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 electrical system problems
The 1988 Ford Tempo has 59 electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA — 34% of the year's total, and up sharply from the prior model year.
59
Electrical System complaints
34%
Share of year
1
Crash-involved
1
Related recalls
Electrical System complaints by year
Related recalls
What owners report
“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…”
Common questions
How many electrical system complaints does the 1988 Ford Tempo have?
NHTSA has 59 complaints about the 1988 Ford Tempo electrical system — 34% of all complaints filed for that model year.
Are there recalls for the 1988 Ford Tempo electrical system?
Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign for this model year is tied to the electrical system: 96V071000.
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.