1994 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
- 163
- Recalls
- 1
- Investigations
- 2
- Top problem
- Engine and engine cooling
Campaigns on file for 1994
Opened by NHTSA
29% of complaints
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% · 47 reportsMost commonly citing engine and gasoline.
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, 2005-01-11
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, 2003-03-24
Seat belts
22% · 36 reportsMost commonly citing webbing and retractor.
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, 2002-08-29
Fuel system, gasoline
13% · 22 reportsMost commonly citing tank assembly and fuel pump.
Electrical system
12% · 20 reportsMost commonly citing ignition and interior/under dash.
Service brakes
12% · 20 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic.
Safety timeline
1 recall · 2 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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1994Complaint volume 163 complaints filed for this model year.
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I
1996-05-02Preliminary evaluationClosed 1996-09-30 Engine cooling fan fires
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1996-09-30Engineering analysisClosed 1997-04-15 Engine cooling fan fires
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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.
Buy-smart checklist
1994 Ford Tempo — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine and engine cooling: 47 reports on file for this year.
- Seat belts: 36 reports on file for this year.
- Fuel system, gasoline: 22 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 97V019000 · Engine and engine cooling
Other years of this model
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 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.