MotorDeets

Ford Tempo problems, recalls & best years

The deets on every Tempo from 1990 to 2000: 817 owner complaints and 7 recalls across 11 model years.

The model years with the most owner complaints are 1993 (227), 1992 (176), 1994 (161). Best fuel economy: 24 mpg combined (1994).

Ford Tempo
Photo: IFCAR · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Problem areas across all years

Engine & cooling202
Seat belts180
Electrical169
Brakes (hydraulic)83
Fuel system51
Transmission & drivetrain50
Speed control / throttle48
Steering39

Year by year

YearRecallsComplaintsBest mpg
1990113324
1991111023
1992217624
1993222724
1994116124
199503–
199602–
199702–
199801–
199901–
200001–

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the Ford Tempo.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

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Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

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ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

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Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
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FAQ

What is the worst year for the Ford Tempo?

The model years with the most owner complaints are 1993 (227), 1992 (176), 1994 (161).

How many recalls has the Ford Tempo had?

Across 1990–2000, NHTSA lists 7 vehicle recall campaigns by model year (a campaign that covers several years counts once per year).