Total Complaints
40 filings
FORD TEMPO · model year
1985 FORD TEMPO
40 NHTSA complaints, 4 crash reports for this specific cohort.
NHTSA overall rating
Not crash-tested
New Car Assessment Program
The 1985FORDTEMPO carries 40 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 4 crashes, 6 fires, 2 injuries, and 0 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.
Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 1985 TEMPO is electrical system:ignition:switch with 5 filings, followed by electrical system:ignition:module (4) and vehicle speed control (3). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability.
NHTSA currently has 177 investigation files overlapping the 1985 TEMPO, and 8 remain open. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.
40
Complaints
4
Crashes
6
Fires
2
Injuries
0
Deaths
Crashes Reported
4 reports
Source
NHTSA ODI
Federal complaints database
Complaints vs. fleet median (215)
At or below the fleet median complaint volume.
Complaints by Component
| Component | Count |
|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH | 5 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE | 4 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 3 |
| STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR | 3 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE | 3 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION | 3 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE | 2 |
| AIR BAGS:FRONTAL | 2 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL | 1 |
| FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY | 1 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM | 1 |
| WHEELS:RIM | 1 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD | 1 |
| STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS | 1 |
| FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM | 1 |
Recent Complaints
20110209FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
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
Mileage: 72,000
20110209POWER TRAIN
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
Mileage: 72,000
20110209ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE
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
Mileage: 72,000
20110209SUSPENSION
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
Mileage: 72,000
20021213ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE
OIL LEAKS FROM INTAKE MANIFOLD.
20020321SUSPENSION:REAR
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
20011127STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR
CAR STALLS WHEN STEERING WHEEL TURNED SHARPLY. *AK
20010301ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
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
20001219CrashAIR BAGS:FRONTAL
CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN ACCIDENT AND AIRBAG HAD NO DEPLOYMENT, CAUSING INJURY TO CONSUMER. *SLC
20001027ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
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
20001024ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
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
20001017CrashTIRES
BRIDGESTONE TIRES P175 80 R13 DON'T HAVE GOOD TRACTION AROUND TURNS, SLIDES, AND MAKES SQUEALING NOISES. *SLC
20000911TIRES:TREAD/BELT
GOODYEAR VIVA TIRE (1) FLATTENED ON HIGHWAY ENTRY RAMP , 3 TIRES FAILED DUE TO BELT SLIPPAGE AND WERE REPLACED BUT FAILED AGAIN (175X80X13). NLM
20000519FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM
THIS CAR WAS GIVEN TO ME BY MY SISTER (ORIGINAL OWNER) AFTER ONLY 31000 MILES. THE FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM, ALL SENSORS, IGNITION MODULE, THROTTLE SOLENOID/SENSOR, AND CLUTCH HAVE GONE OUT WITHOUT WARNING, USUALLY WHEN STARTING THE CAR. I NOW HAVE A CAR WITH ANOTHER BLOWN CLUTCH, THROTTLE/IDLE SOLENOID AND MAIN COMPUTER PROBLEMS. I'VE PUT OVER $2,000 IN REPAIRS AND STILL HAVE A CAR THAT I NOW CAN'T AFFORD TO FIX ANY MORE. UPPON CONTACTING FORD REGARDING THE PROBLEMS, THEY DENIED ANY PROBLEMS EXCEPT FOR A REAR AXEL PART IN SOME {NOT MINE} MODELS. IS THERE ANY RECOURSE? I CAN'T EVEN SELL IT FOR PARTS. THANK YOU.
20000519UNKNOWN OR OTHER
THIS CAR WAS GIVEN TO ME BY MY SISTER (ORIGINAL OWNER) AFTER ONLY 31000 MILES. THE FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM, ALL SENSORS, IGNITION MODULE, THROTTLE SOLENOID/SENSOR, AND CLUTCH HAVE GONE OUT WITHOUT WARNING, USUALLY WHEN STARTING THE CAR. I NOW HAVE A CAR WITH ANOTHER BLOWN CLUTCH, THROTTLE/IDLE SOLENOID AND MAIN COMPUTER PROBLEMS. I'VE PUT OVER $2,000 IN REPAIRS AND STILL HAVE A CAR THAT I NOW CAN'T AFFORD TO FIX ANY MORE. UPPON CONTACTING FORD REGARDING THE PROBLEMS, THEY DENIED ANY PROBLEMS EXCEPT FOR A REAR AXEL PART IN SOME {NOT MINE} MODELS. IS THERE ANY RECOURSE? I CAN'T EVEN SELL IT FOR PARTS. THANK YOU.
