Ford Tempo problems
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Ford Tempo model years
Common Ford Tempo problems
The Ford Tempo, produced from 1984 to 1994, is known to have several common problems across different models and engine types. Here are some of the most common issues based on complaints from owners:
- Suspension Issues: First-generation Ford Tempos have suspension issues, including worn-out shocks and struts. The second-generation models also have suspension problems, but they are not specified in the search results.
- Electrical Issues: The first-generation Ford Tempo has electrical issues, such as faulty alternators and battery drain. The second-generation models do not have specific electrical issues mentioned in the search results.
- Transmission Issues: Transmission problems are common in the second-generation Ford Tempo, including slipping and failure.
- Brake Issues: The second-generation Ford Tempo has brake issues, including worn-out brake pads and rotors.
- Cooling System Issues: The 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine has cooling system issues, such as radiator leaks and thermostat failure.
- Fuel System Issues: The 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine has fuel system issues, including clogged fuel injectors and fuel pump failure.
These common problems with the Ford Tempo can affect its performance and reliability, leading to costly repairs and maintenance. It is essential to be aware of these issues and address them promptly to ensure the safety and longevity of the vehicle.
Why did Ford discontinue the Tempo?
As the 1990s progressed, consumer preferences began shifting towards larger vehicles, and Ford made the strategic decision to discontinue the Tempo and Topaz models.
What car replaced the Ford Tempo?
For the 1995 model year, the Tempo/Topaz four-door sedan was replaced by the Ford Contour (and Mercury Mystique), developed from the Ford Mondeo; the two-door Tempo was not directly replaced.
Why won't my 93 Ford Tempo start?
The most common reasons a Ford Tempo won't start are a dead battery, an alternator problem, or failed starter.
What is the Ford equivalent of the Mercury Topaz?
The Ford Tempo and its twin, the Mercury Topaz, are compact cars that were produced by the Ford Motor Company for model years 1984 to 1994. They were downsized successors to the boxy Ford Fairmont and Mercury Zephyr twins.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Ford Tempo years
We have researched Ford problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Ford Tempo cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Ford Tempo model years:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Ford Tempo model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Ford Tempo years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Ford Tempo car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Ford Tempo , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Electrical system problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Seat belts problems
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Ford Tempo vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Tempo model years
A total of 102 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by Tempo model years
There were a total of 186 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by Tempo model years
There were a total of 116 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with deaths by Tempo model years
There were a total of 9 complaints that resulted in a death. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
The NHTSA has received 1545 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Ford Tempo . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Ford Tempo vehicles.
Latest 25 complaints
Ford Tempo 1988
- Date Of Incident: 2015-07-01
- Date Complaint: 2015-08-21
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
- Summary: ACK UP.NMENGINE LIGHT COMES ON AND MOTOR DIES. STARTS RIGHT.
Ford Tempo 1989
- Date Of Incident: 2013-05-15
- Date Complaint: 2014-05-12
- VIN: 1 1FAPP31XO
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: THE CAR HAS MAJOR LEAKING ISSUES. EVERY TIME IT RAINS/SNOWS/SLEETS/HAIL IT LEAKS INTO THE CAR THROUGH THE DRIVERS SIDE INTO THE ROOF AND ONCE THAT AREA IS SOAKED IT STARTS TO DRIP SLOWLY ONTO THE SEAT AND FLOOR. THERE IS ALSO A LEAK IN THE TRUNK ON THE PASSENGER SIDE, OR AT LEAST THAT IS WHERE THE WATER ACCUMULATES UNTIL A SMALL PUDDLE HAS FORMED IN THE WELL THAT HOLDS THE SPARE TIRE. AND IT SEEMS TO ALSO SPREAD INTO THE BACKSEAT AND GATHERS IN THE BACKSEAT FOOTWELL BEHIND THE DRIVER'S SEAT. *TR
Ford Tempo 1986
- Date Of Incident: 2007-11-01
- Date Complaint: 2011-11-04
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1986 FORD TEMPO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY ADVISED HIM THAT THE IGNITION MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 80,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Ford Tempo 1985
- Date Of Incident: 2010-12-10
- Date Complaint: 2011-02-09
- VIN: 1FABP22X2FK
- Components: SUSPENSION,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: MY 1985 FORD TEMPO GL HAS 3 RECALLS AND FORD SAYS IT DOESN'T. VIN# [XXX] 1.ECU DEFECTIVE THROTTLE REMAINS PARTIALLY OPENED OEM # 85V134000, 2.BACK TIRE REAR CONTROL ARM SPINDLE BOLT OEM # 85V086000, 3.FUEL PUMP OEM # 07E064000.WHERE DO I GO FROM HERE? *TR
Ford Tempo 1994
- Date Of Incident: 2010-10-10
- Date Complaint: 2010-11-12
- VIN: 1FAPP31X8RK
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 FORD TEMPO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL TANK IN ROUTED OUT AND CAUSED FUEL TO LEAK. THE CONTACT NOTICED THE FUEL ODOR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO STATED THAT SMELL OF FUEL WAS NORMAL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL LEAKED WHENEVER THE FUEL TANK WAS FULL AND ONTO HOT EXHAUST PIPES. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 75,000.
