1986 Ford Tempo Problems
- Complaints
- 31filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 90,280miles, 2 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 0campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 23 mpgcombined, 2.3L 4-cyl FWD · 21 city / 26 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1986 Ford Tempo (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 31 consumer complaints for the 1986 Ford Tempo. The part named most often is electrical system, with 15 complaints (48% of the total), followed by brakes (5) and transmission and drivetrain (3). 2 of the complaints include a mileage, and 0% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 90,280 miles. Of all complaints, 2 involved a crash, 11 a fire, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 0 recall campaigns and 0 technical service bulletins for this model year. Brakes complaints overlap with 2 NHTSA investigations filed under the same part.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Electrical system15 48%
- Brakes5 16%
- Engine cooling2 6.5%
- Fuel system2 6.5%
- Steering2 6.5%
- Vehicle speed control2 6.5%
- Air bags1 3.2%
- Exterior lighting1 3.2%
- Seat belts1 3.2%
Also reported: Seats (1), Suspension (1), Tires (1), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (1).
Example complaints
Electrical system: “Dt: the contact stated when exiting the vehicle she smelled an odd odor. Upon reentering and staring the vehicle white smoke came from under the hood. When checking under the hood she saw flames coming out. She immediately called 911. The fire went out on its own before the fire department arrived. A police report was taken at the scene. The alternator appeared to be the source of the fire. The plug to the alternator melted. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. A replacement alternator was purchased, but the vehicle has not been repaired.”
NHTSA complaint #10145189, filed 2005-12, 100,560 milesMileage when problems were reported
0% of the 2 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 80,000 and 100,560 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 1986 Ford Tempo version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tempo FWD | 2.3L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 22 | 30 | 25 | $2,700 |
| Tempo FWD | 2.3L 4-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 21 | 26 | 23 | $2,900 |
| Tempo FWD | 2.3L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 20 | 29 | 23 | $2,900 |
| Tempo FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl · diesel | 5-speed manual | 31 | 39 | 34 | $2,800 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 1986 Ford Tempo in the data used here. A recall can apply to some vehicles of a model year and not others, so check a specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
NHTSA investigations
- PE96005Rear brk adjuster failureClosed · Jan 19, 1996
- DP96002Rear brake system failureClosed · Jan 11, 1996
- EA91052Seat belt separationClosed · Nov 27, 1991
- PE91098Safety belt cut at webbingClosed · Jul 12, 1991
- PE91025Fuel pump failureClosed · Dec 17, 1990
Technical service bulletins
No technical service bulletins are on record for the 1986 Ford Tempo.
Other model years of the Ford Tempo
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1994 | 161 | 99,900 | 1 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1993 | 227 | 78,000 | 2 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1992 | 176 | 101,000 | 2 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1991 | 110 | 67,000 | 1 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1990 | 133 | 81,000 | 1 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1989 | 124 | 99,100 | 1 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1988 | 126 | 34,790 | 2 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1987 | 53 | — | 1 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1986 | 31 | 90,280 | 0 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1985 | 30 | 72,000 | 3 | — | 24 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1984 | 14 | 70,651 | 6 | — | 22 | — | Not enough data |
All Ford Tempo model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1986 Ford Tempo have?
NHTSA recorded 31 consumer complaints for the 1986 Ford Tempo as of Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1986 Ford Tempo is reported most often?
Electrical system is named most often, in 15 complaints (48% of the total), followed by brakes with 5.
Has the 1986 Ford Tempo been recalled?
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for this model year in the data used here. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 1986 Ford Tempo get?
The EPA rates the 1986 Ford Tempo (Tempo, 2.3L 4-cyl) at 23 mpg combined, 21 city and 26 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,900 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 1986 Ford Tempo reported?
Among the 2 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 90,280 miles and the middle half falls between 80,000 and 100,560 miles; 0% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
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. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.