Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
Limited mileage data: 1 of 14 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
Electrical System. Review the 11 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Seat Belts. Review the 2 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 1 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
0 crash reports6 fire reports0 injury reports
What owners actually said
14 reports
70,651 miles · Mar 17, 2004
Electrical System
CLASS ACTION FOR FORD TFI MODULE IN FORD TEMPO. *PH THE CONSUMER WAS REIMBURSED FOR THE REPLACEMENT TFI MODULE, HOWEVER HE WAS NOT REIMBURSED FOR THE LABOR AND TOWING BECAUSE THE COST WAS NOT LISTED ON THE INVOICE, BUT IT WAS ON THE PREVIOUS INVOICE WHEN THE PROBLEM WAS THOUGHT TO BE THE IGNITION SWITCH, IT WAS SOON DISCOV…
Read full complaint
CLASS ACTION FOR FORD TFI MODULE IN FORD TEMPO. *PH THE CONSUMER WAS REIMBURSED FOR THE REPLACEMENT TFI MODULE, HOWEVER HE WAS NOT REIMBURSED FOR THE LABOR AND TOWING BECAUSE THE COST WAS NOT LISTED ON THE INVOICE, BUT IT WAS ON THE PREVIOUS INVOICE WHEN THE PROBLEM WAS THOUGHT TO BE THE IGNITION SWITCH, IT WAS SOON DISCOVERED THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS NOT THE PROBLEM WHEN THE VEHICLE BROKE DOWN THE NEXT DAY. *JB *NM
NHTSA ODI #10055466
Mileage unknown · Feb 1, 2001
Electrical System
WHILE DRIVING THE ENGINE SHUTS OFF, VARIOUS PARTS REPLACED BUT DID NOT RECTIFY SITUATION, POSSIBLY THE TFI MODULE. *CJ
NHTSA ODI #559354
Mileage unknown · Nov 13, 2000
Electrical System
WHILE DRIVING, THE ENGINE WILL SHUT OFF, POSSIBLY RELATED TO THE TFI MODULE. *SLC
NHTSA ODI #557272
Mileage unknown · Mar 25, 1997
Seats
SEATBACK REST COLLAPSED, FELL ONTO BACK SEAT ONE IN FOUR FAILURES, CAUSED BY RIGHT SIDE ATTACHEMENT FAILURE THAT HOLDS UP SEAT BACK; ACCORDING TO DEALER, ENTIRE SEAT NEEDED REPLACING; REPLACED, PROBLEM REOCCURRED. *AK
NHTSA ODI #807979
Mileage unknown · Aug 7, 1996
Electrical SystemFire
ELECTRICAL FIRE, SUSPECTED TO HAVE STARTED WITH IGNITION SWITCH. *AK
NHTSA ODI #986069
Mileage unknown · May 29, 1996
Electrical SystemFire
THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE IN THE DRIVEWAY FROM THE IGNITION SWITCH.PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK
NHTSA ODI #984935
Mileage unknown · May 11, 1996
Electrical SystemFire
WIRING HARNESS UNDER DASH SHORTED OUT, CAUSING FIRE. *DH
NHTSA ODI #504584
Mileage unknown · May 5, 1996
Electrical SystemFire
IGNITION SWITCH FIRE. *SD
NHTSA ODI #504441
Mileage unknown · Apr 19, 1996
Electrical SystemFire
WK. 703-356-2050, STARTED THE VEHICLE TURN IGNITION ON, VEHICLE CUT OFF, SAW SMOKE UNDER THE HOOD, ENGINE COMPARTMENT/UNDER THE DASH. *AK
NHTSA ODI #983079
Mileage unknown · Apr 18, 1996
Electrical SystemFire
WHILE PARKED, AN ELECTRICAL SHORT OR SHOCK CAUSED THE VEHICLE IGNITION SWITCH TO CATCH ON FIRE. PLEASE DESCRIBE.