Ford Tempo 1992
- Date Of Incident: 2009-03-17
- Date Complaint: 2010-03-26
- VIN: 1FAPP33U4NK
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: TL * THE CONTACT OWNS A 1992 FORD TEMPO. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A NOISE. THE CONTACT STOPPED THE VEHICLE AND SAW THAT SOME OF THE LUG NUTS WERE MISSING. A LOCAL MECHANIC INSPECTED THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS FOUND TO CONTAIN NO CATALYTIC CONVERTER; FURTHERMORE, NEITHER THE HORN AND NOR ANY OF THE ELECTRICAL COMPONENT FUNCTIONED CORRECTLY. THE CONTACT RETURNED THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 66,000. UPDATED 5/12/10 *CN UPDATED 06/11/10. *JB
Ford Tempo 1993
- Date Of Incident: 2009-07-25
- Date Complaint: 2009-09-15
- VIN: 2FAPP36U0PB
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 FORD TEMPO. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 TO 40 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS; THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE ENGINE RESTARTED AND RESUMED OPERATION; HOWEVER, IT STALLED ON THREE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A CERTIFIED MECHANIC. THE FAILURE WAS CONTRIBUTED TO THE IGNITION MODULE WHICH HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE CONTACT HAD CONCERNS OF THE SAFETY RISK INVOLVED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 96,000.
Ford Tempo 1991
- Date Of Incident: 2008-12-09
- Date Complaint: 2008-12-20
- VIN: 1FAPP36X9MK
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: SHOULDER HARNESS FOR BOTH FRONT OCCUPANTS FAILS TO LOCK WHEN VEHICLE MAKES A DRASTIC STOP. FORD SHOWS NO RECALL. I HAD TO MODIFY THE LOCKING HARNESS TO MAKE IT A FULL TIME RESTRAINT
Ford Tempo 1991
- Date Of Incident: 2005-03-14
- Date Complaint: 2008-11-24
- VIN: 2FAPP36X1MB
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1991 FORD TEMPO. THE MANUFACTURER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 96V071000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION), ALTHOUGH THE FAILURES WERE IDENTICAL. THE DEALER WOULD NOT HONOR THE RECALL. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 45,000.
