VehicleVerdict

1986 Ford Tempo problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 1986 Ford Tempo sits mid-pack among Tempo years: 42 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 40, with a single recall and 10 closed investigations.

The trouble concentrates in one system: electrical system issues account for 43% of all reports (18 of 42), far ahead of brakes at 6.

42

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

10

Investigations

2

Crash-involved

14

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1986 compare to other Tempo years?

Tempo NHTSA complaints by model year, 1986 highlighted316 complaints1981: 2 complaints1983: 0 complaints1984: 19 complaints1985: 40 complaints1986: 42 complaints1987: 79 complaints1988: 176 complaints1989: 168 complaints1990: 174 complaints1991: 143 complaints1992: 264 complaints1993: 316 complaints1994: 212 complaints1995: 6 complaints1996: 2 complaints1997: 3 complaints1998: 1 complaints1999: 1 complaints2000: 1 complaints
Tempo NHTSA complaints by model year, 1986 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Tempo years to avoid →

What are the most common 1986 Ford Tempo problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System1843%
Brakes614%
Transmission37%
Engine25%
Fuel System25%
Speed Control25%
Steering25%
Visibility & Wipers12%
Lighting12%
Seat Belts12%
Seats12%
Suspension12%
Tires & Wheels12%
Airbags12%

Does the 1986 Ford Tempo have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

07E064000Fuel SystemAugust 27, 2007 · 34,000 units

Defect

CERTAIN FEDERAL-MOGUL AFTERMARKET FUEL PUMPS SOLD UNDER THE BRAND NAMES OF CARTER, ACCUFLOW, NAPA, TRUFLOW, PARTS DEPO, AND PARTS MASTER, SHIPPED BETWEEN AUGUST 2006 AND JULY 2007 FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE FUEL PUMP DIAPHRAGM IN CERTAIN PRODUCTION RUNS MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY INSTALLED OR INADEQUATELY TESTED WHICH MAY CAUSE THE FUEL PUMP TO LEAK.

Consequence

A LEAKING FUEL PUMP COULD CREATE A VEHICLE FIRE HAZARD.

Remedy

FEDERAL-MOGUL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE FUEL PUMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 15, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FEDERAL-MOGUL AT 248-354-7700.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“CONSUMER WENT TO START UP CAR AND WENT BACK INTO THE HOUSE. CONSUMER CAME BACK OUT AND CAR WAS SMOKING'. CONSUMER SHUT OFF CAR. WENT BACK INSIDE, AND WHEN CONSUMER RETURNED, THE ENTIRE CAR WAS ON FIRE. CONSUMER HAS NOT CONTACTED THE DEALER YET. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · October 21, 1999 · fire

1986 Ford Tempo — common questions

Is the 1986 Ford Tempo reliable?

It is close to typical for the Tempo: 42 NHTSA complaints, 1 recall, and 10 investigations on file.

What are the most common 1986 Tempo problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (18 complaints), brakes (6 complaints), transmission (3 complaints).

Does the 1986 Ford Tempo have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1986 Ford Tempo. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1986 Ford Tempo under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 10 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Ford Tempo years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Tempo years to avoid are 1993, 1992, 1994, 1988, 1990, 1989, 1991, 1987. The cleanest record among Tempo years belongs to 1983.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.