1988 Ford Tempo
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of 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 PER YEAR
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.
44% of complaints: electrical system — 57 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing switch and alternator/generator/regulator.
CRASH FIRE INJURY DEATHShow complaint excerpts
SMELLED HOT WIRE SMELL WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY. NOTICED 1 INCH FLAME IN LEFT AIRVENT WHICH GREW TO 5 INCHES WHEN STOPPED CAR. UNHOOKED BATTERY, POURED LIQUID OVER DASHBOARD WHICH WAS ON FIRE, CLOSED DOOR, WAITED FOR FIRETRUCK.
NHTSA ODI report, 20040106
ALTERNATOR IN VEHICLE HAS FAILED FIVE TIMES, LAST TIME IT FAILED IT CAUSED AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE. TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19951019
ALTERNATOR CAUGHT FIRE WHILE DRIVING (ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT). TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19950130
24% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 31 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing gasoline and engine.
FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
THE TREADS OF THE TIRE WARPED WITH ONLY 10000 MILES ON IT (FIRESTONE LEMANS RADIAL AT). *NLM SHORTLY AFTER THE TIRE WAS CHANGED A FIRE STARTED UNDER THE HOOD. *NLM
NHTSA ODI report, 20030502
14% of complaints: seat belts — 18 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing buckle assembly and retractor.
CRASH INJURY9% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 11 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing fuel pump and fuel injection system.
FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
GASOLINE LEAKS ON ENGINE. *AK CONSUMER NOTICED GASOLINE COMING OUT OF THE VACUUM HOSE THAT RUNS FROM THE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR TO THE VACUUM FITTING, CONSUMER REALIZED THE REGULATOR MUST BE FAULTY. *SLC
NHTSA ODI report, 20020823
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE, POSSIBLE FUEL LINE MALFUCTION. TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19950809
7% of complaints: service brakes — 9 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic and air.
INJURYSAFETY TIMELINE
TWO ATTACHMENT SCREWS FOR THE THROTTLE POSITION SENSORS COULD LOOSEN AND BACK OUT.
Remedy: REPLACE ATTACHMENT SCREWS WITH SCREWS WITH PRE APPLIED ADHESIVE THAT WILL BE TIGHTENED TO A HIGHER TORQUE SPECIFICATION.
Campaign 88V024000 — check if this car was fixed
FAILED PASSIVE RESTRAINT
THROTTLE STICKING
SEAT BELT SEPARATION
REAR BRAKE SYSTEM FAILURE
REAR BRK ADJUSTER FAILURE
THE IGNITION SWITCH COULD EXPERIENCE AN INTERNAL SHORT CIRCUIT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH.
Campaign 96V071000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1988 Ford Tempo — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (57 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (31 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for seat belts issues (18 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 88V024000 (vehicle speed control) has been completed.
- Verify recall 96V071000 (electrical system) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1988 Ford Tempo reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1988 Ford Tempo is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1988 Ford Tempo?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 44% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1988 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.