Ford Tempo 1992
- Date Of Incident: 1993-11-25
- Date Complaint: 2008-09-09
- Number Of Deaths: 1
- Fire: 1
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: CAR FIRE---CAR WAS PARKED IN MY MOTHER'S CARPORT---CAUGHT ON FIRE AT NIGHT---BURNED THE HOUSE---KILLED MY MOTHER... *TR
Ford Tempo 1993
- Date Of Incident: 2004-01-15
- Date Complaint: 2008-06-27
- VIN: 1FAPP36X9PK
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 FORD TEMPO. THE ENGINE WOULD NOT TURN OVER, BUT WHEN THE KEY WAS SLIGHTLY TURNED IN THE IGNITION, SOMETHING ELECTRICAL IN THE VEHICLE WOULD START. WHEN THE CONTACT CHANGES THE KEY SLIGHTLY IN THE IGNITION, HE LOSES ALL POWER AND CAN HEAR AN ELECTRICAL SPARK AS IF IT IS ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A CONNECTION. THE VEHICLE GOES FROM HAVING NO POWER TO POWER, DEPENDING ON THE SPARKING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER ON THREE DIFFERENT OCCASIONS FOR THIS FAILURE. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE, THE BATTERIES HAVE BEEN REPLACED THREE TIMES. A NEW BATTERY WAS RECENTLY INSTALLED IN THE VEHICLE AND THE FUSES WERE REPLACED ON FOUR OCCASIONS. IN ADDITION, THE STARTER WAS REPLACED, THE TERMINAL CABLES WERE REPLACED THREE TIMES, AND THE VEHICLE HAD MORE TUNE-UPS THAN WHAT WAS NECESSARY IN ORDER TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT HIS VIN WAS EXCLUDED FROM NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 96V071000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: IGNITION). THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 108,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000.
Ford Tempo 1994
- Date Of Incident: 2008-01-05
- Date Complaint: 2008-04-07
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: THE WIPERS ON MY 94 FORD TEMPO STOP INTERMITTENTLY, THEN START A FEW SECONDS LATER. THIS IS DANGEROUS IN HEAVY RAIN. *TR
Ford Tempo 1994
- Date Of Incident: 2008-02-15
- Date Complaint: 2008-03-05
- VIN: 1FAPP36X2RK
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 FORD TEMPO. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED AND THE SERVICE ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE RESTARTED AFTER TEN MINUTES. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN INSPECTED BY A DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 99,900 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
Ford Tempo 1989
- Date Of Incident: 2008-01-09
- Date Complaint: 2008-03-03
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 2FAPP36X0KB
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1989 FORD TEMPO. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, IT SUDDENLY ACCELERATED TO AN UNKNOWN SPEED. THE VEHICLE CRASHED THROUGH THE GARAGE WALL AND EVENTUALLY STOPPED AND SHUT OFF AFTER A HALF MILE. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED AND DRIVEN BACK TO THE GARAGE. THE WINDSHIELD WAS DAMAGED AND THE DRIVER SUSTAINED SCRATCHES. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 99,200.
Ford Tempo 1991
- Date Of Incident: 2007-09-21
- Date Complaint: 2007-10-23
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: 1991 FORD TEMPO STARTED SMOKING AND THEN DEBRIS FLEW OFF AND HIT THE VEHICLE BEHIND HER. *KB THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE STALLED AS SHE ATTEMPTED TO PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE CONSUMER EXITED THE VEHICLE AND LOOKED UNDER IT AND DISCOVERED OIL WAS LEAKING AND PIECE OF FROM THE VEHICLE WAS MISSING. (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT)*JB
Latest 5 recalls Ford Tempo
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 25 recalls for different components of the Ford Tempo.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Ford Tempo 1984
- Report Received Date: 2007-08-27
- Manufacturer: FEDERAL-MOGUL CORPORATION
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
- Summary: CERTAIN FEDERAL-MOGUL AFTERMARKET FUEL PUMPS SOLD UNDER THE BRAND NAMES OF CARTER, ACCUFLOW, NAPA, TRUFLOW, PARTS DEPO, AND PARTS MASTER, SHIPPED BETWEEN AUGUST 2006 AND JULY 2007 FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE FUEL PUMP DIAPHRAGM IN CERTAIN PRODUCTION RUNS MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY INSTALLED OR INADEQUATELY TESTED WHICH MAY CAUSE THE FUEL PUMP TO LEAK.
- Consequence: A LEAKING FUEL PUMP COULD CREATE A VEHICLE FIRE HAZARD.
- Remedy: FEDERAL-MOGUL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE FUEL PUMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 15, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FEDERAL-MOGUL AT 248-354-7700.
