RoadVitals

1985 Ford Tempo

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
30
Latest Feb 9, 2011
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
4
Latest Aug 27, 2007
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
7
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
9
1 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 30 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 1985 Ford Tempo, most frequently naming the electrical, engine and steering categories. 4 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 7 NHTSA investigations name it; and 21 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Electrical1333.3%
  • Engine717.9%
  • Steering410.3%
  • Fuel system37.7%
  • Driver assistance37.7%
  • Tires & wheels25.1%
  • Airbags25.1%
  • Suspension25.1%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

4 campaigns cover this model year

View all 4

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
07E064000

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Aug 27, 2007
34,000 units potentially affected
The 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.
The risk: A LEAKING FUEL PUMP COULD CREATE A VEHICLE FIRE HAZARD.
The 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.
FEDERAL-MOGUL CORPORATIONView on NHTSA.gov
85V145000

SUSPENSION:REAR

Nov 5, 1985
227,027 units potentially affected
The defect: REAR SUPENSION CONTROL ARM-TO-SPINDLE ATTACHMENT BOLTS MAY BE SUBJECT TO FRACTURE CAUSING THE REAR SPINDLE TO SEPARATE DURING USE OF CAR. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: IF BOLTS FRACTURE AND REAR SPINDLE DISENGAGES FROM CONTROL ARM, LOSS OF CONTROL WILL BE EXPERIENCE WHICH MAY RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT.
The remedy: REPLACE REAR SUSPENSION BOLTS AS NECESSARY.
FORD MOTOR COMPANYView on NHTSA.gov
85V134000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE

Oct 22, 1985
3,988 units potentially affected
The defect: THE UNEXPECTED OPEN THROTTLE CAUSES AN INCREASE IN ENGINE SPEED WHICH COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE CAR AND A POTENTIAL CRASH. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: THE ELECTRONIC ENGINE CONTROL PROCESSOR MAY EXPERIENCE AN INTERMITTENT TIMING PROBLEM. THIS PROBLEM CAUSES IMPROPER EXECUTION ENGINE PERFORMANCE WHICH MAY MAINTAIN OR CAUSE A PARTIALLY OPEN THROTTLE.
The remedy: REPLACE ELECTRONIC ENGINE CONTROL PROCESSOR, IF NECESSARY.
FORD MOTOR COMPANYView on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

PE96005ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

REAR BRK ADJUSTER FAILURE

Opened Jan 19, 1996
Closed May 28, 1996

1984 - 1991 FORD TEMPO/MERCURY TOPAZ

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
DP96002ClosedDefect Petition

REAR BRAKE SYSTEM FAILURE

Opened Jan 11, 1996
Closed Jan 19, 1996

There is no summary currently available

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
EA91052ClosedEngineering Analysis

SEAT BELT SEPARATION

Opened Nov 27, 1991
Closed Nov 24, 1992

There is no summary currently available

SEAT BELTS
PE89118ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

SPEED CONTROL MALFUNCTION

Opened Apr 19, 1989
Closed Sep 6, 1989

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EQUIPMENT

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

View all 30
ElectricalFuel systemPowertrain (other)+1 more
Filed Feb 9, 2011

MY 1985 FORD TEMPO GL HAS 3 RECALLS AND FORD SAYS IT DOESN'T. VIN# [XXX] 1.ECU DEFECTIVE THROTTLE REMAINS PARTIALLY OPENED OEM # 85V134000, 2.BACK TIRE REAR CONTROL ARM SPINDLE BOLT OEM # 85V086000, 3.FUEL PUMP OEM # 07E064000.WHERE DO I GO FROM HERE? *TR

NHTSA ID
10381366
Incident
Dec 10, 2010
Mileage
72,000 mi
Electrical
Filed Dec 13, 2002

OIL LEAKS FROM INTAKE MANIFOLD.

NHTSA ID
10000016
Incident
Dec 13, 2001
Suspension
Filed Mar 20, 2002

NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK

NHTSA ID
759582
Steering
Filed Nov 24, 2001

CAR STALLS WHEN STEERING WHEEL TURNED SHARPLY. *AK

NHTSA ID
754839
Engine
Filed Feb 19, 2001

ENGINE WILL NOT START AT TIMES UNLESS YOU PUMP THE GAS PEDAL VERY HARD AND FAST DOESN'T DO THIS AT ALL TIMES ON OCCASIONALLY. *AK

NHTSA ID
741128
Electrical
Filed Oct 23, 2000

THE CAR DIES AT ANY TIME, ANYWHERE, MY MECHANIC SAYS IT IS A FAULTY MODULE. I AM IN GREAT DANGER OF THE SAFETY OF MY CHILD AND MYSELF. SOMETHING MUST BE DONE ON THIS VEHICLE, AS I HAVE BEEN STALLED NUMEROUS TIMES ON THE RAILROAD TRACKS. PLEASE DO SOMETHING ABOUT THE RECALL OF THIS MODULE.*AK

NHTSA ID
734929
Incident
Aug 1, 2000
Electrical
Filed Oct 12, 2000

ELECTRONIC MODULE ON DISTRIBUTOR FAULTY AND CAUSED CAR TO STALL AT HIGHWAY SPEED. NARROWLY AVOIDED HAVING AN ACCIDENT WHEN ENGINE DIED. FORD CHARGED FOR A NEW PART BUT OTHER CARS MAY STILL HAVE THIS FAULTY PART PUTTING THE PUBLIC AT RISK

NHTSA ID
734103
Incident
Dec 5, 1998
AirbagsTires & wheels
Filed Oct 3, 2000
Crash reported1 injury reported

CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN ACCIDENT AND AIRBAG HAD NO DEPLOYMENT, CAUSING INJURY TO CONSUMER. *SLC

NHTSA ID
555357
Incident
Jul 1, 1999

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

01157

INFORMATION REGARDING TRANSMISSION FLUID USAGE CHARTS. *SLC

01156

VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:HEATER CORE

SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT HEATER CORE LEAKS. *SLC

0015

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

INFORMATION REGARDING THE NEW TRANSMISSION COOLER FLUSHER- SERVICE TIP. *MJS

99222

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

SUBJECT ON A WIRE HARNESS TERMINAL REPAIR KIT AVAILABLE FOR REPAIRING ELECTRICAL WIRING HARNESSES. *TT

99196

EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER

INFORMATION ON IDENTIFYING NON-APPROVED / ALTERNATE REFRIGERANTS WHICH COULD CAUSE SAFETY, AND PERFORMANCE CONCERNS IF INSTALLED IN FORD A/C SYSTEMS. *TT

99152

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

INFORMATION ON THE NEW FLUSH AND FILL TOOL AVAILABLE THROUGH ROTUNDA. *TT

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Ford Tempo by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2000100—
1999100—
1998100—
1997200—
1996200—
1995302—
19941611253.2
19932272258.6
19921762261.2
19911101455.6
19901332367.3
19891241457.7
19881262569.2
1987532671.3
19863111066.9
1985Viewing304771.6
1984147676.7
1983001—
1981200—

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.