1986 Ford Tempo

▲ Better than typical

1986 Ford Tempo
RENDERED 2026-09-17T01:53:58.190Z

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

1986: 31 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 48%

48% of complaints: electrical system — 15 distinct reports on file, 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, 20051214

INTERIOR SYSTEM FIRE, IGNITION SWITCH CAUGHT FIRE. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 19960226

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, 20111104

SERVICE BRAKES 13%

13% of complaints: service brakes — 4 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic.

POWER TRAIN 10%

10% of complaints: power train — 3 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing manual transmission and constant velocity joint.

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, most commonly citing pump.

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