1992 Ford Tempo
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.
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.
29% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 51 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing engine and gasoline.
FIREShow 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, 20050527
25% of complaints: electrical system — 45 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing ignition and switch.
FIRE DEATHShow complaint excerpts
CAR FIRE---CAR WAS PARKED IN MY MOTHER'S CARPORT---CAUGHT ON FIRE AT NIGHT---BURNED THE HOUSE---KILLED MY MOTHER... *TR
NHTSA ODI report, 20080909
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, 20030313
THE CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. PLEASE DESCRIBE. TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19950808
24% of complaints: seat belts — 42 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing retractor and anchorage.
CRASH INJURY9% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 16 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing cruise control and accelerator pedal.
CRASH9% of complaints: service brakes — 16 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic.
FIRESAFETY TIMELINE
ENGINE COOLING FAN FIRES
THE IGNITION SWITCH COULD EXPERIENCE AN INTERNAL SHORT CIRCUIT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH.
Campaign 96V071000 — check if this car was fixed
ENGINE COOLING FAN FIRES
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 TEMPO/TOPAZ
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL AN ELECTRICAL JUMPER HARNESS CONTAINING AN AUTOMATIC RESETTING CIRCUIT BREAKER TO PROTECT THE FAN MOTOR LOW SPEED CIRCUITRY FROM OVERHEATING.
Campaign 97V019000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1992 Ford Tempo — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (51 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (45 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for seat belts issues (42 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 96V071000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 97V019000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST 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 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.