1986 Ford Tempo problems
Social links
Common 1986 Ford Tempo problems
The Ford Tempo, produced from 1984 to 1994, was a popular car known for its mediocre performance and reliability. Here are some of the most common problems with the Ford Tempo based on complaints from owners:
- Engine Stalls: The Ford Tempo was known for its tendency to stall, particularly when idling or during acceleration.
- Hesitates on Acceleration: Many Ford Tempo owners reported that their cars would hesitate or jerk during acceleration.
- Electrical Gremlins: The Ford Tempo was known for its electrical problems, which could range from minor issues like flickering lights to major problems like a dead battery.
- Broken Bolts: Many Ford Tempo owners reported that the bolts holding the wheels in place would break or shear off, leading to dangerous driving conditions.
- AC Drain Clogs: The Ford Tempo was known for its clogged AC drain, which could lead to water leaks and mold growth in the cabin.
- Rust: The Ford Tempo was prone to rust, particularly in the undercarriage and wheel wells.
- Poor Build Quality: Many Ford Tempo owners reported that their cars suffered from poor build quality, with issues like loose trim, rattling panels, and squeaky brakes.
In summary, the Ford Tempo was known for its poor performance, unreliable electrical systems, and poor build quality. While the car was a sales success for Ford, it was not one of the company's best ideas from a quality standpoint.
Why did Ford discontinue the tempo?
End of production
By 1993 Ford had been losing money on the Tempo for a decade. While the Tempo had long been a loss leader for Ford, the incoming Contour was based on the Mondeo, one of the most expensive cars in Ford's European lineup.
What Ford motor to stay away from?
The 5.4-liter Triton engine is a member of Ford's Modular V8 engine family, introduced in 1997. The three-valve version produced from 2002 to 2008 is the most problematic and one of the most unreliable Ford engines. Although it produced decent power (295-390 hp), the engine had several glitches.
What was Mercury's version of the Ford Tempo?
Mercury Topaz
The Ford Tempo and its sibling, the Mercury Topaz, were compact cars produced by Ford Motor Company between 1984 and 1994. From the moment they hit the roads, these vehicles quickly gained popularity, thanks to their affordability, fuel efficiency, and reliability.
Which Ford engine lasts the longest?
Diesel engines.
Ford trucks and SUVs with diesel engines will last much longer than their gasoline counterparts. Diesel engines are known for their longevity, frequently surpassing 400,000 miles. There are even reports of a Ford diesel engine making it to 1 million miles.
Why did Ford discontinue the tempo?
End of production
By 1993 Ford had been losing money on the Tempo for a decade. While the Tempo had long been a loss leader for Ford, the incoming Contour was based on the Mondeo, one of the most expensive cars in Ford's European lineup.
When did they stop making Ford Tempo?
May 20th 1994
Farewell to Ford Tempo and Mercury Topaz | May 20th 1994 | Today in Ford Motor Company History. On May 20th, 1994, a significant chapter in automotive history came to a close as the final Ford Tempo and Mercury Topaz models rolled off the production line at the Kansas City Ford Assembly Plant.
How much horsepower does a 1985 Ford Tempo have?
Specifications for Ford Tempo 2-door 2.0 D Manual, 53hp, 1985.
What is the Ford Tempo 1985?
The front-wheel-drive Tempo is an outstanding American car, built to Ford's high quality standards. Tempo is modern in design, advanced in engineering, and equipped for value. Among the new standard features for 1985 is electronic fuel injection added to Tempo's power-efficient 2300 HSC engine.
