MYRModel Year Report

1992 Ford Tempo

◆ Worse than typical
1992 Ford Tempo
RENDERED 2026-11-01T14:47:51.574Z

This year had 30% to 100% more 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
177
Recalls
2

Campaigns on file for 1992

Investigations
2

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Engine and engine cooling

29% of complaints

Complaints per year

1981: 2 complaints 1981 1983: 0 complaints 1984: 14 complaints 1985: 30 complaints 1985 1986: 31 complaints 1987: 53 complaints 1988: 129 complaints 1988 1989: 126 complaints 1990: 135 complaints 1991: 116 complaints 1992: 177 complaints 1992 177 1993: 231 complaints 1994: 163 complaints 1995: 3 complaints 1996: 2 complaints 1997: 2 complaints 1997 1998: 1 complaint 1999: 1 complaint 2000: 1 complaint 2000
1981: 2 complaints 1981 1983: 0 complaints 1984: 14 complaints 1984 1985: 30 complaints 1986: 31 complaints 1986 1987: 53 complaints 1988: 129 complaints 1988 1989: 126 complaints 1990: 135 complaints 1990 1991: 116 complaints 1992: 177 complaints 1992 177 1993: 231 complaints 1994: 163 complaints 1994 1995: 3 complaints 1996: 2 complaints 1996 1997: 2 complaints 1998: 1 complaint 1998 1999: 1 complaint 2000: 1 complaint 2000
1981: 2 complaints 1981 1983: 0 complaints 1983 1984: 14 complaints 1984 1985: 30 complaints 1985 1986: 31 complaints 1986 1987: 53 complaints 1987 1988: 129 complaints 1988 1989: 126 complaints 1989 1990: 135 complaints 1990 1991: 116 complaints 1991 1992: 177 complaints 1992 177 1993: 231 complaints 1993 1994: 163 complaints 1994 1995: 3 complaints 1995 1996: 2 complaints 1996 1997: 2 complaints 1997 1998: 1 complaint 1998 1999: 1 complaint 1999 2000: 1 complaint 2000

1992: 177 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19812
19830
198414
198530
198631
198753
1988129
1989126
1990135
1991116
1992177
1993231
1994163
19953
19962
19972
19981
19991
20001

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Engine and engine cooling

29% · 51 reports

Most commonly citing engine and gasoline.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

All gaskets & seals leak. Needs about a quart of oil per 15 miles. Because of oil dripping, car catches on fire. Nothing has been done to correct problem, too expensive!

NHTSA ODI report, 2005-05-27

Electrical system

25% · 45 reports

Most commonly citing ignition and switch.

FIREDEATH
Show complaint excerpts

Car fire---car was parked in my mother's carport---caught on fire at night---burned the house---killed my mother...

NHTSA ODI report, 2008-09-09

While driving my car from burdines hialeah parking lot, the steering wheel started smoking and I pulled into the first parking spot that I saw. I turned the car off, but the smoke continued to increase and finally the steering wheel caught on fire.

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-03-13

The car caught on fire from the steering column. Please describe. Tt

NHTSA ODI report, 1995-08-08

Seat belts

24% · 42 reports

Most commonly citing retractor and anchorage.

CRASHINJURY

Vehicle speed control

9% · 16 reports

Most commonly citing cruise control and accelerator pedal.

CRASH

Service brakes

9% · 16 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic.

FIRE

Safety timeline

2 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. ▮
    1992Complaint volume 177 complaints filed for this model year.
  2. I
    1996-05-02Preliminary evaluationClosed 1996-09-30 Engine cooling fan fires
  3. R
    1996-06-07Electrical system96V071000 The ignition switch could experience an internal short circuit.

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the ignition switch.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  4. I
    1996-09-30Engineering analysisClosed 1997-04-15 Engine cooling fan fires
  5. R
    1997-03-31Engine and engine cooling97V019000 These vehicles are originally sold or currently registered in the following states: Alaska, Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota. The vehicles involved are 1992-1994…

    Remedy: Dealers will install an electrical jumper harness containing an automatic resetting circuit breaker to protect the fan motor low speed circuitry from overheating.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1992 Ford Tempo — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Engine and engine cooling: 51 reports on file for this year.
  • Electrical system: 45 reports on file for this year.
  • Seat belts: 42 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 96V071000 · Electrical system
  • Recall 97V019000 · Engine and engine cooling
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years2 years

FAQ

Is the 1992 Ford Tempo reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1992 Ford Tempo is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1992 Ford Tempo?
The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 29% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1992 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.