1988 Ford Tempo Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 26about this part
- Share
- 21%of 126 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 5,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 26 complaints about the engine cooling of the 1988 Ford Tempo, 21% of the 126 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 5,000 miles. 5 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The treads of the tire warped with only 10000 miles on it (firestone lemans radial at). Shortly after the tire was changed a fire started under the hood.”
NHTSA complaint #10018062, filed 2003-11, 5,000 miles“While driving at any speed can hear a loud noise coming from the front of the vehicle, and consumer has to keep foot on the brake and acceleator in order for the vehicle not to cut off. Also, vehicle is stalling and cutting off without any prior warning.”
NHTSA complaint #833811, filed 1999-01“Exhaust manifold cracked for the second time . The original exhaust manifold was replaced in december of 1998. In january of 1999, the replacement used also cracked. Dealer has not been notified about this problem. Problem has not been corrected.”
NHTSA complaint #840777, filed 1999-06“When trying to pull out, vehicle will stall and sound like it is about to cut off. Also,driver side seat belt won't work properly. When driving the consumer can hear the motor running, but the seat belt goes over the consumer and locks right.”
NHTSA complaint #833339, filed 1999-01Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 1994 | 45 | 28% |
| 1993 | 61 | 27% |
| 1992 | 45 | 26% |
| 1991 | 31 | 28% |
| 1990 | 19 | 14% |
| 1989 | 26 | 21% |
| 1988 | 26 | 21% |
| 1987 | 14 | 26% |
| 1986 | 2 | 6% |
| 1985 | 7 | 23% |
| 1984 | 1 | 7% |
Other parts of the 1988 Ford Tempo
50 complaintsSeat belts
16 complaintsFuel system
11 complaintsBrakes
9 complaintsExterior lighting
7 complaintsTires
5 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
5 complaintsSeats
4 complaintsVehicle speed control
4 complaintsSteering
3 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
3 complaintsBody and structure
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1988 Ford Tempo
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 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