- Model: Ford Tempo 1985
- Report Received Date: 2007-08-27
- Manufacturer: FEDERAL-MOGUL CORPORATION
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
- Summary: CERTAIN FEDERAL-MOGUL AFTERMARKET FUEL PUMPS SOLD UNDER THE BRAND NAMES OF CARTER, ACCUFLOW, NAPA, TRUFLOW, PARTS DEPO, AND PARTS MASTER, SHIPPED BETWEEN AUGUST 2006 AND JULY 2007 FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE FUEL PUMP DIAPHRAGM IN CERTAIN PRODUCTION RUNS MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY INSTALLED OR INADEQUATELY TESTED WHICH MAY CAUSE THE FUEL PUMP TO LEAK.
- Consequence: A LEAKING FUEL PUMP COULD CREATE A VEHICLE FIRE HAZARD.
- Remedy: FEDERAL-MOGUL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE FUEL PUMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 15, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FEDERAL-MOGUL AT 248-354-7700.
- Model: Ford Tempo 1986
- Report Received Date: 2007-08-27
- Manufacturer: FEDERAL-MOGUL CORPORATION
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
- Summary: CERTAIN FEDERAL-MOGUL AFTERMARKET FUEL PUMPS SOLD UNDER THE BRAND NAMES OF CARTER, ACCUFLOW, NAPA, TRUFLOW, PARTS DEPO, AND PARTS MASTER, SHIPPED BETWEEN AUGUST 2006 AND JULY 2007 FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE FUEL PUMP DIAPHRAGM IN CERTAIN PRODUCTION RUNS MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY INSTALLED OR INADEQUATELY TESTED WHICH MAY CAUSE THE FUEL PUMP TO LEAK.
- Consequence: A LEAKING FUEL PUMP COULD CREATE A VEHICLE FIRE HAZARD.
- Remedy: FEDERAL-MOGUL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE FUEL PUMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 15, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FEDERAL-MOGUL AT 248-354-7700.
- Model: Ford Tempo 1987
- Report Received Date: 2007-08-27
- Manufacturer: FEDERAL-MOGUL CORPORATION
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
- Summary: CERTAIN FEDERAL-MOGUL AFTERMARKET FUEL PUMPS SOLD UNDER THE BRAND NAMES OF CARTER, ACCUFLOW, NAPA, TRUFLOW, PARTS DEPO, AND PARTS MASTER, SHIPPED BETWEEN AUGUST 2006 AND JULY 2007 FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE FUEL PUMP DIAPHRAGM IN CERTAIN PRODUCTION RUNS MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY INSTALLED OR INADEQUATELY TESTED WHICH MAY CAUSE THE FUEL PUMP TO LEAK.
- Consequence: A LEAKING FUEL PUMP COULD CREATE A VEHICLE FIRE HAZARD.
- Remedy: FEDERAL-MOGUL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE FUEL PUMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 15, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FEDERAL-MOGUL AT 248-354-7700.
- Model: Ford Tempo 1992
- Report Received Date: 1997-02-25
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN
- Summary: 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 VEHICLES WITH 3.0L ENGINES; 1994 TEMPO/TOPAZ WITH 2.3L ENGINES; 1992-1995 TAURUS/SABLE WITH 3.8L ENGINES; 1994-1995 TAURUS/SABLE WITH 3.0L ENGINES AND 1992-1994 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL VEHICLES WITH 3.8L ENGINES. DURING HIGH WINDS, HEAVY, BLOWING AND DRIFTING SNOW, AND LOW TEMPERATURES, THE ENGINE COOLING FAN CAN BECOME BLOCKED OR FROZEN WITH SNOW. THE FAN MOTOR MAY NOT ROTATE AND COULD OVERHEAT.
- Consequence: THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE SMOKE OR FLAMES FROM THE FAN AND/OR SHROUD, THE FAN ELECTRICAL WIRING, OR THE FAN MOTOR RESULTING IN A VEHICLE FIRE.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL AN ELECTRICAL JUMPER HARNESS CONTAINING AN AUTOMATIC RESETTING CIRCUIT BREAKER TO PROTECT THE FAN MOTOR LOW SPEED CIRCUITRY FROM OVERHEATING.
