1987 Ford Tempo problems
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Common 1987 Ford Tempo problems
The 1987 Ford Tempo is known to have several common problems that owners have reported over the years. One of the most prevalent issues is stalling, which can occur at any time and place without warning. This problem has been reported by many owners, including Kentuckyfried in a Ford forum post. He mentioned that he had taken his 1987 Tempo with a 4-cylinder fuel-injected automatic transmission to seven Ford garages, but none of them could diagnose the issue. The car stalls intermittently, and he has replaced numerous parts, including the vacuum hose to the MAPP sensor, alternator, oxygen sensor, aircharge sensor, MAPP sensor, fuel injectors, fuel pressure regulator, throttle position sensor, idle position motor, distributor, computer, and spark plugs. Despite these replacements, the OBD does not show any defects, and the shutdown begins with a loss of power and the car's inability to maintain a constant speed. Kentuckyfried also mentioned that the car has 80,000 miles and has been experiencing this issue for several years.
Another common problem with the 1987 Ford Tempo is related to the brakes. The Car Talk Community has reported instances where the master cylinder appears to be faulty, causing a partial loss of brakes. If the brake pedal is gently pressed, it works slightly, but if any significant pressure is applied, the pedal goes to the floor. Pumping the brakes does not help, and the pedal goes to the floor while the car is stopped and in park. This issue can be dangerous, and the Car Talk Community advises against driving the car until it is fixed. A reputable mechanic should evaluate the situation, and the master cylinder is likely the primary issue, although other problems may exist in a car of this age.
In summary, the 1987 Ford Tempo has two major common problems: stalling and brake issues related to the master cylinder. These problems can be dangerous and should be addressed by a reputable mechanic as soon as possible.
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 was the Mercury equivalent to 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.
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.
How much horsepower does a 1985 Ford Tempo have?
Specifications for Ford Tempo 2-door 2.0 D Manual, 53hp, 1985.
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.
1987 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
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Fuel system problems
- Gasoline problems
- Steering problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1987 Ford Tempo vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1987 Ford Tempo
The NHTSA has received 74 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1987 Ford Tempo. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1987 Ford Tempo vehicles.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1988-01-01
- VIN: 2FABP36X1HB
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: VEHICLE STALLS INTERMITTENTLY AT ANY SPEED WHEN ENGINE IS HOT. DEALER HAS REPLACED NUMEROUS PARTS, INCLUDING FUEL PUMP. BUT IT DID NOT SOLVE THE PROBLEM.*AK *YH
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-06-19
- VIN: 1FACP37X4HK
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: THE VEHICLE WOULD STALL INTERMITTENTLY WHEN STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT OR WHEN STARTING DUE TO TFI MODULE FAILURE. *YH
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1FABP38S8HK
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: THE VEHICLE STALLS INTERMITTENTLY WITHOUT WARNING MAKING BRAKING AND STEERING MORE DIFFICULT, THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS BUT THE PROBLEM COULD NOT BE SOLVED, ON ONE OCCASION THE DRIVE STRUCK A UTILITY POLE AND DAMAGED THE VEHICLE WHEN THE VEHICLE STALLED WHILE MAKING A TURN.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1FABP38S8HK
