1988 Ford Tempo problems
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Common 1988 Ford Tempo problems
The Ford Tempo, produced between 1984 and 1994, is known for several common problems based on complaints from owners.
One of the most frequently reported issues is the car's gutless engine, which struggles to merge on the freeway or handle lead foot driving. This is particularly true for the 4-cylinder engines, which are often criticized for their lack of power and acceleration.
Another common problem is the car's sloppy and tippy handling, which is often attributed to its sub-Ford quality build. The Tempo's suspension and steering systems are often criticized for being unresponsive and lacking precision, leading to a less than enjoyable driving experience.
The Tempo's automatic transmission is also a source of frustration for many owners. The car's 3-speed automatic transmission is often criticized for making driving faster than 60 mph painful, as it struggles to keep up with higher speeds.
The car's motorized seatbelts are another common problem, with many owners reporting issues with the seatbelts getting stuck or not working properly. This can be a safety concern, as the seatbelts are a crucial part of the car's safety system.
The Tempo's fuel system is also a source of problems, with many owners reporting issues with the car's fuel pump and fuel injectors. These issues can lead to poor fuel economy, rough idling, and stalling.
The car's electrical system is also known to cause problems, with many owners reporting issues with the car's alternator, battery, and wiring. These issues can lead to starting problems, dim headlights, and other electrical issues.
Finally, the Tempo's interior is often criticized for its poor quality and lack of durability. Many owners report issues with the car's seats, upholstery, and dashboard, which can wear out quickly or become damaged easily.
In summary, the Ford Tempo is known for a variety of common problems, including a gutless engine, sloppy handling, a problematic automatic transmission, motorized seatbelts, fuel system issues, electrical problems, and poor interior quality. These issues can lead to a frustrating and less than enjoyable driving experience, and can also impact the car's safety and reliability.
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.
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?
So the cars gotten new skins. And a few mechanical tweaks. But is the new car different enough to change its reputation as one of Ford's. Least exciting models. While certainly not BMWs the 88 tempo
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.
What was Mercury's version of the Ford Tempo?
So the cars gotten new skins. And a few mechanical tweaks. But is the new car different enough to change its reputation as one of Ford's. Least exciting models. While certainly not BMWs the 88 tempo
How much horsepower does a 1985 Ford Tempo have?
Specifications for Ford Tempo 2-door 2.0 D Manual, 53hp, 1985.
1988 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
- Seat belts problems
- Fuel system problems
- Gasoline problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1988 Ford Tempo vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1988 Ford Tempo
The NHTSA has received 164 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1988 Ford Tempo. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1988 Ford Tempo vehicles.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-07-01
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
- Summary: ACK UP.NMENGINE LIGHT COMES ON AND MOTOR DIES. STARTS RIGHT.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-01-15
- VIN: 1FAPP33S5JK
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: DT: THE CONSUMER STATED SHE IS HAVING RETRACTION PROBLEMS WITH HER SEAT BELT. THE SEAT BELT IS NOT RETRACTING CORRECTLY FROM THE LAP BELT, FROM THE BUCKLE TO THE DOOR POST. THIS IS HAPPENING ON THE DRIVERS SIDE ONLY. THE SEAT BELT IS ALLOWING TOO MUCH WEBBING AND NOT RETRACTING ALL THE WAY BACK INTO THE HOLDER ON THE DOOR POST. WHEN THE DRIVER IS APPLYING BRAKE PRESSURE, THE SEAT BELT IS NOT HOLDING THE DRIVER SECURELY AND SAFELY IN THE SEAT. THE CONSUMER STATED THE DEALERSHIP WHERE SHE BOUGHT THE VEHICLE FROM HAS NOW GONE OUT OF BUSINESS AND SHE HAS NOT CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER OF THE VEHICLE. SHE HAS HAD THIS PROBLEM WITH THE SEAT BELT FOR ABOUT 6 MONTHS. SPEED IS NOT A FACTOR WITH THE SEAT BELT FAILURE. EVEN SITTING STILL THE SEAT BELT IS NOT WORKING. *JB
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-05-01
- VIN: 1FAPP36X8JK
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN
