Ford Tempo years to avoid
The Ford Tempo years to avoid are 1993, 1992, 1994, 1988, 1990, 1989, 1991, 1987 — each drew complaint volumes well above the model's norm or has an open safety investigation. The 1983 is the cleanest year on record.
1,649
Total complaints
13
Recall campaigns
1981–2000
Years covered
8
Years to avoid
Complaints by model year
Tempo years to avoid
Every Tempo year
Common questions
What are the worst Ford Tempo years?
Based on NHTSA complaint rates and open investigations, the Tempo years to avoid are 1993, 1992, 1994, 1988, 1990, 1989, 1991, 1987. The cleanest year on record is 1983.
What is the best year for the Ford Tempo?
By complaint volume, 1983 has the cleanest NHTSA record among Tempo years with enough data to compare.
How many recalls does the Ford Tempo have?
Across all model years, the Tempo has 13 distinct NHTSA recall campaigns and 1,649 consumer complaints on file.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.