1993 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 | 126 |
| 1989 | 124 |
| 1990 | 133 |
| 1991 | 110 |
| 1992 | 176 |
| 1993 | 227 |
| 1994 | 161 |
| 1995 | 3 |
| 1996 | 2 |
| 1997 | 2 |
| 1998 | 1 |
| 1999 | 1 |
| 2000 | 1 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
17% of complaints: seat belts — 38 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
DRIVERS SIDE SEAT BELT UNWIND NOT PREVENTING OCCUPANT FROMT HITTING FROM INTERIOR. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19950725
11% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 26 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURY11% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 25 distinct reports on file.
INJURY DEATH8% of complaints: electrical system — 18 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE PARKED, THE FIRE ORIGINATED FROM THE IGNITION.*JB
NHTSA ODI report, 20030210
6% of complaints: power train — 14 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY 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
1993 Ford Tempo — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for seat belts issues (38 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (26 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (25 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 1993 Ford Tempo reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1993 Ford Tempo is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1993 Ford Tempo?
The most-reported component is seat belts, accounting for 17% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1993 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.