1985 Ford Tempo Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 13about this part
- Share
- 43%of 30 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 72,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 13 complaints about the electrical system of the 1985 Ford Tempo, 43% of the 30 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 72,000 miles. 4 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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.”
NHTSA complaint #734929, filed 2000-10“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? …”
NHTSA complaint #722311, filed 2000-05“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 complaint #734103, filed 2000-10Related recalls
- 85V134000Oct 22, 1985The 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…Covers: Ford Tempo 1985, Mercury Topaz 1985
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 1994 | 19 | 12% |
| 1993 | 37 | 16% |
| 1992 | 43 | 24% |
| 1991 | 22 | 20% |
| 1990 | 46 | 35% |
| 1989 | 33 | 27% |
| 1988 | 50 | 40% |
| 1987 | 28 | 53% |
| 1986 | 15 | 48% |
| 1985 | 13 | 43% |
| 1984 | 11 | 79% |
Other parts of the 1985 Ford Tempo
7 complaintsSteering
4 complaintsFuel system
3 complaintsVehicle speed control
3 complaintsAir bags
2 complaintsSuspension
2 complaintsTires
2 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
2 complaintsOther or unknown
1 complaintsWheels
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1985 Ford Tempo
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology