

NHTSA ODI report, 1996-01-29

Steering

6% · 2 reports

Most commonly citing pump.

Safety timeline

1 recall · 10 investigations · oldest first

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

  1. I
    1986-03-26Engineering analysisClosed 1989-07-28 Seatback failure
  2. I
    1987-05-01Preliminary evaluationClosed 1988-01-21 Stalling
  3. I
    1988-03-18Preliminary evaluationClosed 1988-09-19 Halfshaft failure
  4. I
    1989-04-19Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-09-06 Speed control malfunction
  5. I
    1989-09-06Engineering analysisClosed 1990-11-30 Speed cntrl malfunction
  6. I
    1990-12-17Preliminary evaluationClosed 1991-04-10 Fuel pump failure
  7. I
    1991-07-12Preliminary evaluationClosed 1991-11-27 Safety belt cut at webbing
  8. I
    1991-11-27Engineering analysisClosed 1992-11-24 Seat belt separation
  9. I
    1996-01-11Defect petitionClosed 1996-01-19 Rear brake system failure
  10. I
    1996-01-19Preliminary evaluationClosed 1996-05-28 Rear brk adjuster failure
  11. 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 →

Buy-smart checklist

1986 Ford Tempo — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Electrical system: 15 reports on file for this year.
  • Service brakes: 4 reports on file for this year.
  • Power train: 3 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • 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 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, accounting for 48% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1986 Ford Tempo have?
1 recall on file for this model year.

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