1986 Ford Tempo Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 15about this part
- Share
- 48%of 31 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 90,280miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 15 complaints about the electrical system of the 1986 Ford Tempo, 48% of the 31 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 90,280 miles. 9 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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 miles“The contact owns a 1986 Ford Tempo. The contact stated that the vehicle would not start. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where they advised him that the ignition module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and they offered no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000. The VIN was unavailable.”
NHTSA complaint #10434235, filed 2011-11, 80,000 miles“On the ignition problem, the car died on the state highway & I had to get towed to my mechanic. My car was laid up for 16 days. He finally found out it was the ignition that was malfunctioning after doing a troubleshooting start & stalling condition. It cost me 118.07 fo the repairs and another$30.00 for the tow. This has been a problem even before you did the recall. And I wish I could get compensated for the expensense,but you said only to 100,000 miles. I dont think that is fair! On the drive train, I was driving along and thn lost power to the train, and I could not steer the car. …”
NHTSA complaint #754610, filed 2001-11“Intermittent stalling; consumer believed this problem was due to a malfunctioning computer model. Vehicle was inspected and repairs were made by an independent repair shop at consumer expense of approximately $600.00. Can NHTSA provide information or help in this matter.”
NHTSA complaint #850651, filed 1999-10“Consumer went to start up car and went back into the house. Consumer came back out and car was smoking'. Consumer shut off car. Went back inside, and when consumer returned, the entire car was on fire. Consumer has not contacted the dealer yet.”
NHTSA complaint #851402, filed 1999-10Electrical 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 1986 Ford Tempo
5 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
3 complaintsEngine cooling
2 complaintsFuel system
2 complaintsSteering
2 complaintsVehicle speed control
2 complaintsAir bags
1 complaintsExterior lighting
1 complaintsSeat belts
1 complaintsSeats
1 complaintsSuspension
1 complaintsTires
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1986 Ford Tempo
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 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