MYRModel Year Report

1988 Ford Tempo

● Typical for this model
1988 Ford Tempo
RENDERED 2026-08-02T13:15:34.721Z

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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Ford Tempo Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1988 highlighted. 1981: 2 complaints 1981 1983: 0 complaints 1984: 14 complaints 1985: 30 complaints 1985 1986: 31 complaints 1987: 53 complaints 1988: 126 complaints 1988 1989: 124 complaints 1990: 133 complaints 1991: 110 complaints 1991 1992: 176 complaints 1993: 227 complaints 1994: 161 complaints 1994 1995: 3 complaints 1996: 2 complaints 1997: 2 complaints 1997 1998: 1 complaints 1999: 1 complaints 2000: 1 complaints 2000
1988: 126 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19812
19830
198414
198530
198631
198753
1988126
1989124
1990133
1991110
1992176
1993227
1994161
19953
19962
19972
19981
19991
20001

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 14%

14% of complaints: electrical system — 18 distinct reports on file.

FIRE DEATH
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 12%

12% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 15 distinct reports on file.

FIRE INJURY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 10%

10% of complaints: electrical system — 13 distinct reports on file.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

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

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 10%

10% of complaints: electrical system — 12 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE INJURY DEATH
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 6%

6% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 7 distinct reports on file.

FIRE
Show 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

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 19880318 — vehicle speed control

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

I 19891227 — EA (closed 19911231)

FAILED PASSIVE RESTRAINT

I 19900831 — EA (closed 19911231)

THROTTLE STICKING

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 19960607 — electrical system

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 (18 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (15 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (13 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 88V024000 (vehicle speed control) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 96V071000 (electrical system) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 1985 ▲ 1986 ▲ 1987

WORST YEARS

◆ 1993 ◆ 1992 ◆ 1994

See all years ranked →

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:ignition:switch, accounting for 14% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1988 Ford Tempo have?

2 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.