Latest negative Ford Tempo car reviews
Latest positive Ford Tempo car reviews
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Vehicle year: 1992
Decent car for the price! The V6 option is a must and truly brings the car to life. Power everything gives it a luxurious feel. With 177K miles and still going, this car is a great value.
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Vehicle year: 1991
It's great on gas mileage! And if you're looking for a little more speed, just add a turbo and it runs like a dream. I've had it for a while now and the only maintenance needed has been regular tune-ups!
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Vehicle year: 1990
My first car was a Tempo, which I purchased from my aunt with 105k miles for $400. The engine is incredibly strong and the transmission is highly responsive. Over the course of 13 years, the car has only been towed once due to a dead battery and left me stranded once when the engine block heater fell out due to a poorly tightened bolt. Despite this, the total cost of parts for the car over 13 years was only $400. Although I have since replaced it with a 1996 Taurus SE, I still miss my Tempo.
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Vehicle year: 1992
I hope you're doing well! I noticed that you're selling your car after commuting 60 miles every day for years. That's a lot of driving! Your car has served you well, and it sounds like it's been a comfortable ride with the V6 engine. I'm glad to hear that the V6 engine has been reliable for you, especially considering the issues that some people have had with the 4 cylinder version. It's great that you've been able to keep your car running for so long with only a few repairs, even though they were a bit pricey. It's definitely worth it when you consider the amount of use you've gotten out of it. I'm impressed that your rebuilt transmission has held up so well! It's a testament to the care you've taken with your car. Best of luck with your sale and finding a new car that meets your needs!
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Vehicle year: 1992
This car is a nice, small, and comfortable ride. I recently purchased it from an individual for $300 and I think I got a great deal! The body and interior are both in great condition. However, I did notice that there are no cup holders and only 3 out of 4 cylinders are working, which can cause it to stall at times. The gas mileage is just okay, averaging around 20 to 25 mpg in the city. I was hoping for at least 30 mpg for a 4 cylinder engine. Despite this, the engine is quiet and has only 82,000 plus miles on it with no issues so far. The heater works great too!
Are you having problems with your Ford Tempo?
Peter Fay 2024-11-27
Vehicle year: 1993
Hi there! I just wanted to share my experience with my car. Back in 1998, I bought this lovely car from a friend. It has a 4 cylinder engine and had already clocked over 140,000 miles. Despite this, I have been driving it for six years and 50,000 miles with only minor problems, mostly normal wear items. I did have some issues with the power door locks not working properly, but other than that, everything has been great. Recently, the original transmission finally failed at 194,000 miles, but the original engine still runs great and all the accessories still work, including the AC. I'm now trying to decide whether to fix it or look for another Tempo. Overall, I have been extremely pleased with this car and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a reliable ride.
David Rau 2024-11-26
Vehicle year: 1990
You're fairly dependable and get me where I'm going (most times).
Donnie Murphy 2024-11-17
Vehicle year: 1994
I'm currently driving my second Tempo. The first one I owned was a 1992, which I found to be a better car as it didn't have those annoying automatic seatbelts. I purchased my current car in 2005 with only 23K miles on it (it now has 78K), but it did have some issues. Over time, I've had to replace the starter, fuel pump, distributor, wiring, some front-end component that holds the motor in, brakes, and likely other things that I've forgotten. Despite all of this, it's still fairly cheap transportation, starts well, and is quite comfortable to drive. I've even driven it from California to Canada six times! It does have a tendency to overheat, and I'm not sure why, but I still like the car and enjoy driving it. Would I get a third Tempo? Not likely.
Boyd Gislason 2024-11-16
Vehicle year: 1990
It sounds like you got a good deal on your car, but unfortunately it didn't last very long. It might be best to only consider purchasing it if you can find it at a very low price.
Isac Nolan 2024-11-12
Vehicle year: 1992
From the get-go, the Ford Tempo was an attempt by an American car company to compete with Honda, Toyota, and Nissan. However, the engineering and quality/dependability of the product were not up to par. Even now, in late 2002, US car companies are still playing catch-up with Honda and Toyota in virtually all their products at Ford, GM, and Chrysler. When will we ever get it right?