1986 Ford Tempo car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Ford Tempo problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Electrical system problems
- Hydraulic problems
- Service brakes problems
- Power train problems
- Vehicle speed control problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1986 Ford Tempo vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1986 Ford Tempo
The NHTSA has received 42 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1986 Ford Tempo. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1986 Ford Tempo vehicles.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-11-01
- 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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-12-04
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1FABP225XGB
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: DT: THE CONTACT STATED WHEN EXITING THE VEHICLE SHE SMELLED AN ODD ODOR. UPON REENTERING AND STARING THE VEHICLE WHITE SMOKE CAME FROM UNDER THE HOOD. WHEN CHECKING UNDER THE HOOD SHE SAW FLAMES COMING OUT. SHE IMMEDIATELY CALLED 911. THE FIRE WENT OUT ON ITS OWN BEFORE THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED. A POLICE REPORT WAS TAKEN AT THE SCENE. THE ALTERNATOR APPEARED TO BE THE SOURCE OF THE FIRE. THE PLUG TO THE ALTERNATOR MELTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. A REPLACEMENT ALTERNATOR WAS PURCHASED, BUT THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-04-24
- VIN: 2FABP19X6GB
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: ON THE IGNITION PROBLEM, THE CAR DIED ON THE STATE HIGHWAY & I HAD TO GET TOWED TO MY MECHANIC. MY CAR WAS LAID UP FOR 16 DAYS. HE FINALLY FOUND OUT IT WAS THE IGNITION THAT WAS MALFUNCTIONING AFTER DOING A TROUBLESHOOTING START & STALLING CONDITION. IT COST ME 118.07 FO THE REPAIRS AND ANOTHER$30.00 FOR THE TOW. THIS HAS BEEN A PROBLEM EVEN BEFORE YOU DID THE RECALL. AND I WISH I COULD GET COMPENSATED FOR THE EXPENSENSE,BUT YOU SAID ONLY TO 100,000 MILES. I DONT THINK THAT IS FAIR! ON THE DRIVE TRAIN, I WAS DRIVING ALONG AND THN LOST POWER TO THE TRAIN, AND I COULD NOT STEER THE CAR. HAD TO COAST OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THIS HAPPENED ON EASTER SUNDAY,AND THE STATE POLICE STOPPED AND TOLD ME I HAD TO MOVE THE CAR OFF THE ROAD AND I COULD NOT LEAVE IT THERE. I AGAIN HAD TO GET TOWED! THE DRIVE AXLE COST ME $100.00. IT JUST FELL OFF THE CAR AND THE MECHANIC COULD NOT UNDERSTAND WHY BECAUSE THE PINS WERE STILL INTACT. IT SHOULD NEVER HAD COME APART LIKE IT DID THEY SAID. IT DID NOT BREAK! IT JUST CAME APART.*AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-01-01
- VIN: 2FABP22X2GB
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: VEHICLE STALLS INTERMITTENTLY, NO MATTER WHAT SPEED. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-08-01
- VIN: 2FABP22SXGB
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: BATTERY WAS DEFECTIVE. THERE WERE THREE BATTERIES TESTED FROM PEP BOYS. *AK
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-03-23
- VIN: 2FABP22X2GB
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING ABOUT ANY SPEED VEHICLE COULD ACCELERATE, EVEN WHEN STEPPING ON THE BRAKES. *AK
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-12-30
- VIN: 1FABP23X2GK
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: HEADLIGHTS ARE MALFUNCTIONING. DEALER SAYS THAT IT'S THE LENS. BUT THEY ARE OUT OF STOCK, AND HAVE NO IDEA WHEN THEY'LL BE IN. OWNER CANNOT PASS THE STATE SAFETY INSPECTION WITHOUT IT. *AK *ML
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-10-21
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1FABP19SOGK
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: CONSUMER WENT TO START UP CAR AND WENT BACK INTO THE HOUSE. CONSUMER CAME BACK OUT AND CAR WAS SMOKING'. CONSUMER SHUT OFF CAR. WENT BACK INSIDE, AND WHEN CONSUMER RETURNED, THE ENTIRE CAR WAS ON FIRE. CONSUMER HAS NOT CONTACTED THE DEALER YET. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-11-01
- VIN: PLEASE FILL
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: INTERMITTENT STALLING; CONSUMER BELIEVED THIS PROBLEM WAS DUE TO A MALFUNCTIONING COMPUTER MODEL. VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED AND REPAIRS WERE MADE BY AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP AT CONSUMER EXPENSE OF APPROXIMATELY $600.00. CAN NHTSA PROVIDE INFORMATION OR HELP IN THIS MATTER. *AK
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1FABP19X3GK
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: THE CAR EXCELLERATES ON ITS OWN/PEGS RPMS/THEN LUGS AND WONT RUN SMOOTHLY
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-11-06
- VIN: 2FABP22X6GB
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: BRAKE LINES/HOSES FAILED.