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: THE VEHICLE STALLS WITHOUT NOTICE DURING SEVERAL DIFFERENT SCENARIOS AND THE BRAKING AND STEERING BECOME DIFFICULT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SEVERAL DIFFERENT REPAIR SHOPS, INCLUDING THE LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP AND ALTHOUGH THE STALLING WAS EVEIDENT, NO ONE COUL;D CLARIFY WHY AND HOW TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM. I AM REPROTING THIS PROBLEM ON BEHALF OF MY ELDERLY MOTHER, WHO HAS HAD THIS STALLING PROBLEM SINCE SHE PURCHASED THIS USED VEHICLE AND HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO FIND ANYONE TO SUCCESSFULLY REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE TEMPO IS HER ONLY MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION AND SHE HAS HAD TO COPE WITH THE STALLING PROBLEMS BECAUSE SHE CAN NOT AFFORD A NEW VEHICLE. SHE RECENTLY STRUCK A UTILITY POLE WHEN THE VEHICLE STALLED WHILE SHE WAS MAKING A TURN AND DAMAGED HER VEHICLE. SHE DESPARATELY NEEDS SOME ASSISTANCE IN HAVING FORD MAKE HER VEHICLE SAFE. I HAVE CONTACTED FORD AT THEIR 1.800.392.3673 NUMBER AND SPOKE WITH A REPRESENTATIVE BY THE NAME OF SELVIN, WHO BASICALLY SAID THAT FORD WILL NOT VOLUNTARILY DO ANYTHING TO ASSIST AT THIS TIME AND HE WOULD NOT PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL CONTACT INFORMATION. PLEASE HELP!*AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: ALTERNATOR REBUILT AND BOUGHT FROM ADVANCE AUTO PARTS. THIS WAS THE SECOND ALTERNATOR WITH PROBLEMS, THE FIRST WAS TAKEN BACK AND THIS ONE THE MECHANIC REPLACED AND SAID THAT WHO DOES ADVANCE'S REBUILDING ISN'T THAT GREAT. THE TIME AND MONEY SPENT FOR THEIR REJECT ALTERNATOR'S IS UNJUST. THE RED LIGHT INDICATOR STAYED ON UNTIL THIS NEW ALTERNATOR WAS PUT IN.*AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1987-12-01
- VIN: ADD
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: VEHICLE HAS BEEN STALLING OFF AND ON SINCE PURCHASE OF VEHICLE, NUMEROUS REPAIRS. CANNOT REMEDY.*AK
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: I AM FINANCIALLY OBLIGATED TO PAST DUE BILLS; HOWEVER I AM TRYING TO KEEP UP WITH THE CAR PROBLEMS, I DIDN'T KNOW IF THERE WAS ANY RECALL ON THIS CAR! AS MENTIONED I WAS GIVEN A FINE OF $50.00 FOR EXPIRED TAGS BY ABOUT A WEEK; I WOULD HAVE WENT TO MVA IF GIVEN A WARNING FOR RENEWAL! WITH ALL OF THE EXPENSES IN A CAR IS THERE ANY WAY TO GET SOME WORK DONE WITHOUT BEING INDEBTED TO A HIGH PRICED MECHANIC? ECONOMICS SHOULD NOT PLAY A PART FOR SAFETY OF A CAR; SHOULD HAVE WAYS TO HELP ECONOMICALLY DISADVANTAGED. PLEASE READ OUT OF CONCERN AND NOT TO BE USED AGAINST ME BUT FOR THE SAFETY OF MY FAMILY AND TO HELP OTHERS WHO WANT A SAFE VEHICLE BUT CAN'T AFFORD ALL OF THE HIGH BILLS.F. NO SAFETY DEFECT MENTIONED . *AK
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING INTO A DRIVEWAY TIE ROD: INNER BROKE OUT OF GEAR BOX, CAUSING A LOSS OF STEERING. FORD HAS NOT BEEN CONTACTED YET. *AK
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-03-20
- VIN: 1FABP39S1HK
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: CAR WONT RESTART AFTER IT HAS BEEN DRIVIN AND OR STOPPED AT IDLE SPEED. CAUSING ME TO BE STRANDED CONTINUALLY. FORD MOTOR WAS SUPPOSE TO FIX THE FUEL PUMP , BUT INSTEAD REPLACED TFI SWITCH AND TWO OTHER SENSORS , BUT AM STILL HAVING SAME SYMTOMS SENT CAR BACK AND NOW THEY TELL ME ITS THE FUEL PUMP WICH IS WHY I TOOK THE CAR TO THEM TO BEGIN WITH.. THEN I HERE ON THE NEWS ABOUT THIS TFI SWITCH THAT FORD MOTOR CHARGED ME AN ARM A LEG AND A FOOT FOR 640.00... I SEE A COVER UP OR SOMTHING IS NOT RIGHT AT MY EXPENSE.. NOT TO MENTION THE STEARING PROBLEMS AND THE BRAKE FAILURE.. AND NUMEROUS OTHER PROBLEMS NEVER AGAIN WILL I TRUST FORD.AND I CURRENTLY HAVE A COMPLAINT FILED WITH THE ATTORNEY GENERAL OF MY STATE WE WANT OUR MONEY BACK AND OUR CAR FIXED RIGHT. THIS HAS BEEN VERY FRUSTRATING I HAVE SUNK 700 PLUS ANOTHER 400 FOR BAKES ON A CAR THAT ONLY HAD 40.000 MILES WHEN I PURCHASED IT FROM A FAMILY MEMBER.*AK
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-05-01
- VIN: 1FABP33SXH1
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: FUEL PUMP FAILED. MJS
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1FACP36X7HK
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: VEHICLE EXPERIENCED CONTINUED STALLING CONDITIONS DUE TO FAILURE OF THE ELECTRONIC IGNITION MODULE. MJS
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1FACP36X7HK
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TRANSMISSION FAILED. MJS
STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-01-05
- VIN: 2FABP33SXHB
- Components: STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: MY CAR STARTED ACTING UP 1ST BY CUTTING OUT LIKE IT WAS GOING TO DIE, THE IT WOULD REV UP,AND THEN COMPLETELY QUIT. THEN WHEN I TRIED TO START IT THE TACHOMETER WOULD SPIN AROUND BACKWARDS. AFTER SETTING FOR A FEW HOURS IT WOULD START AND MAYBE RUN FINE FOR A FEW DAYS. THEN PROBLEM 2 HAPPENED. MY HORN STARTED BEEPING FOR NO REASON AND I HAD TO TAKE THE FUSE OUT. THE CAR WILL NOT START AT ALL NOW. WE HAVE CHANGED THE COMPUTER BRAIN AND THAT WASN'T THE PROBLEM. SOMETIMES WHEN YOU SHUT THE DOOR THE HORN BEEPS WITH NO FUSE IN THE FUSE BOX. WE ARE NOW THINKING IT IS AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM WITHIN THE STEERING COLUMN. HOW CAN THIS PROBLEM BE FIXED, OR EVEN NARROWED DOWN TO SEE IF THAT IS THE PROBLEM.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-04-14
- VIN: 1FABP36X8HK
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: THICK FILM IGNITION MODULE AND DIST STATOR FAILED CAUSING VEHICLE TO STALL WITHOUT WARNING.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-03-05
- VIN: 1FABP33S9HK
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: BRAKES FAILED. MJS
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-04-13
- VIN: 1FABP33S9HK
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: IDLE SPEED CONTROL ACTUATOR AND VALVE FAILED. MJS
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-04-13
- VIN: 1FABP33S9HK
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: ECM, VALVE COVER GASKET AND THERMOSTAT FAILED. MJS
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1FABP37X1HK
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: WHILE TRAVELING REAR SUBFRAME MOTOR MOUNTS BROKE, CAUSING ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION TO DROP, CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED DEALER. *AK
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: PLEASE FILL
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TRANSMISSION IS FAILING TO OPERATE PROPERLY. VEHICLE MAKING NOISE WHEN SHIFTING INTO HIGH GEAR. DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED AT THIS TIME. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-07-29
- Fire: 1
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: ENGINE FAILED CAUSING FIRE. OHIO STATE POLICE REPORT.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Fire: 1
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: ENGINE FIRE DESTROYED CAR(OHIO STATE POLICE)
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1FABP36XXHK
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: EGR SENSORS FAILED CAUSING STALLING
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1FABP36X6HK
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: VEHICLE CONTINUOUSLY LOSES POWER/STALLS.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1FABP31X8HK
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: VEHICLE EXPERIENCES CONTINUED STALLING, UNABLE TO RECTIFY OR FIND FAULTY COMPONENT.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-06-30
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: FILLED UP A QUARTER OF A TANK OF 87 OCTANE, SOON AFTER, VEHICLE STRUGGLED TO IDLE/STALLED. SUBSEQUENTLY, FILLED UP WITH GAS AT ANOTHER STATION AND VEHICLE RAN BETTER. HAD TO ADD GAS FOR TREATMENT FOR VEHICLE TO RUN NORMALLY. *AK
1987 Ford Tempo recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1987 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.
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS
- Summary: LUG NUTS COULD GALL AND POSSIBLY SEIZE ON THE WHEEL STUDS WITHOUT PROVIDING ADEQUATE CLAMPING LOAD ON THE WHEELS.
- Consequence: WHEEL STUDS COULD FRACTURE CREATING A RISK OF A WHEELSEPARATING WITH LITTLE FOREWARNING.
- Remedy: REPLACE WHEEL LUG NUTS AND IF NECESSARY, REPLACE WHEELS AND WHEEL STUDS.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1987 Ford Tempo problems:
2.3 L ford tempo problem - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums
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Other years of Ford Tempo
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