CarRecallWatchThe 1988 Ford Tempo has 2 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 126 complaints with NHTSA, including 3 crashes, 36 fires, 9 injuries.
The most-reported problem area is Electrical System (59 reports).
1988 Ford Tempo recalls
Most common 1988 Ford Tempo problems
Problem areas named in the 126 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Electrical System | 59 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 33 |
| Seat Belts | 19 |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 11 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 8 |
| Exterior Lighting | 8 |
| Power Train | 6 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 5 |
| Tires | 5 |
| Seats | 4 |
What owners report
ACK UP.NMENGINE LIGHT COMES ON AND MOTOR DIES. STARTS RIGHT.
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 S
CONSUMER IS REQUESTING FREE REPAIRS TO 1988 FORD TEMPO GL'S TRANSMISSION AND MOTOR.*MR *NM
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
WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE STALLED. *AK *NLM
1988 Ford Tempo questions
Does the 1988 Ford Tempo have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls for the 1988 Ford Tempo: Electrical System:Ignition; Vehicle Speed Control. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 1988 Ford Tempo?
Based on 126 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Electrical System (59), Engine And Engine Cooling (33), Seat Belts (19).
How do I check if a recall on my 1988 Ford Tempo has been fixed?
Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.