1987 Ford Tempo

▲ Better than typical

1987 Ford Tempo
RENDERED 2026-09-17T01:54:11.347Z

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

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%

58% of complaints: electrical system — 31 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing switch and ignition.

CRASH FIRE

Show complaint excerpts

ELECTRICAL SHORT OR SHOCK IN THE INGITION SWITCH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO CATCH FIRE. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 19960307

UNDER THE HOOD ELECTRICAL FIRE WITH WIRING CONNECTOR THAT PLUGS INTO TOP OF ALTERNATOR. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 19950606

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 28%

28% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 15 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing gasoline and engine.

FIRE

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.*AK *YH

NHTSA ODI report, 20020904

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE 11%

11% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 6 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing fuel pump and tank assembly.

STEERING 9%

9% of complaints: steering — 5 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing tie rod assembly and arm.

SERVICE BRAKES 9%

9% of complaints: service brakes — 5 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic.

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 19870410 — wheels

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.

Campaign 87V060000 — check if this car was fixed

I 19890419 — PE (closed 19890906)

SPEED CONTROL MALFUNCTION

I 19891227 — EA (closed 19911231)

FAILED PASSIVE RESTRAINT

I 19901217 — PE (closed 19910410)

FUEL PUMP FAILURE

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

1987 Ford Tempo — pre-purchase inspection

Test/inspect for electrical system issues (31 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (15 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (6 reports on file for this year).
Verify recall 87V060000 (wheels) has been completed.
Verify recall 07E064000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 1985 ▲ 1986 ● 1991

WORST YEARS

◆ 1993 ◆ 1992 ◆ 1994

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