THE FORWARD BOLT THAT PROVIDES PART OF THE ATTACHMENT BETWEEN THE DRIVER'S SEAT BACK ASSEMBLY AND THE SEAT CUSHION FRAME MAY BE SUBJECT TO FATIGUE FRACTURE. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: IF THIS BOLT BREAKS, THE DRIVER AND SEAT BACK WILL FALL BACK, WHICH COULD RESULT IN THE DRIVER LOSING CONTROL OF THE CAR AND POSSIBLY LEAD TO AN ACCIDENT.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Not supplied
Remedy: REPLACE SCREWS THAT ATTACH DRIVER'S SEAT BACK ASSEMBLY TO THE SEAT CUSHION FRAME.
REAR SUPENSION CONTROL ARM-TO-SPINDLE ATTACHMENT BOLTS MAY BE SUBJECT TO FRACTURE CAUSING THE REAR SPINDLE TO SEPARATE DURING USE OF CAR. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: IF BOLTS FRACTURE AND REAR SPINDLE DISENGAGES FROM CONTROL ARM, LOSS OF CONTROL WILL BE EXPERIENCE WHICH MAY RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Not supplied
Remedy: REPLACE REAR SUSPENSION BOLTS AS NECESSARY.
REAR SUSPENSION CONTROL ARM-TO-SPINDLE ATTACHMENT BOLTS MAY BE SUBJECT TO FRACTURE DURING USE OF CAR. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: IF BOLTS FRACTURE, REAR SPINDLE COULD DISENGAGE FROM CONTROL ARM AND POSSIBLY RESULT IN LOSS OF CONTROL.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Not supplied
Remedy: REPLACE REAR SUSPENSION BOLTS AS NECESSARY.
THE BOLTS THAT ATTACH THE D-SHAPED RING FOR THE SHOULDER BELT ARE INADEQUATELY SUPPORTED BY THE MATERIAL IN WHICH THEY ARE MOUNTED. THE ATTACHMENT DOES NOT COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 210, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY ANCHORAGES".
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Not supplied
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL NEW ATTACHING HARDWARE TO IMPROVE THE STRENGTH OF THE MOUNTING.
IN THE EVENT OF A SHORT CIRCUIT IN THE INSTRUMENT PANEL, THE HEADLAMP AND INTERIOR ILLUMINATION CONTROL SWITCHES COULD OVERHEAT.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Not supplied
Remedy: THE HEADLAMP SWITCH WILL BE REPLACED AND FUSE AND FUSE PANEL WILL BE INSPECTED FOR SAFE OPERATION.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
6
PE96005 · Rear Brk Adjuster Failure
Opened Jan 19, 1996 · Closed May 28, 1996
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic
1984 - 1991 FORD TEMPO/MERCURY TOPAZ
DP96002 · Rear Brake System Failure
Opened Jan 11, 1996 · Closed Jan 19, 1996
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic
There is no summary currently available
PE88034 · Halfshaft Failure
Opened Mar 18, 1988 · Closed Sep 19, 1988
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Power Train
SUMMARY:THE SUBJECT VEHICLES MAY BE EQUIPPED WITH EITHER A 2.3 LITER4 CYLINDER ENGINE OR A 2.0 LITER DIESEL ENGINE.THE TRANSAXLE MAY BEEITHER A 5 SPEED MANUAL OR A 3 SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION.THEHALFSHAFT ASSEMBLIES ARE IDENTICAL FOR AUTOMATIC AND MANUAL USE, BUT THERIGHT INTERCONNECTING SHAFT ON A DIESEL EQUIPPED VEHICLE DOES NOT HAVE ATORSIONAL DAMPER.THE 1987 MODEL VEHICLES (GAS OR DIESEL) DO NOT USE THETORSIONAL DAMPER.THE RIGHT SIDE INTERCONNECTING SHAFT IS LONGER THANTHE LEFT SIDE SHAFT (25 INCHES VERSUS 12 INCHES).MOST OF THE REPORTED FAILURES INVOLVE THE RIGHT HALFSHAFT ASSEMBLY.FAILURE OF THE HALFSHAFT APPEARS TO RESULT IN A LOSS OF DRIVE WITHOUT ANYLOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL. #===