20000519VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
THIS CAR WAS GIVEN TO ME BY MY SISTER (ORIGINAL OWNER) AFTER ONLY 31000 MILES. THE FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM, ALL SENSORS, IGNITION MODULE, THROTTLE SOLENOID/SENSOR, AND CLUTCH HAVE GONE OUT WITHOUT WARNING, USUALLY WHEN STARTING THE CAR. I NOW HAVE A CAR WITH ANOTHER BLOWN CLUTCH, THROTTLE/IDLE SOLENOID AND MAIN COMPUTER PROBLEMS. I'VE PUT OVER $2,000 IN REPAIRS AND STILL HAVE A CAR THAT I NOW CAN'T AFFORD TO FIX ANY MORE. UPPON CONTACTING FORD REGARDING THE PROBLEMS, THEY DENIED ANY PROBLEMS EXCEPT FOR A REAR AXEL PART IN SOME {NOT MINE} MODELS. IS THERE ANY RECOURSE? I CAN'T EVEN SELL IT FOR PARTS. THANK YOU.
20000519ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
THIS CAR WAS GIVEN TO ME BY MY SISTER (ORIGINAL OWNER) AFTER ONLY 31000 MILES. THE FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM, ALL SENSORS, IGNITION MODULE, THROTTLE SOLENOID/SENSOR, AND CLUTCH HAVE GONE OUT WITHOUT WARNING, USUALLY WHEN STARTING THE CAR. I NOW HAVE A CAR WITH ANOTHER BLOWN CLUTCH, THROTTLE/IDLE SOLENOID AND MAIN COMPUTER PROBLEMS. I'VE PUT OVER $2,000 IN REPAIRS AND STILL HAVE A CAR THAT I NOW CAN'T AFFORD TO FIX ANY MORE. UPPON CONTACTING FORD REGARDING THE PROBLEMS, THEY DENIED ANY PROBLEMS EXCEPT FOR A REAR AXEL PART IN SOME {NOT MINE} MODELS. IS THERE ANY RECOURSE? I CAN'T EVEN SELL IT FOR PARTS. THANK YOU.
20000519POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY
THIS CAR WAS GIVEN TO ME BY MY SISTER (ORIGINAL OWNER) AFTER ONLY 31000 MILES. THE FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM, ALL SENSORS, IGNITION MODULE, THROTTLE SOLENOID/SENSOR, AND CLUTCH HAVE GONE OUT WITHOUT WARNING, USUALLY WHEN STARTING THE CAR. I NOW HAVE A CAR WITH ANOTHER BLOWN CLUTCH, THROTTLE/IDLE SOLENOID AND MAIN COMPUTER PROBLEMS. I'VE PUT OVER $2,000 IN REPAIRS AND STILL HAVE A CAR THAT I NOW CAN'T AFFORD TO FIX ANY MORE. UPPON CONTACTING FORD REGARDING THE PROBLEMS, THEY DENIED ANY PROBLEMS EXCEPT FOR A REAR AXEL PART IN SOME {NOT MINE} MODELS. IS THERE ANY RECOURSE? I CAN'T EVEN SELL IT FOR PARTS. THANK YOU.
19981014STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS
POWER STEERING HIGH PRESSURE HOSE BROKE DUE TO CHAFFING AGAINST FRAME DUE TO DESIGN LOCATION, RESULTING IN VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
19980812STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR
HALF-SHAFT FAILURE.
Compare 1985FORDTEMPO to Similar Vehicles
NHTSA Investigations 8 Open
EA26001Engineering AnalysisOpen
Unintended Transmission Downshift and Rear Wheel Lock-up
PE25020Preliminary EvaluationOpen
Timing Belt Failure
DP25001Defect PetitionOpen
Underbody shields detachment
PE25007Preliminary EvaluationOpen
B-Pillar Trim Detachment
PE25002Preliminary EvaluationClosed
Unintended Transmission Downshift and Rear Wheel Lock-up
Frequently Asked Questions
How many complaints does the 1985 FORD TEMPO have?▼
The 1985 FORD TEMPO has 40 NHTSA complaints, 4 crashes, 6 fires, 2 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
What are the most common problems with the 1985 FORD TEMPO?▼
The most-complained component for the 1985 FORD TEMPO is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH with 5 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE and VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL.
Is the 1985 FORD TEMPO safe to buy?▼
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. No NHTSA crash test rating is available for this model year. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?▼
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.
Vehicle Safety Guides
Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.
Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.