1987 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
- 53
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 6
- Top problem
- Electrical system
Campaigns on file for 1987
Opened by NHTSA
58% of complaints
Complaints per year
1987: 53 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
58% · 31 reportsMost commonly citing switch and ignition.
Show complaint excerpts
Electrical short or shock in the ingition switch caused the vehicle to catch fire.
NHTSA ODI report, 1996-03-07
Under the hood electrical fire with wiring connector that plugs into top of alternator.
NHTSA ODI report, 1995-06-06
Engine and engine cooling
28% · 15 reportsMost commonly citing gasoline and engine.
Show complaint excerpts
Vehicle stalls intermittently at any speed when engine is hot. Dealer has replaced numerous parts, including fuel pump. But it did not solve the problem.
NHTSA ODI report, 2002-09-04
Fuel system, gasoline
11% · 6 reportsMost commonly citing fuel pump and tank assembly.
Steering
9% · 5 reportsMost commonly citing tie rod assembly and arm.
Service brakes
9% · 5 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic.
Safety timeline
2 recalls · 6 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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1987-04-10Wheels87V060000 Lug nuts could gall and possibly seize on the wheel studs without providing adequate clamping load on the wheels.
Remedy: Replace wheel lug nuts and if necessary, replace wheels and wheel studs.
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1989-04-19Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-09-06 Speed control malfunction
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1989-12-27Engineering analysisClosed 1991-12-31 Failed passive restraint
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1990-12-17Preliminary evaluationClosed 1991-04-10 Fuel pump failure
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1991-11-27Engineering analysisClosed 1992-11-24 Seat belt separation
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1996-01-11Defect petitionClosed 1996-01-19 Rear brake system failure
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1996-01-19Preliminary evaluationClosed 1996-05-28 Rear brk adjuster failure
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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.
Buy-smart checklist
1987 Ford Tempo — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Electrical system: 31 reports on file for this year.
- Engine and engine cooling: 15 reports on file for this year.
- Fuel system, gasoline: 6 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 87V060000 · Wheels
- Recall 07E064000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 1987 Ford Tempo reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1987 Ford Tempo is rated "better than typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 1987 Ford Tempo?
- The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 58% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1987 Ford Tempo have?
- 2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.