PE87028 · Stalling
Opened May 1, 1987 · Closed Jan 21, 1988
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System
NO SAFETY DEFECT TREND HAS BEEN DETECTED.===
PE87016 · Steering Syst. Failures
Opened Jan 15, 1987 · Closed Aug 6, 1987
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Steering
ANALYSIS:THIS PE WAS INITIATED BASED ON RECEIPT OF CONSUMER REPORTS OFPOWER STEERING FAILURES IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.THIS ISSUE WAS ORIGINALLYREVIEWED UNDER PE86-006, WHICH WAS CLOSED AFTER NO DEFECT TREND WAS IDENTI-FIED.THIS PE WAS OPENED TO REASSESS THE MAGNITUDE OF THE ALLEGED PROBLEM.IN RESPONSE TO NHTSA'S REQUEST FOR INFORMATION, FORD REPORTED THE FAILURE(COMPLAINT), ACCIDENT, AND INJURY STATISTICS CITED ABOVE.INCLUDED INTHESE DATA ARE 8 CASES INVOLVING ACCIDENT OR SUBROGATION CLAIMS, AND 7LAWSUITS THAT CITE POWER STEERING PROBLEMS AS THE BASIS FOR THE PLAINTIFF'SCASE AGAINST FORD.IN ADDITION, FORD REPORTED HAVING INITIATED ONLY ONEENGINEERING DESIGN MODIFICATION IN MAY 1983 WHICH RELATES TO THE POTENTIALFOR MALFUNCTION OF THE POWER STEERING PUMP.WARRANTY CLAIM DATA RELATINGTO THIS MATTER FAILED TO EITHER ESTABLISH OR SUBSTANTIATE THE EXISTENCE OFA DEFECT TREND.PROPOSED ACTION:CLOSE THIS PRELIMINARY EVALUATION.===
EA86010 · Seatback Failure
Opened Mar 26, 1986 · Closed Jul 28, 1989
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Seats
SUMMARY OF INFORMATION FROM MANUFACTURER:FORD BELIEVES THAT THE AL-LEGED DEFECT ONLY OCCURS IN A SMALL NUMBER OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ANDRECALLED ABOUT 195,732 1984 TEMPO/TOPAZ VEHICLES IN JUNE 1986.ANALYSIS: VEHICLES POTENTIALLY INVOLVED INCLUDE TEMPO/TOPAZ, ESCORT/LYNX/EXP, MUSTANG/CAPRI, LTD/MARQUIS, AND THUNDERBIRD/COUGAR.FORD SOLD ABOUT 110,000 REPLACEMENT MIO BOLTS, MAINLY FOR 1983 AND 1984MODELS. LOW CLAMPING FORCE APPEARS TO BE A LARGE PART OF THE PROBLEM.FORD INCREASED THE TORQUE REQUIREMENTS AND REQUIRED THE USE OF A MANUALTORQUE TOOL IN MARCH AND SEPTEMBER 1985 PRODUCTION CHANGES. 1987 MODELSWILL BE PRODUCED WITH A LONGER M10 BOLT AND A NUT TO INCREASE AND MAIN-TAIN CLAMPING FORCE. BOLTS WERE FORMERLY SELF TAPPING. REPORTS LISTEDABOVE SPECIFICALLY STATE THAT THE BOLT BROKE. NONE REFER SIMPLY TOSEAT BACK COLLAPSE ALONE.STATUS:FORD REPLY TO ODI IR DATED 2/2/87.FORD RECALLED 195,7321984 TEMPO/TOPAZ VEHICLES IN JUNE 1986 (86V-082). ANALYZING REPONSE,MONITORING CANADIAN PROGRESS. RESPONSE TO 4/6/87 LETTER TO FORDRECEIVED 7/15/87. WILL PROBABLY CLOSE AFTER CANADA COMPLETES THEIRACTIONS.===
1984 Ford Tempo Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year
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