- Summary: CONSUMER IS REQUESTING FREE REPAIRS TO 1988 FORD TEMPO GL'S TRANSMISSION AND MOTOR.*MR *NM
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-08-01
- Fire: 1
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: SMELLED HOT WIRE SMELL WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY. NOTICED 1 INCH FLAME IN LEFT AIRVENT WHICH GREW TO 5 INCHES WHEN STOPPED CAR. UNHOOKED BATTERY, POURED LIQUID OVER DASHBOARD WHICH WAS ON FIRE, CLOSED DOOR, WAITED FOR FIRETRUCK. I THINK IT STARTED IN HEADLIGHT SWITCH. CAR TOTALED, MOST OF DASH BURNT AWAY.*AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-06-01
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1FAPP36X8JK
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,TIRES
- Summary: THE TREADS OF THE TIRE WARPED WITH ONLY 10000 MILES ON IT (FIRESTONE LEMANS RADIAL AT). *NLM SHORTLY AFTER THE TIRE WAS CHANGED A FIRE STARTED UNDER THE HOOD. *NLM
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-11-01
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE STALLED. *AK *NLM
SUSPENSION,TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1FAPP36X8JK
- Components: SUSPENSION,TIRES
- Summary: THE VEHICLE VIBRATED WHILE DRIVING. THE TIRES WERE BALANCED YET THE VIBRATION STILL OCCURRED. *NLM
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-05-01
- VIN: 1FAPP36X8JK
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: THE TREAD OF THE TIRE FAILED (BRIDGESTONE WEATHER FORCE TIRE). *NLM
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-08-15
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1FAPP37X1JK
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: GASOLINE LEAKS ON ENGINE. *AK CONSUMER NOTICED GASOLINE COMING OUT OF THE VACUUM HOSE THAT RUNS FROM THE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR TO THE VACUUM FITTING, CONSUMER REALIZED THE REGULATOR MUST BE FAULTY. *SLC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-04-10
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1FA9937XXJK
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: NHTSA RECALL96V 071000/ MANUFACTURER'S RECALL 95S28 CONCERNING IGNITION FAI;URE. CONSUMER NOTICED FROM OUTSIDE WINDOW THAT VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE. VEHICLE HAD BEEN SITTING I DRIVEWAY FOR 30-45 MINUTES AFTER BEING DRIVEN HOME. VEHICLE HAD FLAMES COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. CONSUMER WAS CONFIRMING RECALL TO BE SERVICED. PLEASE PROVIDE MORE INFORMATION.*AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-06-01
- VIN: 1FAPP36X1JK
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: THE LAP BELT ON PASSENAGER SIDE FRONT WILL NOT STAY CLASPED. DRIVERS SHOULDER STRAP (AUTOMATIC) WILL NOT SLIDE OPEN. THE MOTOR CAN BE HEARD INSIDE, BUT WILL NOT MOVE.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-12-08
- VIN: 1FACP36X4JK
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: VEHICLE FAILS TO OPERATE IN DRIVE, BUT IT DOES OPERATE IN REVERSE, CAUSE UNKNOWN. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.*AK
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1988-08-01
- VIN: 2FAPP36X9JB
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: THIS VEHICLE HAS STALLED ON STARTUP POSITION IN TRAFFIC SINCE IT WAS NEW AND HAS CONTINUED TO DO SO AFTER NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS TO THE DEALER. THIS PRESENTS A SAFETY HAZARD AS CROSS TRAFFIC IS NOT RESPONSIBLE TO WAIT WHILE WE RESTART THE VEHICLE. THIS IS NOT DUE TO DRIVER ERROR AS IT OCCURS WITH SEVERAL DIFFERENT DRIVERS.*AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-11-07
- VIN: 1FAPP36X4JK
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: I WAS DRIVING, WIFE IN PASSENGER SEAT WITH LAP BELT ENGAGED. UPON STOPPING, LAP BELT WOULD NOT RELEASE. IMPOSSIBLE FOR HER TO EXIT CAR BECAUSE OF AUTOMATIC RETRACTOR INSTALLED ON BELT ASSEMBLY. THIS IS A MOJOR SAFETY ITEM AND FORD WILL NOT ACCEPT ANY RESPONSIBILITY. HAD WE BEEN IN AN ACCIDNET AND CAR WAS BURING, WIFE WOULD HAVE BEEN BURNED TO DEATH. THE ONLY WAY I COULD GET WIFE OUT OF THE CAR WAS TO CUT THE BELT AND THERE WOULDN'T HAVE BEEN TIME TO DO THIS IN A BURNING CAR! EVEN WITH THE LAP BELT CUT, I AM STILL UNABLE TO RELEASE THE BUCKLE. THE LAW REQUIRES THAT BELTS BE USED YET FORD WILL NOT TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR SAFE AND NORMAL OPERATION OF THE LAP BELT THAT THEY INSTALLED IN THE VEHICLE. NO PREVIOUS INDICATIONS OF ANYTHING WRONG WITH LAP BELT SYSTEM ON EITHER SIDE OF VEHICLE.*AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 2FAPP36XXJB
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: WORK DONE ON ENGINE BEFORE RECALL WAS KNOWN. CAR NOT THE SAME SINCE. TOTAL COST TO ME ,ABOUT 1500.00.*AK