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-11-06
- VIN: 2FABP22X6GB
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: SHOCKS FAILED.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-11-06
- VIN: 2FABP22X6GB
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: POWER STEERING PUMP FAILED.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-11-06
- VIN: 2FABP22X6GB
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: CV JOINT FAILED.
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-10-06
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1FABP22X0GK
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND CAUGHT ON FIRE. FIRE DEPARTMENT STATED THAT THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR SHORTED OUT, CAUSING THE FIRE. ALSO DASHBOARD MELTED. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: WHEN AT STOP SIGN AND MAKING A TURN THE CAR STALLS . PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-09-05
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1SABP22X6GK
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: GEARS JUMPED FROM PARK TO DRIVE AND THEN CAUGHT FIRE. PLEASE GIVE MORE INFORMATION. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-06-01
- VIN: 2FABP22S0GB
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: ENGINE IDLES HIGH, LOSES POWER OVER 20 MPH, AND STALLS INTERMITTENTLY. *DH
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-03-26
- VIN: 1FABP22X5GK
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: REAR BRAKE ADJUSTER FAILURE, CAUSING PARTIAL LOSS OF BRAKING ABILITY. *DH
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-02-04
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1FABP23X7GK
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM SHORTED, CAUSING FIRE. *DSH
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: HYDRAULIC BRAKES; WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES, VEHICLE PULLS TO THE LEFT. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-04-08
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1FABP23X5GK
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: IGNITION SWITCH SHORTED, CAUSING ENGINE FIRE. *DSH
PARKING BRAKE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: PARKING BRAKE
- Summary: REAR EMERGENCY BRAKE CABLE STICKS, CAUSES EXCESSIVE BRAKE PAD WEAR. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-04-30
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 2FABT19X2GB
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: ELECTRICAL SHORT IN THE IGNITION SWITCH, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO CATCH ON FIRE. *AK
PARKING BRAKE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: PARKING BRAKE
- Summary: REAR EMERGENCY BRAKE CABLE STICKS, CAUSES EXCESSIVE BRAKE PAD WEAR. *AK
1986 Ford Tempo recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1986 Ford Tempo.
- 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.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1986 Ford Tempo problems:
Ford Tempo Problems and Complaints - 14 Issues
Top Ford Tempo Problems · Poor Idle, Engine Stalls, Hesitates on Acceleration · Speedometer Operation Affected and Poor Transmission Shift Quality · Engine Stalls, ...
Q&A: 1986 Ford Tempo Fuel Pump Issues - Find Solutions Here
Dec 13, 2007 ... I would suspect your fuel pum relay or a ground issue. Check for voltage on circuit 361 red wire at the fuel pump relay, this is conttant power ...
Oh Ford Tempo, No One Loves You: COTD - The Autopian
Apr 25, 2023 ... ... problems in the U.S. at ... It was a white four-door Tempo with the manual transmission ... Trecoolx. 11 months ago. I had a 1986 Ford Tempo ...
Do you remember? Ford Tempo / Mercury Topaz diesel | TDIClub ...
It was a great car ... 47-50 MPG and never any issues except for brakes. The engine had two oil filters IIRC.
Ford Tempo 1993: Whining Problem with 2.3L Cylinder - Q&A
Jun 6, 2015 ... Ford Tempo, 1993, 2.3 liter 4 cyl. Problem: Whining noise originating from distributor. Solution: Purchased new - Answered by a verified ...
Other years of Ford Tempo
Are you having problems with your 1986 Ford Tempo?
Leave your review of 1986 Ford Tempo