VehicleVerdict

1987 Ford Tempo problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 79 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.0 times the median Tempo year — the 1987 model ranks #8 of 19 Tempo years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

The trouble concentrates in one system: electrical system issues account for 44% of all reports (35 of 79), far ahead of engine at 15.

79

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

6

Investigations

2

Crash-involved

21

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1987 compare to other Tempo years?

Tempo NHTSA complaints by model year, 1987 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, 1987 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Tempo years to avoid →

What are the most common 1987 Ford Tempo problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System3544%
Engine1519%
Fuel System68%
Steering68%
Brakes56%
Transmission34%
Seats23%
Speed Control23%
Seat Belts11%
Body & Structure11%
Suspension11%
Lighting11%
Visibility & Wipers11%

Does the 1987 Ford Tempo have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns 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.

87V060000Tires & WheelsApril 27, 1987 · 350 units

Defect

LUG NUTS COULD GALL AND POSSIBLY SEIZE ON THE WHEEL STUDS WITHOUT PROVIDING ADEQUATE CLAMPING LOAD ON THE WHEELS.

Consequence

WHEEL STUDS COULD FRACTURE CREATING A RISK OF A WHEELSEPARATING WITH LITTLE FOREWARNING.

Remedy

REPLACE WHEEL LUG NUTS AND IF NECESSARY, REPLACE WHEELS AND WHEEL STUDS.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“AFTER STARTING AND DRIVING A SHORT DISTANCE, STEERING COLUMN SMOKED AND CAUGHT ON FIRE, MELTING COLUMN AND DASHBOARD. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · fire

“OWNER STATES WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE IT STARTED TO STALL. WHEN OWNER PULLED OVER ON THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY VEHICLE THEN CAUGHT ON FIRE. IT TOOK ONLY 15MIN FOR THE WHOLE VEHICLE TO BURN DOWN. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · fire

“WHILE DRIVING ON EXPRESS WAY, SUDDENLY ROAD DEBRIS FLEW UNDERNEATH VEHICLE, WHICH SLIT GAS TANK CAUSING GASOLINE TO LEAK ALL OVER ROAD WAY. TT”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System

“WHILE DRIVING INTO A DRIVEWAY TIE ROD: INNER BROKE OUT OF GEAR BOX, CAUSING A LOSS OF STEERING. FORD HAS NOT BEEN CONTACTED YET. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering

1987 Ford Tempo — common questions

Is the 1987 Ford Tempo reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 79 complaints put the 1987 model at #8 of 19 Tempo years. It is one of the Tempo years to avoid.

What are the most common 1987 Tempo problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (35 complaints), engine (15 complaints), steering (6 complaints).

Does the 1987 Ford Tempo have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1987 Ford Tempo. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1987 Ford Tempo under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 6 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.