1988 Pontiac Tempest problems
The Tempest is an automobile that was produced by Pontiac from 1960 to 1970, and again from 1987 to 1991. The name "tempest" is from Old French tempeste (French tempête), from Latin tempestas ("storm"), from tempus ("time, weather").
The Tempest was introduced as an entry-level compact in October 1960 at the Paris Auto Show for the 1961 model year. Built on GM's first unibody chassis, its new Y-platform was shared with the Buick Special/Skylark and Oldsmobile F-85/Cutlass.
While the Buick and Olds versions used a conventional drivetrain, the Pontiac had a unique, innovative design. The Tempest featured a front-engine/rear-transaxle layout that very nearly resulted in an ideal 50/50 weight distribution, together with independent rear suspension for nimble handling (a swing axle design similar to the Chevy Corvair). A Slant-4 engine connected to the 2-speed automatic transaxle via a flexible "rope" drive shaft. This configuration eliminated the driveshaft hump, yielding a flat floor with increased interior space. The Pontiac "Trophy-4" was also unique, created by basically halving a standard Pontiac V8 block.
Buick's aluminum 215 V8 was also optional in 1961 and 1962, but very few Tempests were so-equipped. The Tempest line offered an optional LeMans trim upgrade.
In 1964 the Tempest was redesigned as a mid-size car on the updated GM A-body platform, which used a conventional drivetrain. The base Tempest, Tempest Custom, and Lemans became separate trim packages, with an optional GTO performance option available on the LeMans for 1964 and 1965. The GTO was offered as a separate model line beginning in 1966. The Tempest name was retired after 1970, replaced by the T-37 as the base model, which in turn gave way to the LeMans name in 1972.
In Canada from 1987 to 1991, Pontiac marketed a rebadged version of the compact L-body Chevrolet Corsica under the revived Tempest name.
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Common 1988 Pontiac Tempest problems
Based on the information provided in the search results, the Pontiac Tempest faced several common problems based on complaints from owners. Here is a detailed list of these issues:
- Rust Prone Body: The Pontiac Tempest, especially the 1962 model, was known to be prone to rust issues. This was a common problem due to the age of the vehicle and the materials used in its construction. Rust can affect various parts of the car, leading to structural weaknesses and aesthetic deterioration.
- Electrical Problems: Some owners reported electrical issues with the headlights and dashboard. Electrical problems can be challenging to diagnose and repair, affecting the functionality of essential components like lights and gauges.
- Mechanical Reliability: While the Pontiac Tempest was praised for its innovative design features like the rear-mounted transaxle and four-wheel independent suspension, some owners experienced mechanical reliability issues. This could include engine problems, transmission issues, or suspension concerns that impact the car's performance and drivability.
- Interior Wear and Tear: Over time, the interior components of the Pontiac Tempest, such as the dashboard and seats, could show signs of wear and tear. Cracks in the dashboard, worn-out upholstery, or malfunctioning interior features like power locks can detract from the overall comfort and aesthetics of the vehicle.
- Fuel System Problems: In some cases, owners reported issues with the fuel system, such as a non-working gas gauge. Fuel system problems can lead to inaccurate fuel level readings, affecting the driver's ability to monitor fuel consumption and potentially causing inconvenience or safety hazards.
- Paint Fading: Another common complaint was related to paint fading due to sun exposure. Paint fading is a cosmetic issue that can affect the appearance of the vehicle, reducing its resale value and overall visual appeal.
- Transmission Concerns: The Pontiac Tempest, with its unique rear-mounted transaxle design, could experience transmission-related problems. Issues with the transmission can lead to difficulties in shifting gears, unusual noises, or even complete transmission failure, impacting the car's drivability.
By addressing these common problems faced by owners of the Pontiac Tempest, it provides valuable insights into the historical challenges associated with this classic car model.
Was the Pontiac Tempest a muscle car?
The Big Bang in the evolution of modern muscle cars is the 1964 Pontiac Tempest GTO. This is where it began: a midsize automobile with a big, high-power V-8 marketed as an integrated high-performance package -- the very definition of the muscle car.
Is a Tempest and a GTO the same thing?
A GTO is basically a $2480 Tempest Le Mans with a $296 extra-equipment package that includes a floor shift, 389 engine, dual exhaust, stiffer shocks, "exterior identification" and a choice of super-premium tires or whitewalls.
What engine was in the Pontiac Tempest?
The Trophy 4 engine is a short-stroke, 45-degree inclined inline four created from the right bank of the 389 V8 for the debut of the Tempest in 1961. Its 194.43 cu in (3.2 L) displacement is precisely half of the 389, with an identical bore and stroke of 41⁄16 in × 33⁄4 in (103.2 mm × 95.3 mm).
What was the problem with the Pontiac Fiero?
The Pontiac Fiero had a litany of issues, most of which were limited to the inaugural 1984 model year. The biggest were the low-capacity oil pans that caused overheating, faulty connecting rods that failed at a rate of about 1 in 10, and an electric panel that was mounted too close to the exhaust manifold.
What engine was in the Pontiac Tempest?
The Trophy 4 engine is a short-stroke, 45-degree inclined inline four created from the right bank of the 389 V8 for the debut of the Tempest in 1961. Its 194.43 cu in (3.2 L) displacement is precisely half of the 389, with an identical bore and stroke of 41⁄16 in × 33⁄4 in (103.2 mm × 95.3 mm).
Are Tempest and GTO the same?
The base Tempest, Tempest Custom, and Lemans became separate trim packages, with an optional GTO performance option available on the LeMans for 1964 and 1965. The GTO was offered as a separate model line beginning in 1966.
What brand is a Tempest car?
And they had earned the reputation. As essentially being GM's Automotive version of a bell Labs Pontiac. Behind the scenes was pushing Innovation for the entire General Motors conglomerate with their
How much does a Pontiac Tempest cost?
A: The average price of a Pontiac Tempest is $27,764.
1988 Pontiac Tempest car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Pontiac Tempest problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Seat belts problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1988 Pontiac Tempest vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1988 Pontiac Tempest complaints
The NHTSA has received 2 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1988 Pontiac Tempest.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: SEAT BELT BUCKLE WAS MISSING A PART, CAUSING FAILURE DURING A COLLISION, RESULTING IN EXTENSIVE INJURIES.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1993-05-21
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: DURING VEHICLE COLLISION SEAT BELT FAILED RESULTING IN SEVERE INJURY TO CONSUMER.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1988 Pontiac Tempest problems:
Common problems? - Pennock's Fiero Forum
Oct 24, 2005 ... ... engine, go-kart handling and mini-supercar looks, the 1986-1988 Pontiac Fiero GT was 1980s America's everyday exotic. The Fiero, which ...
Problems with the 2005-06 GTO? | Pontiac GTO Forum
Aug 7, 2010 ... Search this forum (and ls1gto.com) for common problems. A quick couple of newbie simple questions to preemptively answer; 1) Its normal for the ...
1988 Chevrolet Nova Reviews - Carsurvey.org
Apr 8, 2010 ... 2007. Most recent year of ownership, 2008. Engine and transmission ... Pontiac Tempest. Would you buy another car ... I am having problems replacing ...
Clutch Pedal Clicks at Top of Engagement Common Problem ...
Jun 7, 2014 ... Pontiac GTO Forum. in this thread in this sub ... 88 rx7 turbo. i have been having a odd problem ... 1964-1974 Tempest/LeMans/GTO Engine Tuning.
e30 worst design flaws
Mar 17, 2011 ... So ive seen it first hand and known about it its a common problem. ... ya in all honesty go check out the forums for the 88 ... Pontiac Tempest. Yes ...
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