VehicleVerdict

1992 Ford Tempo problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 264 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 6.6 times the median Tempo year — the 1992 model ranks #2 of 19 Tempo years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include one death and 24 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across engine (56), electrical system (49), and seat belts (43), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

264

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

2

Investigations

13

Crash-involved

23

Fires reported

24

Injuries

1

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1992 compare to other Tempo years?

Tempo NHTSA complaints by model year, 1992 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, 1992 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Tempo years to avoid →

What are the most common 1992 Ford Tempo problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine5621%
Electrical System4919%
Seat Belts4316%
Speed Control166%
Brakes156%
Transmission135%
Steering125%
Fuel System114%
Other104%
Suspension83%
Airbags73%
Lighting62%
Body & Structure62%
Visibility & Wipers52%
Latches & Locks21%
Tires & Wheels21%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)21%
Seats10%

Does the 1992 Ford Tempo have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

97V019000EngineFebruary 25, 1997 · 75,200 units

Defect

THESE VEHICLES ARE ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE FOLLOWING STATES: ALASKA, IOWA, MINNESOTA, NEBRASKA, NORTH DAKOTA, AND SOUTH DAKOTA. THE VEHICLES INVOLVED ARE 1992-1994 TEMPO/TOPAZ VEHICLES WITH 3.0L ENGINES; 1994 TEMPO/TOPAZ WITH 2.3L ENGINES; 1992-1995 TAURUS/SABLE WITH 3.8L ENGINES; 1994-1995 TAURUS/SABLE WITH 3.0L ENGINES AND 1992-1994 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL VEHICLES WITH 3.8L ENGINES. DURING HIGH WINDS, HEAVY, BLOWING AND DRIFTING SNOW, AND LOW TEMPERATURES, THE ENGINE COOLING FAN CAN BECOME BLOCKED OR FROZEN WITH SNOW. THE FAN MOTOR MAY NOT ROTATE AND COULD OVERHEAT.

Consequence

THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE SMOKE OR FLAMES FROM THE FAN AND/OR SHROUD, THE FAN ELECTRICAL WIRING, OR THE FAN MOTOR RESULTING IN A VEHICLE FIRE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL AN ELECTRICAL JUMPER HARNESS CONTAINING AN AUTOMATIC RESETTING CIRCUIT BREAKER TO PROTECT THE FAN MOTOR LOW SPEED CIRCUITRY FROM OVERHEATING.

96V071000Electrical SystemApril 25, 1996 · 7,900,000 units

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“ALL GASKETS & SEALS LEAK. NEEDS ABOUT A QUART OF OIL PER 15 MILES. BECAUSE OF OIL DRIPPING, CAR CATCHES ON FIRE. NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO CORRECT PROBLEM, TOO EXPENSIVE!”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · January 15, 2003 · fire

“WHILE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE GARAGE OVERNIGHT IT CAUGHT ON FIRE AROUND THE IGNITION SWITCH, BURNING THE WHOLE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. MANUFACTURER SHOWED THAT VEHICLE WAS FIXED UNDER RECALL IN JULY OF 96. DEALER CHECKED SERVICE RECORD AND HAS NO KNOWLEDGE OF VEHICLE BEING RECALLED OR REPAIRED. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · December 4, 1998 · fire

“DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH CONSUMER HAD TO MAKE AN EMERGENCY STOP,VEHICLE WAS REARENDED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE, MOTORIZED SHOULDER BELTS DID NOT LOCK UP, CAUSING CHEST INJURIES DUE TO HITTING AGAINST THE STEERING WHEEL. THIS HAPPENED IN WET CONDITIONS. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · November 9, 1997 · crash

“WHILE PULLING OUT OF A PARKING LOT IN A SHOPPING CENTER VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND HIT VEHICLE WHICH KEPT IDLING.DRIVER HAD TO TURN OFF VEHICLE. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · January 2, 2000 · crash

“WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM TIRES, PULLED OFF ROAD, THEN NOTICED FLAMES, POURED WATER ON BRAKES, PACKED IT W/MUD, AFTER A FEW HOURS DROVE VEHICLE HOME. TOOK VEHICLE IN & HAD IT REPAIRED. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · April 11, 1996 · fire

1992 Ford Tempo — common questions

Is the 1992 Ford Tempo reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 264 complaints put the 1992 model at #2 of 19 Tempo years. It is one of the Tempo years to avoid.

What are the most common 1992 Tempo problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (56 complaints), electrical system (49 complaints), seat belts (43 complaints).

Does the 1992 Ford Tempo have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1992 Ford Tempo. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1992 Ford Tempo under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 2 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.