MYRModel Year Report

1994 Ford Tempo

◆ Worse than typical
1994 Ford Tempo
RENDERED 2026-08-02T09:38:29.228Z

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

Complaints per year, Ford Tempo Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1994 highlighted. 1981: 2 complaints 1981 1983: 0 complaints 1984: 14 complaints 1985: 30 complaints 1985 1986: 31 complaints 1987: 53 complaints 1988: 126 complaints 1988 1989: 124 complaints 1990: 133 complaints 1991: 110 complaints 1991 1992: 176 complaints 1993: 227 complaints 1994: 161 complaints 1994 1995: 3 complaints 1996: 2 complaints 1997: 2 complaints 1997 1998: 1 complaints 1999: 1 complaints 2000: 1 complaints 2000
1994: 161 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19812
19830
198414
198530
198631
198753
1988126
1989124
1990133
1991110
1992176
1993227
1994161
19953
19962
19972
19981
19991
20001

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 12%

12% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 20 distinct reports on file.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

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 11%

11% of complaints: seat belts — 17 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE 8%

8% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 13 distinct reports on file.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 7%

7% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 12 distinct reports on file.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 7%

7% of complaints: electrical system — 11 distinct reports on file.

SAFETY TIMELINE

▮ 1994 — complaint volume: 161
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 (20 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for seat belts issues (17 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (13 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 97V019000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

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:engine, accounting for 12% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1994 Ford Tempo have?

1 recall on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.