1994 Ford Tempo

◆ Worse than typical

1994 Ford Tempo
RENDERED 2026-09-16T08:38:20.785Z

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 PER YEAR

1994: 163 complaints

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.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 29%

29% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 47 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing engine and gasoline.

FIRE

Show complaint excerpts

WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH THE HEATING LEVEL WENT UP. THE CONSUMER PROCEEDED TO THE STORE TO PURCHASE ANTIFREEZE, NOTICED THE VEHICLE SMOKING, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, THE CONSUMER GOT OUT OF THE VEHICLE, AND THE VEHICLE BURST INTO FLAMES.

NHTSA ODI report, 20050111

1994 FORD TEMPO GL. MY HUSBAND'S CAR WENT UP IN FLAMES AND SMOKE YESTERDAY WHILE DRIVING IT, THE FIRE DEPARTMENT AND POLICE CAME AND PUT IT OUT.

NHTSA ODI report, 20030324

SEAT BELTS 22%

22% of complaints: seat belts — 36 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing webbing and retractor.

CRASH INJURY

Show complaint excerpts

WHILE SEATING IN VEHICLE WHILE IT WAS RUNNING CONSUMER CLOSED DOOR AND NOTICED THAT DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT TIGHTENED TO CONSUMER'S BODY, AND CUT CONSUMER'S AIR OFF. CONSUMER WAS FREED BY SEAT BELT EING CUT OUT.

NHTSA ODI report, 20020829

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE 13%

13% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 22 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing tank assembly and fuel pump.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 12%

12% of complaints: electrical system — 20 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing ignition and interior/under dash.

CRASH FIRE

SERVICE BRAKES 12%

12% of complaints: service brakes — 20 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic.

CRASH FIRE INJURY

SAFETY TIMELINE

▮ 1994 — complaint volume: 163

I 19960502 — PE (closed 19960930)

ENGINE COOLING FAN FIRES

I 19960930 — EA (closed 19970415)

ENGINE COOLING FAN FIRES

R 19970331 — engine and engine cooling

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

1994 Ford Tempo — pre-purchase inspection

Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (47 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for seat belts issues (36 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (22 reports on file for this year).
Verify recall 97V019000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 1985 ▲ 1986 ▲ 1987

WORST YEARS

◆ 1993 ◆ 1992 ● 1990

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 1994 Ford Tempo reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1994 Ford Tempo is rated "worse than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 1994 Ford Tempo?

The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 29% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1994 Ford Tempo have?

1 recall on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-09-15 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.