Defect
THE IGNITION SWITCH COULD EXPERIENCE AN INTERNAL SHORT CIRCUIT.
Consequence
THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE OVERHEATING, SMOKE, AND POSSIBLY FIRE IN THE STEERING COLUMN AREA OF THE VEHICLE.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH.
1988 Ford Tempo problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 176 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 4.4 times the median Tempo year — the 1988 model ranks #4 of 19 Tempo years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include 2 deaths and 10 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.
Electrical System leads the complaint categories with 59 reports (34% of the total).
176
NHTSA complaints
2
Recalls
5
Investigations
4
Crash-involved
43
Fires reported
10
Injuries
2
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 1988 compare to other Tempo years?
What are the most common 1988 Ford Tempo problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 59 | 34% | ▲ up |
| Engine | 34 | 19% | ▲ up |
| Seat Belts | 19 | 11% | ▲ up |
| Brakes | 11 | 6% | ▲ up |
| Fuel System | 11 | 6% | ▲ up |
| Lighting | 9 | 5% | ▲ up |
| Transmission | 6 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Speed Control | 5 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Tires & Wheels | 5 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Seats | 4 | 2% | ▲ up |
| Visibility & Wipers | 3 | 2% | ▲ up |
| Steering | 3 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Body & Structure | 2 | 1% | ▲ up |
| Suspension | 2 | 1% | ▲ up |
| Other | 1 | 1% | — flat |
| Climate Control (A/C & Heat) | 1 | 1% | new |
| Airbags | 1 | 1% | — flat |
Does the 1988 Ford Tempo have recalls?
2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
TWO ATTACHMENT SCREWS FOR THE THROTTLE POSITION SENSORS COULD LOOSEN AND BACK OUT.
Consequence
IF BOTH SCREWS COME OUT, SENSORS COULD DISENGAGE FROMTHE THROTTLE SHAFT, PREVENTING RETURN OF THE THROTTLE FROM MID POSITION.
Remedy
REPLACE ATTACHMENT SCREWS WITH SCREWS WITH PRE APPLIED ADHESIVE THAT WILL BE TIGHTENED TO A HIGHER TORQUE SPECIFICATION.
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“NHTSA RECALL96V 071000/ MANUFACTURER'S RECALL 95S28 CONCERNING IGNITION FAI;URE. CONSUMER NOTICED FROM OUTSIDE WINDOW THAT VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE. VEHICLE HAD BEEN SITTING I DRIVEWAY FOR 30-45 MINUTES AFTER BEING DRIVEN HOME. VEHICLE HAD FLAMES COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. CONSUMER WAS CONFIRMING…”
“THE TREADS OF THE TIRE WARPED WITH ONLY 10000 MILES ON IT (FIRESTONE LEMANS RADIAL AT). *NLM SHORTLY AFTER THE TIRE WAS CHANGED A FIRE STARTED UNDER THE HOOD. *NLM”
“WHEN TRYING TO PULL OUT, VEHICLE WILL STALL AND SOUND LIKE IT IS ABOUT TO CUT OFF. ALSO,DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT WON'T WORK PROPERLY. WHEN DRIVING THE CONSUMER CAN HEAR THE MOTOR RUNNING, BUT THE SEAT BELT GOES OVER THE CONSUMER AND LOCKS RIGHT. *AK”
“GASOLINE LEAKS ON ENGINE. *AK CONSUMER NOTICED GASOLINE COMING OUT OF THE VACUUM HOSE THAT RUNS FROM THE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR TO THE VACUUM FITTING, CONSUMER REALIZED THE REGULATOR MUST BE FAULTY. *SLC”
“REAR BRAKE ADJUSTERS DON'T REMAIN TIGHT. ON ONE OCCASION EMERGENCY BRAKE FAILED, RESULTING IN BRAKES LOCKING UP. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS.*AK”
1988 Ford Tempo — common questions
Is the 1988 Ford Tempo reliable?
NHTSA data argues against it: 176 complaints put the 1988 model at #4 of 19 Tempo years. It is one of the Tempo years to avoid.
What are the most common 1988 Tempo problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (59 complaints), engine (34 complaints), seat belts (19 complaints).
Does the 1988 Ford Tempo have recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1988 Ford Tempo. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
Is the 1988 Ford Tempo under NHTSA investigation?
NHTSA opened 5 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.