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-07-21
- VIN: 1FAPP36X6JK
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: WAS DRIVING IN TOWN ON 07/21/01 IN THE AFTERNOON GOING HOME, WHEN CAR STARTED VIBRATING REAL BADLY, AND WONDERED ALL OVER ROAD. THE TIRE IN QUESTIONED IS OFF THE RIGHT FRONT OF A 1988 FORD TEMPO. IT IS CHEWED UP AROUND THE INSIDE AND ALSO HAS "SEVERAL SOFT SPOTS" IN THE TIRE.*AK (DOT NUMBER: W2RV TIRESIZE: P18570R14)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-06-28
- VIN: 2FAPP31X2JB
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: THE ENGINE STALLS WHILE DRIVING. SOMETIME IT WILL RESTART JUST TO STALL AGAIN AFTER A FEW MILES. THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS REPLACED UNDER A PREVIOUS RECALL BUT THE PROBLEM CONTINUES TO PERSIST. THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT WAS REPLACE TWICE IN THE LAST 12 MONTHS. I BELIEVE THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE WIRING/MODULE THAT REGULATES THE ELECTRICAL PULSES THAT FIRE THE PLUGS. I WILL ASK THE DEALER TO RESEARCH. UNFORTUANTELY, THIS ELECTRICAL PROBLEM SEEMS TO BE VERY COMMON ON FORD TEMPO'S BUT NONE OF THE TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETINS ADDRESS IT. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-01-18
- VIN: 1FAPP31XOJK
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: I SHOULDN'T HAVE TO WAIT FOR AN INJURY BEFORE FORD FIXES!. NO SAFETY DEFECT LISTED IN SUMMARY. *AK
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 2FAPP36X5JB
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: AFTER PUTTING GAS IN THE CAR WITH THE WINDOWS ROLLED UP THERE IS AN ODOR OF GAS INSIDE THE CAR. THE ODOR IS ALSO THERE WITH THE WINDOWS DOWN WHILE DRIVING THE CAR. IT GOES AWAY AFTER ABOUT 15 MINUETS OF DRIVING.*AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1FAPP36X0JK
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE FOR A HIGH AMOUNT OF TIME ENGINE DIES OUT WHEN COMING TO A STOP OR EVEN DRIVING AT HIGH SPEEDS. NO ONE KNOWS PROBLEM.*AK *SLC
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-08-07
- Number Of Injuries: 2
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: BRAKE LINE RUPTURED CAUSING AN ACCIDENT, 2 PEOPLE WERE INJURED. *SLC
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-07-12
- VIN: 1FAPP37X3JK
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: RACK AND PINION FAILED. NLM
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-10-06
- VIN: 1FAPP37X3JK
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: MUFFLER FAILED. NLM
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-01-14
- VIN: 1FAPP37X3JK
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: VALVE STEMS FAILED. NLM
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1993-04-05
- VIN: 1FAPP37X3JK
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TWO OUTER AXEL BOOTS FAILED. NLM
1988 Ford Tempo recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1988 Ford Tempo.
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
- Summary: THE IGNITION SWITCH COULD EXPERIENCE AN INTERNAL SHORT CIRCUIT.
- Consequence: THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE OVERHEATING, SMOKE, AND POSSIBLY FIRE IN THE STEERING COLUMN AREA OF THE VEHICLE.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH.
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: TWO ATTACHMENT SCREWS FOR THE THROTTLE POSITION SENSORS COULD LOOSEN AND BACK OUT.
- Consequence: IF BOTH SCREWS COME OUT, SENSORS COULD DISENGAGE FROMTHE THROTTLE SHAFT, PREVENTING RETURN OF THE THROTTLE FROM MID POSITION.
- Remedy: REPLACE ATTACHMENT SCREWS WITH SCREWS WITH PRE APPLIED ADHESIVE THAT WILL BE TIGHTENED TO A HIGHER TORQUE SPECIFICATION.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1988 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, ...
Tempo retracting seat belt mechanism problems | Ford Forums
Jan 24, 2005 ... This is a very common problem with tempos. A lot of people backdate their cars to manual belts opting out of the automatic belt mechanisms and ...
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 ...
Ford Taurus SHO (1988-1999)| Grassroots Motorsports forum |
I see a v6 auto at work pretty regularly and he says none of them have ever given any major problems. That being said, he is borderline ...
Q&A: 1988 Ford Tempo - Motor Issues & ECU Troubleshooting
Aug 12, 2006 ... Take the air intake hose off and look at the throttle plate and bore. If it's not clean, clean it with an old toothbrush and brake or carb ...
Other years of Ford Tempo
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